On the hunt for date night ideas? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Washington.
Here are 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.)
It's a Wonderful Life
A holiday favorite for generations. 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 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this vintage film has become a favorite. 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."
Interested? It's playing at The Miracle Theatre (535 Eighth St. SE) through Sunday, Dec. 16. 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 an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has been getting attention since its release on Nov. 16. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
You can catch it at Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) and AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K St. NorthW.) through Monday, Dec. 17. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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 64 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '80s throwback has proven potential, 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 Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) 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, the group finds a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a critical approval rating of 62 percent and an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus indicates that "'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."
It's playing at AMC Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW) through Friday, Dec. 14; Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) through Saturday, Dec. 15; AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K St. NorthW.) through Sunday, Dec. 16; and Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market (550 E. Penn St. NE) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
