Gundala

An action-packed and emotionally satisfying adaptation of the treasured Indonesian comicbook created by Harya "Hasmi" Suraminata.

Its origin story of the Indonesian superhero doesn't offer anything that hasn't been seen before, but it works adequately for its social commentary and a few action sequences that occasionally blast the screen as a thunderbolt. [Full review in Spanish]

Whats not forgivable is the films failure to choreograph enthralling fight scenes, given the talent pool and reputation of Indonesian cinema.

While slick and well choreographed Indonesian martial arts sequences sure do help... the rest of the film feels very familiar to anyone who's seen even a handful of superhero movies.

...one can't deny Anwar's talent for creating decent superhero spectacle on the kind of money that would barely cover the catering in a Marvel movie.

This modern adaptation of creator Harya "Hasmi" Suraminata's comic is not as family-friendly as its American counter-parts, willing to show the violence that breeds villainy and the indifference of good men, but it's just as entertaining ...

The first half of the movie is particularly impressive, as writer-director Joko Anwar does a great job establishing the younger Sancaka during his gritty childhood era.

From beginning to end, Gundala delivers fast and furious action and rarely stops to take its foot off the gas.