nonsuchdan

Obviously this is one of the most incompetent movies ever made. While I've only seen the MST version, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that the uncut feature is not significantly better. I do however want to say a few words in praise of Vadinho.

Having watched this numerous times in its MST incarnation (one of the very best Sci-Fi episodes), I've developed an unapologetic affection for Vadinho. Not merely because this character ends up being far more heroic and interesting than the film's ostensible hero. No, it's Miguelangel Fuentes' simple, guileless performance that hooks me. Whether he knows he's in a stupid movie or not (I'm not sure that he does), he floats blissfully along, bringing impossible sincerity to asinine dialogue ("You don't fly, but your mind does. Part of you is scared, but the other you isn't!") and generally refusing to let the whole thing get him down. Fun character roles like this are one of the best pleasures in really bad movies, and Vadinho is about the only likeable thing in Puma Man.

Carry on with the bashing.

This isn't nearly as bad as typical MST fodder. Sure, the plot is melodramatic and ludicrous, but no more so than a lot of "troubled youth" movies of the time. Sure, the musical numbers are uninspired, but you have to give them credit for trying. A lot of times the "MST Effect" makes people assume any movie used on the show is terrible, but it isn't so. This one isn't great by any means, but it's reasonably competently made and has its charms. So lighten up, see?