''Gagamboy'' is a 2004 Philippine
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...
comedy film
The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with dark comedy being an exception to this rule. Comedy is one of the o ...
co-written and directed by
Erik Matti
Erik Matti (born December 21, 1970) is a Filipino filmmaker. He is known for directing ''On the Job (2013 film), On the Job'' (2013), ''Honor Thy Father (film), Honor Thy Father'' (2015), ''Seklusyon'' (2016), ''BuyBust'' (2018), and ''On the Jo ...
. The screenplay written by Dwight Gaston was based on an original story written and developed by Matti, Gaston, and Roselle Monteverde-Teo. The film stars
Vhong Navarro
Ferdinand Hipolito "Vhong" Navarro (born January 4, 1977), is a Filipino comedian, actor, dancer, recording artist, and television host. He is known for his comedic performances in films such as '' Mr. Suave'' (2003), '' Gagamboy'' (2004), and ...
,
Jay Manalo, and
Aubrey Miles in the lead roles while the supporting cast includes
Rene Facunla,
Kathryn Bernardo, Ernie Zarate,
Long Mejia, and
Bearwin Meily.
Produced by MAQ Productions and distributed by
Regal Entertainment, the film was theatrically released on January 8, 2004, as one of the entries for the 29th Metro Manila Film Festival and it is similar to the ''
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
'' films, with a mutated spider that causes Junie to gain his superpowers and become Gagamboy.
Plot
Junie (Navarro), is an ice cream vendor, who sells ice cream to children and adults alike. After his shift, he is in a predicament with a rival vendor, Dodoy (
Jay Manalo). Their manager, angered by their actions, demotes Junie to a warehouse guard. Dodoy celebrates, only to be demoted too, working a different shift to Junie. Junie goes home in a bad mood, until he sees the love of his life, Liana (
Aubrey Miles). After dinner, Junie is ready to sleep, to start a new job the next day. While working, Junie accidentally swallows a spider that has been exposed to a chemical spill, thus giving him web-slinging abilities, and becoming "Gagamboy"(Spiderboy).
After his shift, Dodoy comes into work and leaves a sandwich unprotected. A cockroach exposed to the same spill as the spider slips into his sandwich, and as he eats it, he collapses, only to regain consciousness as a large cockroach. He hires two henchmen, and calls himself "Ipisman" (Cockroachman). Junie and Dodoy both try to win Liana's love. Dodoy practically gives up, only to return as Cockroachman, to kidnap Liana to lure Spiderboy to his lair. There, he plans to finish off Spiderboy, but the tables turn and Dodoy is destroyed.
Cast
*
Vhong Navarro
Ferdinand Hipolito "Vhong" Navarro (born January 4, 1977), is a Filipino comedian, actor, dancer, recording artist, and television host. He is known for his comedic performances in films such as '' Mr. Suave'' (2003), '' Gagamboy'' (2004), and ...
as Junie/Spiderboy/Gagamboy
*
Jay Manalo as Dodoy/Cockroachman/Ipisman
*
Aubrey Miles as Liana
*
Long Mejia as Barangay Captain Gimo
*
Bearwin Meily as Assistant Barangay Captain Abner
*
Rene "Ate Glow" Facunla as Gloring
*
Mon Confiado as Snatcher
* Benjamin Abellardo as Simeon
* Chris Cruz as Bronson
* Nikko Manalo as Boogie
* Ernie Zarate as Boss
*
Kathryn Bernardo as Tsoknat
* Joseph Roble as Kiamoy
* Cyrus Valdez as Wiwi
*
Ogie Diaz
Roger "Ogie" Diaz Pandaan (; born January 2, 1970) is a Filipino comedian, actor, entertainment reporter, and talent manager. He is popularly known as "''Pekto''", the name of his character in the long-running former television show '' Palibhasa ...
as Stage Manager
* Janine Desiderio as Aswang
Release
The film was shown at the 2004
Hong Kong International Film Festival
The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of Asia's oldest international film festivals. Founded in 1976, the festival features different movies and filmmakers from different countries, and takes place in Hong Kong.
HKIFF screens ...
.
Critical reception
Despite its low production qualities, the film received general praise due to its use of humor, especially in parodying other ''
tokusatsu
is a Japanese term for live-action films or television programs that make heavy use of practical special effects. Credited to special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya, ''tokusatsu'' mainly refers to science fiction film, science fiction, War fi ...
'' and
superhero film
Superhero film/movie is a film genre categorized by the presence of superhero characters, individuals with extraordinary abilities who are dedicated to fighting crime, saving the world, or helping the innocent. It is sometimes considered a sub ...
s. As a result, the film is well known in the
Chinese ''
kuso'' community.
Box office
The film opened on January 1, 2004, as a part of the
2003 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film opened seventh at the box office, earning 18 million in its first week, and eventually earning 27 million in its theatrical run.
References
External links
*
{{MMFF
2004 films
2000s Philippine films
Philippine science fiction action films
Philippine science fantasy films
Philippine comedy films
2004 science fiction films
Regal Entertainment films
Films directed by Erik Matti
Films produced by Ronald "Dondon" Monteverde
Philippine superhero films