Mars Ravelo's Lastikman: Unang Banat (lit. 'Mars Ravelo's Lastikman: The First Stretch'), or simply Lastikman: Unang Banat, is a 2004 Philippine superhero film based on the comic book character Lastikman, directed by Mac Alejandre and written by RJ Nuevas. It stars Mark Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Cherie Gil, John Estrada, Danilo Barrios, Elizabeth Oropesa, Joel Torre, Mark Gil, Bearwin Meily, and Tuesday Vargas. The film was released through Viva Films on December 25, 2004, as part of the 30th Metro Manila Film Festival.
| Lastikman: Unang Banat | |
|---|---|
 DVD Cover | |
| Directed by | Mac Alejandre |
| Screenplay by | R.J. Nuevas |
| Story by | Wali Ching R.J. Nuevas |
| Based on | Lastikman by Mars Ravelo |
| Produced by | Vicente G. Del Rosario III Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus |
| Starring | John Estrada Danilo Barrios Elizabeth Oropesa Joel Torre Mark Gil Bearwin Meily Tuesday Vargas Mikel Campos Cherie Gil Sarah Geronimo Mark Bautista |
| Cinematography | Regieben Romana |
| Edited by | Kelly M. Cruz |
| Music by |
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| Distributed by | Viva Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
| Box office | ₱24.5 million (Official 2004 MMFF run) |
Plot
editAdrian, is an ordinary boy who lacks skills and talents. He likes his friend Lara, but is often bullied by his classmates and kids in the neighborhood. Despite being a weakling, Adrian possesses a pure and brave heart when he tries to fight illegal loggers who try and cut an enchanted rubber tree. Unfortunately, he is beaten by the loggers and left almost half dead. But because of his pure personality, the enchanted rubber tree that he saves heals him and grants him powers that transform him into a super hero named Lastikman who can stretch his body at incredible distance and transform into different objects. After a series of exploits, he, his family and Lara move to Manila. On the other hand, the tree also gives powers to Editha, a single mother who lost her children in a witch-hunt after being falsely accused of being an aswang, granting her the same powers as Lastikman, as well as shapeshifting powers and carnivorous tentacles that grow on her back. Assuming the identity Lastika, she takes revenge on her tormentors and moves to Manila, where she unsuccessfully tries to entice Lastikman to join her in her bid for world domination after saving him from a Werewolf. After more exploits, Lastikman confronts Lastika for a final time when she shapeshifts into him while committing a series of crimes. Lastika initially has the upper hand, but is killed when Lastikman pulls down a live wire on a puddle of gasoline that Lastika is standing over, incinerating her. Lara realizes that Lastikman and Adrian are the same person and the movie ends with them becoming a couple.
Casts
editMain cast
edit- Mark Bautista as Adrian Rosales / Lastikman
- Sarah Geronimo as Lara Manuel
Supporting cast
edit- Cherie Gil as Editha / Lastika
- John Estrada as Alfonso
- Danilo Barrios as Reden
- Joel Torre as Pablo
- Bearwin Meily as Garoy
- John Manalo as Butil
- Elizabeth Oropesa as Susan
- Tuesday Vargas as Maritess
- Mark Gil as Andrew
- Vangie Labalan as Delia
- Athena Tibi as Christy
- Kristel Fulgar as Letlet
- Saver as Asong Itim ("Black Dog")
- Rosauro "Boy" Roque as Taong Aso
- Bobby Andrews as Adan
- Marky Lopez as Joko
- Vanna Garcia as Anna
- Ella V. as Gelay
- Miles Ocampo as Young Lara
- Crystal Moreno as Lara's stepsister
- JC Parker as a sexy werewolf victim (cameo)
- Isabella De Leon as a child werewolf victim (cameo)
Accolades
edit| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Visual Effects | Fel Rodolfo | Won |