| Gandarrapiddo!: The Revenger Squad | |
| Director: | Joyce Bernal[1] |
| Music: | Carmina R. Cuya |
| Cinematography: | Mackie Galvez |
| Runtime: | 111 minutes |
| Country: | Philippines |
| Language: | Filipino |
Gandarrapiddo!: The Revenger Squad[1] [2] is a 2017 Filipino superhero comedy film directed by Joyce Bernal[1] and starred by Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, and Pia Wurtzbach. It is distributed and produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films, serving as an official entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Madman and Mino take over the lair of superheroes owned by Professor Clean but Mino is imprisoned in a mirror. Gandarra, along with Higopa, Flawlessa, Barna and Pospora fight against Madman. Their battle causes the lair to be destroyed. Madman tells Gandarra to give him the lipstick spear in exchange for Mino. But Gandarra refuses, and Madman tells her that Gandarra would never see her sister Cassandra again. Gandarra then kills Madman but is hit by a falling rock in the head. Before Professor Clean dies, he tells them to take care of Madman's son. When the superheroes try to save Gandarra, she suffers from amnesia. They take the boy named Chino and live like mortals.
Years later, Gandarra, who is called Emi along with Chino and Juvie live a decent life including fellow superheroes and neighbors Peppa (Barna), Bulldog (Pospora), Luz-Luz (Higopa) and Bokbok (Flawlessa). Peppa informed them that Chino's powers would activate on his 21st birthday. Chino is a fan of international model Cassandra Stockings, whom he encounters in a racing event. It is also revealed that Cassandra is also Kweenie, a villain who is known for spreading fake news around the internet. After Chino is fired from his job, he decides to join the Philippine Army, but Emi disagrees with him. As Chino's birthday draws near, Peppa and her group hit Gandarra in the head several times until she regains her memory. On his 21st birthday, Chino's powers begin to appear. He gains the ability to run fast and save people from Kweenie's men. Because of his speed, he is called Rapido, infuriating Kweenie. Rapido then joins forces with Gandarra, Barna, Higopa, Flawlessa and Pospora. They identify themselves as "The Revengers Squad". Kweenie also remembers her sister Emi. But Mino tells her that she was always absent during the times she needed her. When Cassandra is invited by Chino to their house, she feels sweaty and was given a towel. Suddenly, a big mole in her left cheek appears, indicating that she is recognized by Emi. During a fight between Gandarra and Kweenie, Rapido becomes furious after learning that Gandarra killed his father Madman. He then takes the lipstick spear and leaves her.
Rapido is asked by Mino, who disguised himself as Madman, to give the lipstick spear. As the power of the lipstick spear fuses the mirror, Mino is released from the mirror. Kweenie asks the help of The Revengers Squad. They fight Mino, but Mino causes Gandarra to lose her powers. After a near death experience during which she is encouraged by Professor Clean, she comes back and defeats Mino. As they continue with their normal lives, Cassandra is visited by Marlon Stockinger, while Chino is visited by Kathryn Bernardo.
Vice Ganda himself was involved in creating the costume design for his character. He said that he and the producers first decided on the color scheme of the costume and Vice said that he wanted the costume to be vibrantly colored while also look good to appeal to children. Elements of the mobile game, EverWing - which was popular at that time, as well as Sailor Moon was also incorporated in the costume.[4]
Director Joyce B. Bernal said that the costume design of Padilla's character was made to reflect the "manly character" and the superhuman speed ability of his character.[4]
Wurtzbach's involvement in The Revenger Squad marks the first time that Wurtzbach will portray a lead role and a superhero character.[5] Wurtzbach took refresher courses on acting before the filming of Gandarappido began.[6] Her previous acting stint was a guest role in the television series Aryana.[5] Director Bernal stated that the only "requirement" for the costume design of Kweenie is for it to be color gold as a nod to Wurtzbach being the titleholder of Miss Universe 2015[4]
Kris Aquino was offered to make a cameo appearance in the film to portray an antagonistic role. She declined saying that companies managing the brands she endorses may not be amicable to her playing a role of an antagonist.[9]
Gandarrapiddo was initially known to the public under at least two working titles, the first being simply known as The Revengers. In August 2017, it was announced that the name of the film was changed to Gandarah N’ Gwapito: The Revengers.[10] Principal photography of Gandarappiddo: The Revenger Squad officially began by July 2017.[11]
Gandarappiddo: The Revenger Squad premiered in Philippine cinemas on December 25, 2017, as one of the eight official entries of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.[12]
An official microsite for The Revenger Squad was launched on December 13, 2017.[13] The official theme song of the film is "Gigil si Aquo", a music video featuring Vice Ganda, also released as additional marketing efforts for the film.[14] A lyric video was later released which featured the characters of Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, and Pia Wurtzbach and included "never-before-seen moments on set".[15] According to critics, the song resembles Blackpink's "Boombayah".[16]
The Revenger Squads total box office gross during the official run of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival is, making it the top grossing film among the festival entries.[17] By January 17, 2018, the overall domestic box office gross of the film which screened beyond the official run of the film festival amounted to .[18]
In January 2018, Vice Ganda and Pia Wurtzbach two of the stars of The Revengers Squad, hinted that the film might have a sequel remarking that there is still yet to be explored regarding the characters of film.[19]