On the hunt for date night ideas? Read on for this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Philadelphia.
Read on for the highest rated films to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
Elf
When young Buddy 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, a workaholic publisher.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 2003 release coming back to big screens for the holiday season has much to recommend it.
According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "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."
It's screening at AMC Philadelphia Mills 14 (1149 Franklin Mills Circle) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Creed II
The film follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with newfound fame, issues with his family and and his quest to become a champion.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 21. The site's critical consensus notes that the film's "adherence to franchise formula adds up to a sequel with few true surprises, but its time-tested generational themes still pack a solid punch."
It's screening at University City Penn 6 (4012 Walnut St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
Green Book was recently honored with five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 16, with a consensus that the film "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 UA Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 RPX & IMAX (1400 S. Columbus Blvd.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
