Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao (marketed as Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick) is a 1987 Filipino action film directed by Pablo Santiago and starring Ramon Revilla as the titular commander. It also stars Dang Cecilio, Rey Abellana, Tanya Gomez, Paquito Diaz, Raoul Aragonn, Charlie Davao, Esther Chavez, Romy Diaz, and Ruel Vernal. The film employs Revilla's usual formula of having his character own a protective amulet in battle. Produced by Vista Films as its inaugural film, it was released on July 15, 1987. Critic Mike Feria of the Manila Standard gave the film a negative review, criticizing its screenplay and Revilla's exaggerated acting.
| Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Pablo Santiago |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Rowell Santiago |
| Starring | Ramon Revilla |
| Cinematography | Alfonso Alvarez |
| Edited by | Rene Tala |
| Music by | Jun Latonio |
Production company | Vista Films |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Cast
edit- Ramon Revilla as Feliciano Luces/Kumander Toothpick
- Dang Cecilio
- Rey Abellana
- Tanya Gomez
- Paquito Diaz
- Charlie Davao as Mister Lazaro
- Romy Diaz
- Raoul Aragonn
- Ruel Vernal
- Johnny Madrid
- Johnny Vicar
- Karim Kiram
- Yusuf Salim
- Max Alvarado
- Marilou Sadiua as Myrna
- Carlos de Leon
- Eddie Tuazon
- Esther Chavez
- Ramon de Salva
- Ernie Zarate as the mayor
- Fred Moro as a man of Lazaro
Themes
editFeliciano Luces is a continuation of Ramon Revilla's formula of portraying notorious or real-life characters who protect themselves with amulets ("anting-anting") in battle, sustaining a traditional belief of native Filipinos which has endured to contemporary times.[1][2] Luces' death is depicted in the film as being caused by a spirit taking away his amulet.[3]
Release
editThe film was given a "P" rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB),[1] and was released on July 15, 1987.[4]
Critical response
editMike Feria of the Manila Standard gave Feliciano Luces a negative review, criticizing the screenplay's misguided storytelling and lack of focus as well as Revilla's acting ("here he is as ham as ever").[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "MTRCB classification guide for films reviewed 10-16 July 1987". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. July 20, 1987. p. 14. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
The gory and violent scenes and the use of a religious object as an "anting-anting" to ward off or eliminate "Toothpick's" enemies may need to be explained to minors.
- ^ Diaz, Lav (April 20, 1988). "Anting-anting". Manila Standard (in Filipino). Standard Publications, Inc. p. 10. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
- ^ a b Feria, Mike (July 22, 1987). "The actor as producer". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 15. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "Opens Today". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. July 15, 1987. p. 14. Retrieved October 30, 2020.