Want to lighten the mood? Check out this week's lineup of films showing on the big screen in and around Chicago.
Here are the best comedy films to catch in theaters, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
The Favourite
Set in 18th century England, the story centers on the close relationship between the frail Queen Anne and her friend, Sarah Churchill. When Abigail Hill, Sarah's cousin, arrives at court and makes a grand entrance covered in mud, the rivalry begins. In this absurd comedy from Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, there's plenty of political intrigue, pineapple eating, skeet shooting and revenge to keep you entertained.
This must-see film snagged five Golden Globe, including best film and best supporting actress in a comedy/musical. With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has gotten a lot of positive attention since its release on December 14.
The site's critical consensus indicates that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
You can catch it at ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Elf
When young Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, who turns out to be a workaholic publisher.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" has much to recommend it. The site's critical consensus agrees, "A movie full of Yuletide cheer, 'Elf' is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Regal City North Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX (2600 N. Western Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
Set in 1962, Tony Lip, a Bronx bouncer with a sixth grade education, is hired to drive pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South. In the Jim Crow era, African Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations due to segregation laws and relied on a guide called "The Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has been getting attention since its release on November 16,
The critical consensus about the Golden Globe nominee agrees, "'Green Book' takes audiences on a surprisingly smooth ride through potentially bumpy subject matter, fueled by Peter Farrelly's deft touch and a pair of well-matched leads."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Dine-In Block 37 (100 N. State Street) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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