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 San Jose.
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, and resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 14, The Favourite already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 67 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 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." The film was recently honored with five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, according to Variety.
It's screening at CinéArts @ Santana Row (3088 Olsen Drive) through Thursday, Dec. 13; AMC Saratoga 14 (700 El Paseo De Saratoga) through Thursday, Dec. 13; and Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Friday, Dec. 14. 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 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."
Interested? It's playing at AMC Eastridge 15 (2190 Eastridge Loop) 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 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 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. 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.
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Eastridge 15 (2190 Eastridge Loop) through Thursday, Dec. 13; CinéArts @ Santana Row (3088 Olsen Drive) through Thursday, Dec. 13; AMC Saratoga 14 (700 El Paseo De Saratoga) through Thursday, Dec. 13; and Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
2.0
An ornithologist who commits suicide returns as fifth force to wreak havoc on mankind for harming birds with mobile phone radiation. The only thing that is standing in his way is 2.0, the upgraded version of Chitti, and the robot.
With a 75 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 2.0 is well worth a watch.
Catch it on the big screen at Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) and Towne 3 Cinemas (1433 The Alameda) through Thursday, Dec. 13. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Vox Lux
In 1999, teenage sisters Celeste and Eleanor survive a seismic, violent tragedy. The sisters compose and perform a song about their experience, making something lovely and cathartic out of a catastrophe - while also catapulting Celeste to stardom. By 2017, Celeste is a mother to a teenage daughter of her own and is struggling to navigate a career fraught with scandals when another act of terrifying violence demands her attention.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 14, Vox Lux already has a critical approval rating of 66 percent and an audience score of 61 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Per the site's critical consensus, "Vox Lux probes the allures and pitfalls of modern celebrity with sharp intelligence and visual style, all held together by an assured Natalie Portman performance."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
