Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Read on for this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Dallas.
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.
Released on Nov. 23, "The Favourite" has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus notes that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
Get a piece of the action at Alamo Drafthouse Dallas (1005 S. Lamar St.) through Friday, Dec. 14 and Angelika Film Center & Cafe (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) through Tuesday, Dec. 18. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Gremlins
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, and unleashes a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
With an 84 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '80s throwback has proven a solid viewing choice. The site's critical consensus has it that "Whether you choose to see it as a statement on consumer culture or simply a special effects-heavy popcorn flick, 'Gremlins' is a minor classic."
Catch it on the big screen at Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands (6770 Abrams Road) on Sunday, Dec. 16. 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 much to recommend it. The site's critical consensus notes that "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 Cinemark Hollywood USA Movies 15 (4040 S. Shiloh Road) through Thursday, Dec. 20. 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."
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 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."
It's playing at Cinepolis Luxury Cinema Victory Park (2365 Victory Park Lane), AMC NorthPark 15 (8687 N. Central Expressway), and AMC Valley View 16 (13331 Preston Road) through Tuesday, Dec. 18. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
