On the hunt for date-night ideas? Check out 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 an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 2003 release has proven a solid viewing choice. According to the site's critical consensus, "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 playing at AMC Philadelphia Mills 14 (1149 Franklin Mills Circle) 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 traditionally relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 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. According to 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 Variety.
It's screening at AMC Philadelphia Mills 14 (1149 Franklin Mills Circle) through Thursday, Dec. 13, and UA Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 RPX & IMAX (1400 S. Columbus Blvd.) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife, Ellen, and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
With a critical approval rating of 64 percent and an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1980s throwback deserves a viewing, with a consensus that "While 'Christmas Vacation' may not be the most disciplined comedy, it's got enough laughs and good cheer to make for a solid seasonal treat."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at UA Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 RPX & IMAX (1400 S. Columbus Blvd.) on Saturday, Dec. 15. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet — finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch. According to the site's critical consensus, "'Bohemian Rhapsody' hits a handful of high notes, but as an in-depth look at a beloved band, it offers more of a medley than a true greatest hits collection." The film recently scored two Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture Drama, according to Variety.
It's playing at UA Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 RPX & IMAX (1400 S. Columbus Blvd.) through Friday, Dec. 14, and UA Grant Plaza 9 (1619 Grant Ave.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
