SUMMARY
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G.B. Sampedro’s Mang Kepweng Returns (2017) wasn’t exactly a creative or commercial triumph event, so the fact that it has a sequel is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Dent in popular culture
Sure, the comics and the movies where the titular faith healer was played by legendary comedian Chiquito have made a dent in popular culture.
The property, however, really doesn’t need to be revived if there is absolutely nothing new to say or if the attempt at relevancy is only to ape creatively bankrupt contemporary tropes for commercial purposes. Mang Kepweng Returns inevitably has happened, then this sequel, and if the last few minutes of the sequel are to be believed, a sequel to the sequel is now in the works.
It just tries and tries until it succeeds.
The sequel, now directed by Topel Lee instead of Sampedro, however, is far from a success. It is definitely an improvement, but it still lacks that very reason to exist, that rationale as to why Mang Kepweng’s history needs to be protracted other than to find another Vhong Navarro to display his trademark stunts.
Mang Kepweng Returns: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim is just more of the same of what Sampedro’s stab at the property was able to do. It’s a run-of-the-mill adventure, one that thankfully has more playful visuals and actual wit as opposed to its tedious predecessor.
Faring better
Lee and screenwriter Rod Marmol steer the property away from the inanities of the low-rent fantasy spectacle and instead directs it towards the same space that Chito S. Rono’s Spirit Warriors (2000) and its 2003 sequel occupied. Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim attempts to create a bouillabaisse where comedy, horror, adventure, and special effects swim hopefully in glorious unity. The result is far from delicious but there are faint traces of the fine meal it purports to be.
Navarro fares better here as well.
It helps that he is surrounded by Benjie Paras and Ryan Bang, comedians whose manner of banter and rowdiness compliments Navarro’s energy. It is Lee’s more imaginative direction that really makes Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim an arguably fun ride. He recruits Hector Macaso, turns him into all kinds of mythical creatures, fully acknowledging the visual humor that is quite present in the looks of the character actor and utilizes it to elevate the material. He crafts boisterous gags, some of which are cleverly irreverent.
Sure, Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim will most likely be forgotten once the next one comes along, but it has hilarious moments to make it somewhat worthwhile.
Refuses to dig deeper
Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim is a small step towards the right direction.
It’s not there yet but perhaps, there is still some hope to this needless resurrection, making the return of Mang Kepweng feel less like a cash grab and truly an ode to comedies and comedians of old. – Rappler.com
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