Fear makes your skin crawl and laughter makes your sides ache. Carrying these two opposite feelings, two very different films are coming to cinemas in Bangladesh at Christmas: a terrifying giant snake deep in the jungle on one side, and the mad laughter of a yellow sponge under the sea on the other. On 25 December Star Cineplex releases the new "Anaconda" and the animated film "SpongeBob SquarePants: Search for SquarePants".

The name Anaconda brings back the terror of 1997 for audiences. That film, a story of a monstrous snake, dense jungle and fear of death, once shook the box office. Several sequels followed, but this time the makers have taken a different path.

The new Anaconda is not a straight remake; it is a meta-reboot in the comedy-thriller genre. The two central characters are Doug and Griff. In the middle of their lives, they decide to remake their favourite childhood film, "Anaconda", and head deep into the Amazon jungle to shoot it on a small budget.

But making the film lands them in real danger. Terrible weather and a hostile environment are joined by a real giant anaconda. Fun and nostalgia turn in an instant into a deadly fight, and the jokes in the jungle become a matter of life and death.

Audience reactions after the premiere were mixed, but many say it is a lively film of pure entertainment for the Christmas holidays. The chemistry between the two lead actors and the self-aware humour are especially enjoyable.

SpongeBob, on the other hand, brings a very different kind of fun for the whole family. The yellow sponge has been winning over children, teenagers and adults for many years.

The new film "SpongeBob SquarePants: Search for SquarePants" is the fourth theatrical film in the series. In the story, SpongeBob sets out to find his lost pet snail, Gary. On this adventure he has to travel to the depths of the sea in a strange vessel, where he faces fearsome characters such as the ghost pirate the Flying Dutchman.

In a film full of fear, friendship, courage and comic antics, SpongeBob tries to overcome his weaknesses and become brave. His old friend Patrick is with him, while Mr Krabs, Squidward and Gary rush in to the rescue.

The film has had a great response from audiences since its release, and critics have also received the laughter-filled animation positively.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.