Darna (2022–2023) User Reviews

Inconsistent and unrealistic

[chabiyotan · 5/10 · 9 January 2023]

Season 1 CGI was unrealistic and poor but I can notice that It improved in season 2. They keep making the story a loop, Valentina kills people to be more powerful, attacks Darna, Valentina gets hurt and escape and kills more people to attack Darna again but yet gets defeated and escapes once again.

I feel like their disrespecting the show and the characters because of the random storyline. It was poorly written and directed. Everytime Darna fights, it's always slo-mo. Did she even practice fighting BTS? All she does is punch, kick and use her powers she only focus on her poses. Darna also lacks common sense.

An inconsistent reason is when Darna steps on Valentina's snakes to hurt her but when polices shoot the snakes, Valentina doesn't get hurt? This makes no sense. Burgo is said to be a very powerful alien leader but with only 1 solidier (ishna)? There are too much extras, it's very unrealistic and unessesary.

Frustratingly underwhelming and a little bit disappointing

[yanskidoodle · 4/10 · 29 November 2022]

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.

Unfaithful and Inconsistent

[mariaemeralda · 4/10 · 10 September 2022]

I strongly dislike this show not because of the cringe CGI effects which is understood but the material itself is really unfaithful from its original comics story. I feel offended as a reader. Inconsistency of Darna's costume is another issue for me. And that villains so called "EXTRAS" is not my cup of the tea. Maybe they just wanted to take people away from our traditional viewing experiences before (Yes, we had two versions already done for the last decades).

Despite of that, thanks for the actors who played their roles seriously - this is the good side. Jane De Leon is good pick for new Darna, Janella Salvador has charismatic appeal on portraying the most rival enemy of Darna but again, Unfaithful and Inconsistent made me not to watch the show already.

Overpromised, Underdeliverance, and Darna 2022

[skreeeshabawrad · 4/10 · 25 October 2022]

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.

Mid

[TreyMercer · 4/10 · 20 August 2022]

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.

UNORIGINAL. PLAGIARISED DC's STARGIRL.

[victor_sianghio_ii · 1/10 · 15 June 2023]

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.

The series that you shouldn't watch!!!

[zwehsumarmarparpar · 3/10 · 5 August 2023]

The worst darna ever! I get regret for watching this shows! Only trailers are good but the real series is so bad and low quality! This shouldn't deserve world !class The casts are over-acting! The VFX are very low quality! The storyline is complicated and the series is repeated most scenes again and again! So, if you waste your precious time , you watch this! The villians are not scary but funny! At the end of the series, all people became extra is so disappointed! The writers are very stupid! If there were Mars Ravelo, I'm sure that he may cry after watching this because they destroy the Darna's being !!!

An interesting take to a well loved Filipino comic superheroine.

[frncslmrll · 9/10 · 22 September 2022]

The reimagine version of Narda is by far the best among all adaptations. How she is characterized in this series provided her story with a richer context. The pacing is gentle and well written. While this version is far different from how Mars Ravelo originally visioned it way back in the (30s) 50s, the change is significant to the current generation. The different take to Valentina's character is also phenomenal. Jane de Leon is marvelous as Darna/Narda while Iza Calzado gave justice as the first Darna. Overall its good but I'll give it an impressive 9 out of ten because there's always room for improvement.

Closer to Perfection

[ymmijlape · 9/10 · 25 August 2022]

The action is way much better compare to those Darna series in the past. The CGI effect is closer to perfection. The main character put too much effort despite of a threat of being injured. The action is high quality and the storyline hits the generation Z.

A Disappointing but an Empowering Modern Take of Darna

[tazartegremarjohn-92527 · 6/10 · 14 February 2023]

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.

The story gets better and better

[mtty-64582 · 10/10 · 19 August 2022]

I love the fast phasing of the story and no fillers, love the cinematography, love the message, love the superb acting skills, love the flashbacks, love the villains backstory, love the transformation.

Of Darna, Hybrid Learning

[fernandotabigne · 10/10 · 13 November 2022]

This something as it is a status symbol in the field of filmology that specifying framework on soft touch screen/wide screen all the catch figures and the emotional acts as mathematically soundstage because of better scriptment being history or epic in condition generator of genre with such precautionary not so obligating the old deal of extravagance' too much application CG per slugline while equally observant to pandemic rule before film-making.

Why not the topic? The lesser computer generated Imagery/Animation can stand-still for continuing supply and workable even with greater demand--FS.