UCI vacation picks: SpongeBob deal and “Hamnet” buzz

SpongeBob becomes UCI’s Film of the Week from R$ 11.50, as “Hamnet” arrives riding Golden Globes momentum.

With school break in full swing, UCI is leaning into a lineup that balances family-friendly adventures, awards-season heavy hitters, and a new dose of sci-fi horror. The week’s headline is “SpongeBob: In Search of the SquarePants”, selected as the chain’s Film of the Week with limited-time promotional pricing.

SpongeBob at promotional prices

“SpongeBob: In Search of the SquarePants” is UCI’s Film of the Week, with tickets starting at R$ 11.50 (Monday to Wednesday) and R$ 13 (Thursday to Sunday). In the new story, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs and comes face-to-face with the legendary Flying Dutchman.

The adventure brings ghost pirates, magical trumpets, and returning favorites like Patrick, Sandy, Gary, and Squidward—built for families looking for an easy holiday outing.

New releases for kids and groups

Among the kid-focused premieres is “Pilar’s Diary in the Amazon”, adapted from Flávia Lins e Silva’s book series. The film follows Pilar deep into the Amazon rainforest, where she meets riverside communities, Brazilian folklore figures, and faces challenges tied to environmental preservation and the search for a new friend’s family.

Another new option is the animated feature “David – A King Is Born”, which traces the young shepherd’s path from childhood to the showdown with Goliath. Produced by the same company behind “Sound of Freedom” and “The Chosen”, it’s positioned as a strong pick for families, schools, and organized groups.

UCI also highlights special conditions for purchases starting at 20 tickets and the possibility of private screenings via UCI Corporate.

UCI Festa: a birthday-friendly format

Family titles are also tied to UCI Festa, the chain’s birthday format. The idea is to watch a movie with friends and then celebrate in the Espaço Festa*, a reserved area for the group.

The package includes a ticket plus mini popcorn, soda or water, and M&M and Skittles for each guest, totaling around four hours between the screening and the private space. For prices and conditions, UCI directs audiences to its official channels.

Awards season: “The Secret Agent” returns and “Hamnet” opens

After winning two Golden Globes (Best Non-English Language Film and Best Actor in a Drama for Wagner Moura), “The Secret Agent” returns to UCI theaters. Pre-selected to represent Brazil in the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film, the story follows Marcelo, a teacher who leaves São Paulo for Recife in 1977 while trying to outrun a mysterious past.

For cinephiles, the key new release is “Hamnet: The Life Before Hamlet”, one of the most talked-about films of the season and a strong contender for Oscar attention. Directed by Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”), it won the Golden Globe for Best Drama, while Jessie Buckley took Best Actress in the same category.

Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare in a narrative shaped by the death of the couple’s 11-year-old son during a 16th-century plague—and the emotional aftermath that follows.

Special previews and new sci-fi horror

Still in awards mode, “Marty Supreme” arrives in special preview screenings between January 15, 16 and 17 at UCI. Starring Timothée Chalamet—winner of the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical—the biopic follows the real-life story of Marty Reisman, from illegal betting circles to table tennis legend.

Horror and sci-fi fans can also check out “Extermination: The Temple of Bones”, a new chapter in the franchise launched in 2002. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, it follows Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) in a relationship whose consequences could reshape the world.

Still showing: “Avatar” and more

A major box-office draw, “Avatar: Fire and Ashes” remains on UCI’s premium screens. Viewers can choose IMAX, as well as formats like XPLUS (with Dolby Atmos®), VIP DE LUX (reclining seats and enhanced service), and 4DX with motion seats and effects like wind and water.

The experience also includes an official combo with a collectible themed cup. The chain also lists “Anaconda” (Selton Mello, Paul Rudd, Jack Black), plus “The Maid”, “Zootopia 2”, “Very Special Agents”, and “The Secret Agent”.

Twenty One Pilots hits UCI screens

“Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Ever Imagined”, a concert film from the Grammy-winning duo, screens at UCI on January 26 and 28. In addition to standard showtimes, audiences can catch it in IMAX.

In Rio de Janeiro, UCI also schedules an exclusive pre-premiere on January 25 at the IMAX room in UCI NewYorkCityCenter. Tickets are available via UCI’s website and box offices.

Promotions and loyalty perks

Members of UCI Unique get half-price tickets on any day and session, plus a complimentary ticket upon registration (valid Monday through Thursday, including holidays). UCI also highlights open promotions such as Segunda Mania, Super Meia, and Ticket Família, with rules varying by theater.

Service

UCI Film of the Week: “SpongeBob: In Search of the SquarePants”

Promotional tickets: from R$ 11.50 (Mon–Wed) and R$ 13 (Thu–Sun)

Preview screenings: “Marty Supreme” (January 15, 16 and 17)

Concert film: “Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Ever Imagined” (January 26 and 28)

Rio pre-premiere: January 25, IMAX at UCI NewYorkCityCenter

Tickets and rules: UCI official website and box offices

Photo: Divulgação