Calling all Ateneo de Davao alumni! The Ateneo de Davao holds the annual Grand Alumni Homecoming to reconnect, make new acquaintances and celebrate the Ignatian spirit in one special night.
The Jubilarian celebrants of AHS ‘99, along with the Golden celebrants of AHS ‘74, will be hosting this year-end event on December 30 at the SMX Convention Center with the theme Remember, Reconnect and Reignite the Future – 99Knights’ One Big Night.
Before this culmination, the host batches held several activities that answer to the call to be men and women for others. Batch representatives and volunteers participated in medical and surgical missions, nutrition drives and dispensed free legal advice to tribal communities in the Marilog district. Promoting the value of cura personalis, homegrown batch yoga gurus conducted yoga sessions.
As part of its fundraising initiatives and as a legacy project, the first ever Ateneo de Davao Golf Open was held at the South Pacific Golf Club.
This year’s musical headliner is Ultra Combo and they will be supported by local band Ice Cold Buco Juice. The event poster has all the details on how to get tickets to this event.
While I’m not an avid audience for anime – as my anime-watching years ended in the early 2000s – the idea of using anime to tell stories from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ source material may be an interesting choice. It’s such a stark contrast to the visual tone and mood that was set forth by Peter Jackson in his successful trilogy of films that adapted J.R.R. Tolkien’s books and then later reimagined by the Amazon Prime series ‘Rings of Power.’ So, while I’m not a staunch fan of anime, I was interested to see how ‘Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ would play out. Afterall, I felt that everything I needed to see about the source material is completed in the trilogy ‘Lord of the Rings’ and I felt that the trilogy of ‘The Hobbit’ was a letdown after the first movie. I’m not a fan of the ‘Rings of Power’ either so I wondered whether ‘Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ would be a welcome expansion to the franchise or if it leans more towards just trying to cash in on those who love the world and the world-building of it and is another example of Hollywood being afraid of creating something new and unique and refreshing.
First of all, director Kenji Kamiyama has an animation style that looks flat and awkward. It makes plenty of uses of photo-realistic backgrounds and landscapes but then layers the moving anime characters unto that doesn’t always feel like a cohesive integration. On the opening scene, the protagonist, Hera, chases after one of the giant Eagles on horseback and rides up a mountain. The mountain face looks and feels two-dimensional so when the animated horse climbs up the mountain, the sound tells us its hooves are landing on the rocks but the visual doesn’t really match. There are quite a lot of moments like this but then are other moments where it works, like a brutal battle at Helm’s Deep during a harsh snowstorm.
On the visual level, there’s a lot of tension happening whether it’s gorgeous until the action starts moving or it’s just awkward from beginning to end. And with the live action world of Middle Earth so strong in my head – from the imagination of Peter Jackson – the disconnect with seeing the very Japanese-infused imagery of anime doesn’t quite blend well here. My experience with anime has prepared me for the shift of extremes: from the very serious to the hilariously silly – and ‘Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ never gets silly. It’s so serious and bleak that it feels alien to see it in anime form. Even when I saw ‘Evangelion’ so many years back, as dark and as bleak as that show can be, I remember it still having light and silly moments.
The story is definitely a call out to the horrors of war and the dangers of pride. The film is focused on the reign of King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan and how an accidental killing started a war that his only daughter, Hera, had to finish as those around her fell. The film takes a feminist approach by giving Hera a name (in the appendices of Tolkien’s books, she is unnamed) and a personality that has her wild and rebellious but unseen for her true worth by her father. The main antagonist, Wulf, was set on marrying her but after the death of his father, is now set to humbling her. Wulf is portrayed with the worst traits of toxic masculinity, which completes the feminist approach.
But the story feels stunted and a little too straightforward. It picks up and then slows down and then picks up again. There are characters, like Hera’s brothers, who have so much potential, but their stories end before they can be fully explored, and it seems that the material might have better suited a series than a movie. Halfway through the film, I realized I didn’t connect nor feel invested in any of the characters nor the outcome of this war as I felt that the film created these characters to point out a theme but forgot to make them unique or fresh. They all seem very much like characters from other films that talks about the horrors of war and of women who must rise to their potential despite being unrecognized and acknowledged by every man around them.
I found myself dozing off a lot in the beginning due to the film’s pacing and had a hard time feeling like I was seeing something new. It was an interesting idea, for sure, but one that did not take flight from development.
Save the date! The adrenaline-pumping action-thriller Novocaine, starring Jack Quaid (The Boys), will hit Philippine cinemas this March 2025. The just-released trailer promises a unique mix of action, humor, and heart, centered around an unlikely hero with an unusual edge: he feels no pain.
What’s the Story?
Jack Quaid stars as Nathan Caine, a regular guy who discovers an extraordinary ability—he can’t feel pain. But this so-called “superpower” doesn’t make him invincible, just resourceful. When the love of his life (played by Amber Midthunder of Prey) is kidnapped, Nate turns his peculiar condition into his greatest strength, waging an all-out war to save her.
Packed with suspense, daring stunts, and comedic undertones, Novocaine promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Watch the Trailer Now!
Get a sneak peek at Nate’s wild journey by watching the official trailer, now streaming online. Whether he’s dodging bullets, improvising weapons, or cracking up audiences with his unfiltered quips, Jack Quaid’s portrayal of Nathan Caine is set to be unforgettable.
The Talent Behind the Film
This Paramount Pictures release comes from the creative minds of Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, whose gripping direction breathes life into Lars Jacobson’s sharp script. The film boasts a stellar cast including:
Produced by industry heavyweights Drew Simon, Tory Tunnell, and Joby Harold, Novocaine is backed by a powerhouse team dedicated to delivering pulse-pounding entertainment.
Save the Date: March 2025
Don’t miss Novocaine when it opens in cinemas nationwide this March.
Join the conversation online! Use the hashtag #Novocaine and tag @paramountpicsph to share your excitement, favorite moments, or theories about the film.
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
The Christmas season is a time for togetherness, joy, and most of all, good food. This year, let Cravings bring warmth and flavor to your holiday gatherings with their thoughtfully curated Christmas 2024 packages. From Noche Buena sets to sweet treats perfect for gifts, Cravings can help you make the season more magical.
A Feast to Remember
Imagine gathering your family around the table, sharing stories and laughter, as you savor a spread filled with festive favorites. Cravings’ Noche Buena Set, now available at a special discounted price of ₱5,950 (originally ₱6,950), serves 6 to 8 people. It includes Classic Caesar Salad, Callos ala Madrileña, Prawns Thermidor, the flavorful Paella-Stuffed Chicken, and the Chocolate Caramel Cake in a Tin Can. Every dish is created in Cravings’ kitchen with love and flavor that makes Christmas dinner unforgettable.
Food Packages for Every Celebration
Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a year end office party, Cravings offers Medium (serves 3–4) and Large (serves 6–8) food packages to suit your needs.
These packages feature a variety of festive mains—Cravings Classics—including the tender Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce, American Baked Spareribs, and Baked Salmon with Mustard Cream and Garlic Pasta. Other favorites include Chicken Cordon Bleu, Parmesan-Crusted Fish Fillet, and Prawns Thermidor.
For a more traditional touch, the Roast Stuffed Chicken with Chorizo and Raisins or the Three-Cheese Baked Salmon are ideal choices. Each dish is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and the love that Cravings puts into their dishes.
Classic Lasagna and More
Now a favorite especially among the young ones, Cravings’ Classic Beef Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a giveaway. Available in Small, Medium, and Large pans, this dish is a must-have for any gathering and promises to satisfy everyone at the table.
Delights from the Bakeshop
Known for their decadent cakes, Cravings has a lineup of sweet treats that will add a touch of magic to the holidays. Choose from a variety of whole cakes, including the luscious Chocolate Caramel, the Devil’s Food Cake, Cherry Walnut Cheesecake, and the classic Carrot Walnut Cake.
For something extra special, Cravings offers Christmas-Themed Devil’s Food Cake, Christmas-Themed Chocolate Caramel Cake, Polvoron Cake, and Strawberry Shortcake (available with a 48-hour advanced order).
For gifting, Cravings offers buttery and flavorful Butter Cookies made with premium Lurpak Butter. There’s also the gooey Walnut Brownies and Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies. If you’re in the mood for something unique, try the nutty and flaky Pili and Cashew Nut Baklava, available in various sizes.
Unique Giveaways from Annie’s Kitchen
Spread the joy with thoughtful giveaways from Annie’s Kitchen, offering treats such as the Kaffir Cashew available in 250g and 500g, the healthy Root Crop Chips, and the tangy Tomato Mango Salsa. These treats are perfect for sharing the spirit of the season with friends and family.
Make Cravings part of your holiday tradition. Whether it’s for your Noche Buena, office parties, or gifts for loved ones, their menu is designed to delight—and impress your guests.
For inquiries and orders, contact 09065114772 / 09204137864. Follow Cravings on FB (@cravings.philippines) and IG (@cravingsphils), Cravings Signatures IG (@cravings.signatures), or visit the website cravingskitchenph.com.
The holidays are here! Twinkling lights line the streets, carols bring cheer to every corner, and the warmth of love fills the air. Whether you’re coupled up or embracing the single life, there’s no better way to enjoy the festive season than with a lineup of romantic Christmas comedies.
Lionsgate Play brings the magic of holiday romcoms straight to your screen. Here are five charming picks that will warm your heart and add a little kilig to your Christmas celebrations.
Here are four Christmas romcoms on Lionsgate Play that will fill your heart with all the kilig this holiday season.
1. Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas
Looking for a musical twist to your holiday romcom? Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas has you covered.
On her first Christmas without her father, Zoey (Jane Levy) wants to make sure her family’s holidays are extra special. However, she soon learns that it’s a more challenging task than she thought — even with the help of friends and her boyfriend Max (Skylar Astin). Add to that her unique ability to hear people’s innermost thoughts through song, and you’ve got a recipe for a fun and heartfelt holiday watch. Can Zoey create a Christmas worth singing about?
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary
No holiday romcom list is complete without this timeless classic.
Follow the lovable but clumsy Bridget (Renee Zellweger) as she navigates work, love, and the holiday season in this beloved classic. With her mother constantly pressuring her to find a man, Bridget is torn between the charming but irresponsible Daniel (Hugh Grant) and the uptight but endearing Mark (Colin Firth). Set in the backdrop of Christmas and New Year’s, this iconic rom-com will have you laughing and swooning at the same time.
3. Christmas Made to Order
What happens when the pursuit of a picture-perfect Christmas leads to unexpected romance?
When architect Steven (Jonathan Bennett) is tasked with creating a perfect Christmas for his client, he enlists the help of Gretchen (Alexa PenaVega), an expert in holiday decorations. As they spend more time together, Steven realizes that maybe the perfect Christmas isn’t about perfection after all. This heartwarming movie will make you believe in the magic of the season and finding love in unexpected places.
4. My Christmas Inn
Dreaming of a snowy, small-town Christmas? My Christmas Inn delivers just that.
Jen Taylor (Tia Mowry-Hardrict) has left her busy city life to take care of her aunt’s quaint inn in Alaska. As she adjusts to small-town life and helps with the holiday celebrations, she also finds herself falling for a local man (Rob Mayes). But when her job calls her back to the city, Jen must decide between her career and love. How will this Christmas love story unfold?
5. Christmas Magic
Looking for a story with a touch of fantasy? Christmas Magic will tug at your heartstrings.
After a devastating car accident, successful event planner Carrie (Lindy Booth) wakes up in Central Park, she meets Henry, her spirit guide, who assigns her a final task before passing on: helping widowed restaurateur Scott Walker (Paul McGillion) save his failing business. Using her expertise, Carrie transforms the struggling eatery while forging a connection with Scott and his young daughter. But with a ticking clock and Christmas Eve as her deadline, Carrie must juggle growing emotions, her mission, and the chance to earn her wings.
Cozy Up for a Romantic Holiday Movie Night
No plans for date night or a holiday hangout? Grab your favorite blanket, brew a warm cup of cocoa, and let the magic of Christmas unfold with these delightful romcoms.
Stream these heartwarming holiday films now on Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home and Smart. Whether you’re after laughter, love, or a touch of Christmas spirit, these movies are sure to brighten your holiday season.
NESTEA turned up the holiday spirit last December 8 with the NESTEA Bottomless Karaokathon, a 12-hour livestream extravaganza that blended music, fun, and festive traditions into a bottomless celebration of joy. From 12 noon until 12 midnight, over 14 million Filipinos nationwide tuned in to a showcase of karaoke performances, exciting variety shows, and bottomless games with bottomless prizes!
The 12-hour spectacle featured multiple montages of karaoke performances by the NESTEA community, serving as the main highlight of the livestream. Delighting with a long list of songs ranging from Christmas classics to local fan favorites, all submissions showcased not only the universal Filipino pastime of karaoke, but also the bottomless handaan and holiday fare all are sure to enjoy kapag kasama ang NESTEA!Beyond playing all the entries from the NESTEA Bottomless Karaokathon, the livestream culminated in a celebration of the grand winners, calling themselves NESTEArrific, and consisting of Via Balinquit, Elen Cris Manangan, and Jimcel Belmonte whose performance of captivated the hurados of singing duo and grand champions of Tawag ng Tanghalan JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano. Upon receiving the title, they shared: “We didn’t look at it as a competition, but rather as a means to gather together and simply enjoy with family and friends doing what we love most. We really gave our best and were really happy to be given the chance to participate.”
The winners got to take home the grand prize, a generous P150,000 worth of grocery allowance for 2025. This prize ensures a year filled with bottomless handaans, gatherings, heartwarming meals, and cherished moments shared with loved ones—all made more special with NESTEA!
Together with the showcase of the Karaokathon, the livestream also featured exciting variety shows and games that accompanied the bottomless fun. With creators who joined the show and served up laughter, and viewers taking home exciting prizes from the livestream’s numerous interactive games, the livestream delivered the Christmas spirit in the way NESTEA knows best: with bottomless saya!
Enjoying Bottomless Festivities with NESTEA
The livestream kicked off with Bottomless Saya from 12 NN to 1 PM, where creators Dorinil, Fhukerat, Queen Dura, and KENKOY brought the festive energy of a lunchtime variety show through lively games, gimmicks, and a vibrant Noche Buena-inspired setup. Following this, Meryendaserye celebrated the charm of merienda telenovelas with skits by Charuth and Toniyuh, centered on holiday gatherings and the joy of sharing NESTEA.
Chef Miguel of Juan Big Bite also showcased festive recipes like Pancit Sisig and Chocolate Banana Turon, paired perfectly with NESTEA.
Lastly, Bottomless Balita wrapped up the livestream’s segments and brought more of the bottomless laughter with satirical news reports about Filipinos’ Christmas handaan, delivered by content creators KaladKaren, Lottie Bie, and Anjo Periterra. The livestream drew to a close in true NESTEA style with musical performances from OPM artists Arthur Miguel and Syd Hartha, uniting viewers in festive music and joy.
The NESTEA Christmas Karaokathon proved to be a showcase of bottomless entertainment, celebrating the holiday spirit with games, laughter, and heartfelt moments and uniting people through refreshing flavors and joyful connections. This Christmas season and beyond, NESTEA promises to continue serving up bottomless fun and unforgettable handaan moments.
For more highlights from the livestream, visit NESTEA on Facebook and TikTok.
Long known as a cherished “holiday home” for discerning travellers, The Peninsula Manila once again welcomes guests with a sumptuous calendar of delicious experiences this Christmas 2024.
This holiday season, the hotel’s culinary team unveils delectable festive menus for hotel guests to savor with family, friends, and loved ones at its restaurants. Please visit the official hotel website at peninsula.com/manila/special-offers for more details.
Share in the Season of Giving with the Peninsula Festive Afternoon Tea
Since its founding, The Peninsula Manila has extended support to underserved community members through outreach programs and charitable donations – and we make special efforts to give during the holidays. This year, guests can join in contributing to the welfare of children with the Peninsula Festive Afternoon Tea that will feature delicate finger sandwiches, mouthwatering pastries and cakes paired with homemade scones, and your choice of tea or Champagne.
For each Festive Afternoon Tea set sold at The Lobby, The Peninsula Manila will donate a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Magical Moments at The Lobby
Lavishly decorated in grand Peninsula style with a spectacular 45-feet-tall Christmas Tree as its centerpiece, The Lobby always provides an unforgettable festive backdrop for guests to indulge in afternoon teas, hearty lunches and dinners, and so much more amidst the welcoming atmosphere of a glittering Christmas wonderland.
Festive Elegance in Old Manila
Ever since opening its doors in 1976, patrons have flocked to Old Manila in anticipation of its exquisite food served in tables laid with crisp linen, stunning silverware, and sparkling crystal.
Holiday Buffets in Escolta
What better location to enjoy the wonders of the Christmas than in The Peninsula Manila’s Escolta restaurant with its décor reminiscent of genteel 19th century Manila. During the holidays, this restaurant is the perfect place for families and friends to enjoy the fabulous fare on offer at its lavish lunch and dinner buffets.
Festive Asian in Spices
In the tropical sanctuary of Spices, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the array of exotic flavors that will bring an extra dash of warmth and joy to the festive season.
Holiday Tipples at The Bar
The perfect location for a little holiday catching-up over a tipple or two, The Bar is perfect for fun-filled holiday gatherings with friends.
Open Daily Time: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Fabulous Fun in Salon de Ning
Live it up this holiday season at The Peninsula Manila’s inimitable Salon de Ning where fun-filled evenings of delicious cocktails, delicious pica-pica, and Instagrammable backdrops await festive revelers.
Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is expanding its subscribers’ binge-watching options by bringing Max — the brand-new streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery—right at the fingertips of subscribers.
As a special treat, subscribers of Smart Postpaid Plans 999 and above can enjoy a three-month subscription to the Max Mobile plan included in their Postpaid plan. With Max, fans will be able to enjoy blockbusters, groundbreaking series, iconic hits, real-life stories and family favorites from HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. and Discovery.
“In line with our focus on enriching our subscribers’ lifestyles with the best mobile experiences, we are happy to collaborate with Max as its Philippine telco partner so more Filipinos can stream what they want when they want it, powered by Smart 5G,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business.
How to redeem your Max subscription with Smart
Smart Postpaid customers subscribing to Smart Postpaid Plans 999 and up can enjoy a three-month subscription to the Max Mobile plan included with their Postpaid plan (worth a total of P447).
To redeem their three-month subscription to the Max Mobile plan, eligible Smart Postpaid subscribers will receive an official message from Smart Postpaid, guiding them to create or log into their Max account and input a voucher code via Max.com/redeem. A final confirmation screen will be shown with information on their account and plan with a prompt that they can start streaming.
Smart subscribers may stream Max on their mobile device – whether a smartphone or tablet – while on the go. They also have the option to save up to 15 downloads with Standard HD video resolution.
The Max mobile app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Welcome to Max
With Max on their smartphones, subscribers can enjoy iconic brands including HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network and Max Originals, Hollywood blockbusters, as well as can’t-miss real-life programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID, HGTV and more.
Home of HBO Originals, Dune: Prophecy premiered on November 19, starring Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May and Mark Strong. From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.
Max is the entertainment destination for audiences in the region, featuring culture defining programming including Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Friends, The Last of Us, The Penguin and The White Lotus.
Max Original adult animation Creature Commandos, the first series out of the new DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran has also recently premiered on Max on December 5.
Reality competition, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking featuring fantastical edible creations, hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) is also available on Max. Fans of Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, Investigation Discovery and HGTV’s real-life programming can look forward to streaming Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush, Naked and Afraid, 90 Day Fiancé, Dr. Pimple Popper and Property Brothers.
Featuring the best of Hollywood movies from some of the biggest studios including Warner Bros., Paramount and NBCUniversal, subscribers can enjoy the complete Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings movie collections, as well as Oppenheimer, Fast X, The Fall Guy, Despicable Me 4, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Expend4bles, IF, Trolls Band Together, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and many more blockbusters.
With Max’s extensive kids offering, families will be able to stream Batwheels, LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising, Grizzy and the Lemmings: World Tour as well as everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur in Barney’s World.
Learn more about the Max subscription that is included with Smart Postpaid by visiting smart.com/Max.
To sign up for a Smart Postpaid Plan that suits your lifestyle, visit smart.com.ph/Postpaid or head to the nearest Smart Store.
Looking for the perfect techie gift this holiday season? Lenovo has prepared an exciting selection of AI-powered devices that cater to gamers, professionals, and creatives alike. These devices are packed with the latest, most innovative features designed to make everyday life smarter and more efficient. Here’s a quick rundown of Lenovo’s top holiday picks:
1. Lenovo Legion Go: Portable Gaming Redefined
For gamers on the move, the Lenovo Legion Go offers top-tier performance in a portable design. Featuring the AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme processor and 8.8-inch WQXGA touchscreen display, it delivers seamless gameplay with stunning visuals. With detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, this device ensures ultimate flexibility for gaming anytime, anywhere.
2. Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9: The Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse
Hardcore gamers will love the Legion 7i Gen 9, equipped with an Intel® Core™ i9 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 GPU. Its 16-inch 3.2K IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate offers buttery-smooth visuals for an unparalleled gaming experience. Equipped with Legion ColdFront Hyper cooling system, it ensure your device is cool while keeping your killstreaks hot.
The LOQ 15IAX9 is the perfect entry-level gaming laptop, delivering great value without compromising performance. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 graphics, it offers smooth gameplay and responsive performance in a sleek Luna Grey design.
4. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Sleek and Powerful
Professionals, creatives, and multitaskers will appreciate the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition with its Intel® Core™ Ultra processor and 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display. This laptop combines elegance with toughness with a MIL-STD 810H standard durability. It’s the ideal gift for those who want style, performance, and durability.
5. Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9: Built for Creators
For creative professionals, the Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9 will bring your ideas to life with its 14.5-inch 2.8K OLED display and powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 processor. It’s the perfect device for productivity and high-performance tasks.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9: Lightweight and Versatile
The IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9 is designed for portability, featuring a Snapdragon® X Plus processor and a 14-inch OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. Its compact design and long battery life make it an excellent companion for students and professionals on the go.
Whether you’re shopping for a gamer, a professional, or someone who just loves the latest tech, Lenovo’s AI-powered lineup has something for everyone. Visit Lenovo Exclusive Stores, authorized resellers, or the Lenovo Flagship Store online to shop now and make this holiday season smarter and more meaningful for your friends, family, and loved ones.
The countdown is on! In just a week, Disney transports audiences back to the iconic Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King. This untold story unveils the humble beginnings of one of Disney’s most beloved characters, tracing his path to becoming the revered king. It’s a tale of perseverance, self-discovery, and legacy—perfect for the holiday season.
Stunning Animation That Deserves the Big Screen
Mufasa: The Lion King is a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, merging live-action techniques with photorealistic computer-generated imagery. From sweeping African savannahs to intimate, dramatic moments, the film reimagines the Pride Lands with unparalleled visual detail.
Crafted by the industry-leading Moving Picture Company, the movie is the result of four years of dedication by hundreds of artists across three continents. Directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), the film employed digital virtual reality tools to meticulously plan its visuals. The result? A feast for the senses, where every frame pulsates with life.
For the ultimate viewing experience, Mufasa: The Lion King is best enjoyed in IMAX or 4DX. The grandeur of the Pride Lands and the film’s intricate details make these formats the perfect way to immerse yourself in Mufasa’s journey.
A Musical Masterpiece by Lin-Manuel Miranda
The film’s heart beats not just with its visuals but also with its unforgettable soundtrack, composed by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda (Encanto, Hamilton). The multi-award-winning composer injects emotional depth into the narrative with his remarkable music.
“When I read the screenplay, I felt like the places where the songs needed to happen really just popped out,” he shared. “In fact, [for] at least a few of the songs, the titles of the songs I ended up writing were originally lines of dialogue in the screenplay. ‘I always wanted a brother’—there’s a line of dialogue—and I built the whole song around that title.”
Roar Into Cinemas December 18
Don’t miss this season’s most anticipated cinematic event. Mufasa: The Lion King opens nationwide on December 18, exclusively in theaters. Share this captivating adventure with your loved ones and witness the story behind the lion who started it all.
Pro tip: Upgrade your viewing experience by catching it in IMAX or 4DX for a jaw-dropping journey into the Pride Lands.
