Gandarrapido: The Revengers Squad versus Ang Panday: And the better movie is…..

Choosing between a Coco Martin or Vice Ganda starrer for a Christmas movie treat is like being torn between a Ferrero Rocher and a Truffle- both are expected to satisfy the movie fan in you  with their own brand of entertainment.

With both superstars known for being behind the creative concepts of their movie, the blockbuster showdown between “Ang Panday” and “Gandarappido: The Revengers Squad” will surely rake in millions for the two stars.

However, there can only be ONE best.

On Christmas day, I decided to see “The Revengers Squad.” The long lines from the cinema down to the grocery store in the mall where I saw it speaks of how the people missed Vice Ganda’s brand of laughter (His movie with Coco last year, “Super Parental Guardians,” did not make it in the final roster of MMFF movies last year, though it exceeded all expectations at the box office).

Perhaps inspired by the success of “Justice League,” the movie focuses on Gandara (Vice Ganda), his estrangement with his sister (Pia Wurtzbach), his role as guardian to his adopted brother Chino (Daniel Padilla), and leadership to superhero comrades (MC, Lassy, Wacky Kiray, and Karla Estrada). They battle against Mino, the main villain trapped in a mirror who manipulates Wurtzbach (who later breaks free and becomes Ejay Falcon) and his forces who spread fear through fake news.

On the other hand, “Panday” centers on the third generation Flavio (Coco Martin) whose father (Jeric Raval) and mother (Dimples Romana) have been slain by “aswangs.” The midwife (Jaclyn Jose) was able to escape with the baby Flavio after being chased by forces of Lizardo in efforts to obliterate the lineage of the Pandays. The baby Flavio, who later on grew up in the murkey and chaotic streets of Tondo, becomes a certified brawl-magnet. Later on, an old man (Joonie Gamboa) will let him know who he really is and what destiny lies ahead of him once he finds the Balaraw (sword).

Set Design

“Revengers Squad” certainly looks and feels like the characters are transported into a different world. Effort is evident in the color combination, special effects which almost made me believe that it was not computer-generated, and location.

However, “Panday” was able to edge out by achieving the perfect look of their locations- the places were shot as is, making it much, much real and relatable to the masses.

Special Effects

“Panday” tried to employ more special effects on the fight scene locations. It uses less “magic” onscreen, but these minimal effects (such as the shooting star, the “smoke” of Eddie Garcia, and the tricky drone shots which jolt the screen when the mananangals arrive is one worth emulating.

However, “Revengers Squad”  was able to come up with a glossy feel of scenes that were ot-of-this-world, literally speaking. No cheap effects that continue to haunt superhero movies during the 90’s. The prudent use of effects, one that does not overkill the story, makes this movie a stand out.

Casting

“Panday” banked on familiarity. At one point, it gave me the impression that I was watching “Ang Probinsyano” on screen. Don’t get me wrong: There is nothing wrong with hiring fellow actors you have grown accustomed to working. However, the movie did not even took effort in changing the look of the actors. How they look in Coco Martin’s series is exactly how they looked in this movie. It is very hard to distinguish which is which.

On the other hand, even though Vice Ganda’s movie have familiar faces, they take on a different attack on their roles. We are familiar with the friendship between the comedians in this film, yet, it is the first time we see them as funny superheroes banking on their physical weaknesses as the strongest points of their character in the film.

Storyline

This section is what I am very particular about. For me, this determines whether a movie will be a hit or a miss.

Though he is known for remarkable punchlines and antics, I think Vice Ganda movies need to come up with a stronger storyline. Though his latest movie for me is the most sensible because it has so many lessons that the viewers will take with them when they leave the cinemas, the movie failed to emphasize the impact of the relationships between the characters, and how their truths will shatter, but eventually strengthen, their bond. However, we must consider that the movie was marketed for children.

On the other hand, “Panday” takes on a better storyline but the sequences of events were too familiar and predictable. Since Coco Martin is a good creative himself, he can explore this in his future cinematic endeavors.

The better movie

With all cinematic elements considered, I must say that both movies have harnessed their game. However, with a slight margin, the sword inches ahead of the lipstick.