REVIEW: Pantaya Premieres CELEBREMOS: ETERNA NAVIDAD

Pantaya Gifts New Latinx Holiday Special

The Photo Ladies Review - by: Stephanie Augello

Colombian musician and activist Juanes has cut through the mire of 2020 to bring audiences some peace and hope in the waning days of this tumultuous year.  The two-time Grammy winner, along with his wife Karen Martinez, hosts the Christmas special “Celebremos: Eterna Navidad,” which premieres on Lionsgate’s new Latinx streaming platform Pantaya on December 4th.  Pantaya is the first-ever premium steaming destination for world-class movies and series in Spanish, offering the largest selection of the biggest blockbusters and critically acclaimed films from Latin America and the US as well as bold never before-seen original series. 

For the special, Juanes has assembled a star-studded cast which includes Aislinn Derbez, Ana De La Reguera, Sebastian Zurita, Ricardo O'Farrill, as well as musical performances by Alejandro Fernández & América Fernández & Camila Fernández, Valentina Fernández, Juanes & Jay De La Cueva, Los Tigres Del Norte, Manuel Carrasco, Banda El Recodo, Morat & Danna Paola, Gloria Trevi, Edith Márquez & Luciano Pereyra, Paty Cantú, Kurt, La Adictiva Banda San José De Mesillas.

The storyline revolves around Juanes and Karen preparing for their holiday gathering.  They’ve enlisted the cooking prowess of Chef Benito Molina and Chef Solange Muris, with the two offering lessons to the audience as they build dishes such as Mexican-style risotto and Maine lobster tacos.  We’re further treated to often comedic anecdotes and heart-warming moments in between scenes, as the cast members reflect upon the Christmas season by sharing their memories, favorites dishes, and notions of what the holiday means to them.  Musical interludes are woven throughout the special featuring songs such as “Los Peces en el Rio,” “Diciembre,” “Dulce Navidad,” and “Lleguemos a Tiempo,” and “El Niño del Tambor.”  Not to be overlooked is the absolutely delightful comedy of Ricardo O’Farrill, whose superb timing and delivery truly augment this piece.

Soft lighting effects, Christmas sweater style graphics, and familiar holiday melodies complement the positive message of the special, making “Celebremos: Eterna Navidad” a bright spot in a dreary year.