Darna

This series was highly marketed as "this generation's Darna". It's interesting because, with Philippines' recent elections, this generation is probably the most politically aware generation in the Philippines since the EDSA revolution. This led me to believe that this generation's Darna would delve deep into the various dilemmas that society (especially Philippine society) faces today and what causes these illnesses in the society. Similar to the Darna komiks of old.

In the first 2 weeks, I thought it would deliver. But the plot soon went downhill. The story is veering towards something akin to a Philippine romance teleserye instead of a superhero show.

The message that we don't need superpowers to be heroes or villains makes this version outstand.

Darna has been my beloved childhood superhero since Angel Locsin and Marian Rivera. This 2022 series is entertaining as well - I will miss it. However, as a cinephile adult, I had a cycle of ups and downs in my experience. Let me analyze:

1. The Visual Effects

The only decent CGI here is the head snakes of Valentina (not the talking ones lol) - especially during close-ups. The snakes look more alive like in the style of the recent Medusas in Hollywood.

However, the rest of the effects are disastrous but still a significant improvement over the Phil shows in the 2000s. The show painfully struggled to produce a sci-fi fantasy under an inadequate time and budget.

2. The Cinematography & Action Scenes

If the show only had good cinematography, the cheap visual effects could have been forgivable. The camera shots during action scenes lack creativity. I wished they took inspiration from the intense/scary scenes from Resident Evil & X-men films. The show is more capable of doing drama than taking risks by leaving us with iconic battle scenes.

Jane de Leon had the most badass Darna transformation. Sadly, they didn't show a lot of the stone-swallowing scenes which are supposed to be a thrilling part during invasions.

3. The Editing

The editing is problematic with its awful transitions, an overdose of flashbacks and slow-mos, poor green screen effects, and needless recycling of scenes.

4. The Characterizations

The show boasts powerful performances coming from Regina, Robles, Noah, and Mayor Zaldy. The version of Valentina here turned into a very important character.

The minor characters still have the disease of campy/theatrical acting.

5. The Writing and Themes

These are the best elements of the series. The motivations, the antithesis/parallels/irony, and the complexity of the events/characters are well-written. It is just the rushed and lackluster executions that ruined the revelations.

The show provides effective messages of empowerment and unity, relevant allegory, and social and political commentary.

6. The Costumes/Wardrobe

Jane de Leon's costume has the best Darna design ever. And her eyes are just the most striking of all.

However, as compared to the earlier versions, this show has the lamest villain costumes and powers. No one of them is intimidating except Valentina.

Final Word: Darna deserves an expensive movie - it could become our first decent Filipino superhero film if ever. #Unitethe3Darnas.

A major problem is, the show copies American TV shows.

This one- specifically DC's STARGIRL.

The most obvious is their copying of Cindy Berman from Stargirl. From the characters demeanour to her hair and make-up.

I only watched one episode of Darna; and even the dialogues are similar to that of Stargirl.

I am disgusted. Mars Ravelo should know his name is being dragged down by hack writers who do not have the imagination to create a screenplay that's worthy of acclaim.

I don't have faith in GMA writers. They're in it for the money. They have been doing this for a long time!!!

I hope people realise that.

Although the cast clearly put effort in their acting, it can only do so much on a lack luster script with cringey dialogue and contrived scenes. The set design also feels like a high budget school play and can definitely be identified when it's being shot in a studio.

The premise of the show during its production hinted at what could be a more serious or darker tone compared to DCEU or MCU, the excitement it held upon advertisement was overwhelming and brought some semblence of a new modernistic take on Darna

But boy was I wrong, TOO WRONG. The uncanny valley of where this show wants to show people is inconsistent as seen in numerous episodes, sometimes it feels like a sitcom. Including the countless continuity errors throughout the entire show from the start

The show played itself too safe and too generic, there is no risk involved, producing one joke of a clichè.