Catch 4 of fall's most acclaimed dramas in Oakland theaters right now

Catch 4 of fall's most acclaimed dramas in Oakland theaters right nowImage: The Hate U Give | TMDb
Hoodline
Published on December 07, 2018

Looking for a stirring story? Check out this week's lineup of topical and critically beloved dramas showing on the big screen in and around Oakland.

Read on for the top-ranked drama 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 Hate U Give

Raised in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, a 16-year-old girl named Starr now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she's torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.

With a 96 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hate U Give" has been a must-watch since its release on October 19. It features Oakland-born Russell Hornsby as the father of protagonist Starr, played by Amandla Sternberg.

Per the site's summary of critic reviews, "Led by a breakout turn from Amandla Stenberg, the hard-hitting 'The Hate U Give' emphatically proves the YA genre has room for much more than magic and romance."

Catch it on the big screen at The New Parkway (474 24th St.) and other theaters through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Blindspotting

Collin must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning. He and his troublemaking childhood best friend, Miles, work as movers, and when Collin witnesses a police shooting, the two men’s friendship is tested as they grapple with identity and their changed realities in the rapidly-gentrifying neighborhood they grew up in.

With a 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Oakland-set "Blindspotting" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on July 27. The film's cowriter and costar, Daveed Diggs (of "Hamilton" fame), was also born and raised in Oakland.

According to the site's critical consensus, "As timely as it is overall impactful, 'Blindspotting' blends buddy comedy with seething social commentary, and rises on the strength of Daveed Diggs' powerful performance."

Interested? It's playing at The New Parkway (474 24th St.) through Saturday, Dec. 8. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Creed II

Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with newfound fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.

With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has racked up plenty of positive notices since its release on Nov. 21. The site's critical consensus indicates that its "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 playing at Regal Jack London Stadium 9 (100 Washington St.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. 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 rely on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up highly positive reviews — and now, five Golden Globe nominations — since its release on Nov. 16.

The site's critical consensus finds 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."

Interested? It's playing at the Grand Lake Theatre (3200 Grand Ave.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. Click here for showtimes and tickets.


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