Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Boston.
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.)
The Favourite
In 18th century England, the close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14, with a consensus that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext, and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX (201 Brookline Ave.) through Thursday, Dec. 27; and AMC Loews Boston Common 19 (175 Tremont St.) through Thursday, Dec. 27. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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, "Elf" has a strong following. Per the site's summary 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."
Interested? It's playing at Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX (201 Brookline Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 22. 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 were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line. They traditionally relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With an 82 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on November 16. Per the site's critical consensus, "'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." The film was recently honored with five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, according to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at ShowPlace ICON at Seaport with ICON•X (60 Seaport Blvd.) through Thursday, Dec. 20; Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX (201 Brookline Ave.) through Thursday, Dec. 20; AMC South Bay Center 12 (95 Allstate Road) through Thursday, Dec. 20; and AMC Loews Boston Common 19 (175 Tremont St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
On the Basis of Sex
Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination.
Set to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 25, "On the Basis of Sex" already has a critical approval rating of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that "'On the Basis of Sex' is nowhere near as groundbreaking as its real-life subject, but her extraordinary life makes a solid case for itself as an inspirational, well-acted biopic."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at AMC Loews Boston Common 19 (175 Tremont St.) through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
