Blockbusters are back in a big way. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, despite not being the top grosser of 2023 (that crown goes to the surprise hit, Barbie), is making waves for being the first major box office draw to win Best Picture at the Oscars in nearly two decades. This win, coupled with the success of last December’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), signals a renewed excitement for moviegoing, both internationally and in the Philippines.
After the pandemic, cinemas were initially hesitant to showcase MMFF entries. Now, however, audiences are clamoring for more films, proving they’re ready to return to the immersive experience of the big screen.
Ultimately, it comes down to content. Give the public an entertaining time, and they’re ready to return to movie watching as a shared community experience. Whether it’s horror, action, or comedy, films are much more enjoyable in the company of others, where you can feed off the collective reactions of the audience—an experience that home viewing simply can’t replicate.
SM knows this, which is why several SM Cinemas have been renovated and technologically upgraded. New plush seats, higher-resolution equipment, and improved sound quality make the experience even more immersive. Plus, the ticket buying areas and refreshment stands have all received a makeover as well.
Get ready, because the blockbusters of 2024 are on their way. Dune Part Two was just the first salvo. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire just opened last March 30, and will be followed by The First Omen on April 5 and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in IMAX 2D on April 10.
May is also jam-packed with exciting releases. First up on May 1 is The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt (who coincidentally starred in Barbie and Oppenheimer, respectively). This action-rom-com has received rave reviews and promises great chemistry between the leads.
For a dose of family fun, catch Ryan Reynolds in IF (Imaginary Friends) showing in mid-May.
And for fans of sci-fi epics, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes swings into theaters later that month.
But wait, there’s more! May also brings supernatural thrills with Tarot on May 1, the highly anticipated prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth hitting screens on May 22, and a return to lasagna-loving laughs with The Garfield Movie hitting theaters on May 29.
For fans of K-drama and K-horror, SM Cinema is the place to watch The Wild, Exhuma, Demon Dog, Citizen of a Kind, and Midnight Sun. Anime fans will be delighted to hear that Skye Hoshi: Anime Girl and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom are SM exclusives.
There are also Filipino productions to look forward to, including Sunny, Under Parallel Skies, G! LU! (Go La Union), and Men Are From QC, Women are from Alabang.
So, see you at your neighborhood SM Cinema, Director’s Club, or IMAX theater?
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