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 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]
Mike 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
^ ab"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.
