In the age of streaming entertainment, it can be hard to leave the couch. But movie theaters still offer a special experience for those willing to get out of the house. Want to see what's out there? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Orange.
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 a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 2003 release has a strong following. The site's critical consensus indicates "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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at AMC Orange 30 (AMC Block 30) (20 City Blvd. West) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.Creed II
Follow Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new found fame, issues with his family and his continuing quest to become a champion.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on November 21. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Creed II''s 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 AMC Orange 30 (AMC Block 30) (20 City Blvd. West) through Wednesday, Dec. 12 and Century Stadium 25 and XD (1701 W. Katella Ave.) through Tuesday, Dec. 11. 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 82 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on November 16, with a consensus that it "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."
Get a piece of the action at AMC Orange 30 (AMC Block 30) (20 City Blvd. West) through Wednesday, Dec. 12 and Century Stadium 25 and XD (1701 W. Katella Ave.) through Tuesday, Dec. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Boy Erased
Jared, the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, is outed to his parents at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program — or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and and faith.
With an 81 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Boy Erased" has been getting attention since its release on November 16. The site's critical consensus has it that "anchored in empathy by writer-director-star Joel Edgerton, 'Boy Erased' proves the road to complex, powerfully performed drama can also be paved with good intentions."
It's playing at AMC Orange 30 (AMC Block 30) (20 City Blvd. West) through Wednesday, Dec. 12 and Century Stadium 25 and XD (1701 W. Katella Ave.) through Tuesday, Dec. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Mid90s
Stevie is a sweet 13-year-old about to explode. His mom is loving and attentive, but a little too forthcoming about her romantic life. His big brother is a taciturn and violent bully. So Stevie searches his working-class Los Angeles suburb for somewhere to belong. He finds it at the Motor Avenue skate shop.
With a critical approval rating of 76 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Mid90s" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Mid90s' tells a clear-eyed yet nostalgic coming-of-age tale that might mark the start of an auspicious new career for debuting writer-director Jonah Hill."
It's screening at AMC Orange 30 (AMC Block 30) (20 City Blvd. West) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
