Followers of the cult comic book Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah—myself included—rejoiced this Christmas season when Regal Entertainment released the movie version of this highly entertaining graphic novel.
Like many other Filipinos, I am a witness to the transformation of the gay parlorista Ada to the red-haired, big-breasted Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah from the pages of a comic book to the vibrant stage of theater to the widescreen of a moviehouse.
ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh takes its roots from Carlo Vergara's graphic novel, Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni ZsaZsa Zaturnnah (The Spectacular Adventures of ZsaZsa Zaturnnah). It was originally published in two parts in December 2002.
The writer/art director has expressed his desire to write a sequel for ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, with the title still a toss-up between Ang Kagila-Gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Manila" or simply "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah in Manila."
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to the review, I would say that ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh has managed to live up to the expectations of this enthusiast.
ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH ZE MOVEEH!
Cast: Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Rustom Padilla, Alfred Vargas, Chokoleit, Say Alonzo, Pauleen Luna, Christian Vasquez, Giselle Sanchez, and Glaiza de Castro
Director: Joel Lamangan
Writer: Dinno Erece
Production: Regal Entertainment
Plot: This revolves around the life of a gay parlor queen Ada (Rustom) who gulps a mysterious stone from the sky. After which, he turns into a red-haired heroine named Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah (played by Zsa Zsa). She defends truth, justice and liberty against all the menace of the world like zombies, giant frog and from the Amazonistas from Planet X, led by Queen Femina (Pops).
Box-Office Potential: This year's dark horse, we will not be surprised if it lands among the topgrossers.
Awards Prediction: Zsa Zsa's role as a superhero is the strongest among the best actress contenders in this year's filmfest entries. Pops and Rustom-who plays a gay role for the first time after coming out-are also potential winners. With a director like Joel, this film is most likely one of this year's best works. Its special effects could also win in the technical categories.
The plot. Adrian or Ada (Rustom) runs a beauty parlor with his sidekick Didi (Chokoleit). When they move back to the province, Ada gets hit on the head by a mysterious pink rock that turns him into a bombshell superheroine whenever he swallows it. With his alter ego named Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah (Zsa Zsa Padilla), Ada must deal with the affections of Dodong (Alfred) and resolve issues about his sexuality with his father.
In the pursuit of liberty, truth, and justice, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah defends Earth from a giant frog and zombies running (and flying!) amuck. She then faces Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux (Pops) and her band of Amazonistas from Planet X who want to exterminate all male forms on Earth.
Filipino folklore is full of superheroes but nothing like this! I have to hand it to Vergara for empowering a gay parlorista and turning him into an all-powerful woman capable of defending the planet from alien attacks.
Speaking of empowerment, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh also tackles an important issue, feminism—even though it may be disguised in swardspeak or gay language. Queen Femina justifies her actions by saying that her deeds are done for the sake of women but Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah points out that her actions are no different from the ways of men. Wise words from a gay parlorista.
The verdict. When it comes to originality, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh is a prime example of the fertile imagination of Filipinos. Even though it lost to Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo for the Best Story and Best Screenplay awards, the novel storyline of Zaturnnah is refreshing to see in an industry where scriptwriters often resort to cliché movie plots.
The special effects used in the movie were quite inconsistent, which was a shame since the movie could have been a strong contender in the technical categories of the Metro Manila Film Fest. The appearance of the giant frog could have been vastly improved. Even Zsa Zsa's acting with the special effects needed improvement as well. When the red-haired heroine was fighting with this creature, she pointed at a different location other than the actual placement of the giant frog.
The zombies used in the movie were also crude in appearance. They looked like they were more suited to a low-budget film instead of being part of a Regal Entertainment production.
The highlight of the film was the fight sequences between Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah and the Amazonistas led by Queen Femina. Unfortunately, you only get to see Pops and her cohorts during the last few minutes of the film. I was hoping they would have gotten more exposure compared to the giant frog and the zombies.
Despite these limitations, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh is still a highly entertaining film that is worth the full price of an admission ticket. Although I would have to shave off some points for since they did cut out the kissing scene between Ada and Dodong. But that's a different story.