Darna (1991) attempts to modernize the beloved Filipino superheroine by introducing Narda as an urbanized, career-driven journalist rather than the traditional humble provincial girl. Unlike previous portrayals, particularly Vilma Santos' playful and tomboyish Darna, Nanette Medved's version leans into a more glamorous and "sexified" image, While this shift adds an interesting dynamic, it ultimately feels underdeveloped and is more of a stylistic update than a meaningful evolution of the character.
The film's villains, particularly Edu Manzano's Dominico Lipolico and Pilar Pilapil's Valentina, deliver enjoyably over-the-top performances, though their motivations often feel muddled. There are flashes of fun, such as the mix of horror and camp with Valentina's wisecracking snake and a surprisingly brutal manananggal attack, but the film struggles to balance its darker elements with its more lighthearted, family-friendly approach. Despite its uneven execution, this film remains a curious entry in the character's cinematic history and one that recognizes the need for reinvention but lacks a clear vision for Darna's future. While flawed, it offers an entertaining, if disjointed, mix of camp, horror, and superhero spectacle.
