Darna: The Return (1994)
"Darna! Ang pagbabalik" (original title)

Valentina, Darna's snake-haired arch enemy, is trying to take over the Phillipines through subliminal messages on religious TV shows. Darna has her own problems, however, as she has lost ... See full summary »

Directors:

Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes

Writers:

Floy Quintos (screenplay), Mars Ravelo (characters)

Stars:

Anjanette Abayari, Edu Manzano, Cherie Gil

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anjanette Abayari	...	Narda / Darna
Edu Manzano	...	Max
Cherie Gil	...	Valentine
Pilita Corrales	...	Valentina
Rustom Padilla	...	Pol
Bong Alvarez	...	Magnum
Lester Llansang	...	Ding
Eva Ramos	...	L300 Noisy Mother
Pen Medina	...	Barangay Captain
Jemanine Campanilla	...	Pia
Romy Romulo	...	Valentine's Driver
Jon Achaval	...	Pilot (as Jun Achaval)
Dwight Gaston	...	Pilot
Jinky Laurel	...	Bank Teller
Chiqui Xerxes-Burgos	...	Governor (as Chiqui Xeres Burgos)

Storyline

Valentina, Darna's snake-haired arch enemy, is trying to take over the Phillipines through subliminal messages on religious TV shows. Darna has her own problems, however, as she has lost her magic pearl and with it the ability to transform into her scantily clad super self. Trapped as her alter-ego, the plucky reporter Narda, she must try to regain the pearl and foil Valentina's plans.

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Plot Keywords:

darna | sequel | snake | punctuation in title | exclamation point in title | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

Philippines

Language:

Filipino Tagalog

Release Date:

9 June 1994 (Philippines)

Also Known As:

Darna: The Return

Company Credits

Production Co:

Viva Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Connections

Follows Darna (1991)

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Soundtracks

"Para Sa 'Yo"
Performed by The Boss
Produced by Romel Sanchez
Arranged by Emil Mayor

User Reviews

A less convincing entry into the Darna superhero series

Darna is the Philippines' answer to America's "Wonder Woman". She has been created by Mars Ravelo in the 50's and has appeared in many comics and films. "Darna: The Return" is one of the weaker entries into the series. Watched by a Westerner, the film comes across as campy fun this side of "Xena" or "Supergirl". Perhaps someone from the Philippines might see more in the film - mainly because Darna is considered a national heroine of highest proportions. I however had to laugh a little too many times.

The effects are of course sloppy but I wouldn't mind that. The story is ridiculous which I minded more. The music (a sort of midi-superhero-score) is laughable and a lot of the dialogue is pure trash. Actually this is perfect "Mystery Science Theatre 3000" material. I don't want to be too harsh because it's obvious that the resources for the film were limited. That doesn't change the final rating: 4 out of 10 - mainly for the trash value. But, alas, it's still a lot better than the directing team's terrible "Unfaithful Wife 2". If you want to see a good film by the directors Galaga & Reyes, stick to "Ang Kabit ni Mrs. Montero", a version of D.H. Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover" ...

Rating: 4/10