In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Chapel Hill.
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 favourite.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this historical drama 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."
Olivia Colman earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her work in "The Favourite," one of five overall for the film.
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Silverspot Cinema Chapel Hill 13 (201 S. Estes Drive, Suite 100) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve, the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
With a critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1946 Best Picture nominee has garnered plenty of praise. The site's critical consensus has it that, "The holiday classic to define all holiday classics, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is one of a handful of films worth an annual viewing."
It's screening at Silverspot Cinema Chapel Hill 13 (201 S. Estes Drive, Suite 100) through Monday, Dec. 24. 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 based 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 Nov. 16, plus a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy).
The site's critical consensus indicates that "'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."
It's playing at Silverspot Cinema Chapel Hill 13 (201 S. Estes Drive, Suite 100) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Aquaman'
The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be: a king.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 70 percent and an audience score of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up a CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
It's playing at Regal Timberlyne 6 (120 Banks St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
