On the hunt for date night ideas? Check out 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.)
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, which results in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14, 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 has received numerous Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Picture, Olivia Colman for Best Actress and Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone for Supporting Actress.
It's screening at AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K St. NorthW.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.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 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this old-school film has garnered plenty of praise. The site's critical consensus notes 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."
You can catch it at The Miracle Theatre (535 Eighth St. SE) on Saturday, Dec. 22. 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 an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" is a good bet. Per the site's overview of critic reviews, "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 Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) on Saturday, Dec. 22 and The Miracle Theatre (535 Eighth St. SE) on Sunday, Dec. 23. 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 82 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has been getting attention since its release on Nov. 16. According to the site's summary of critic reviews, "'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 has been nominated for Best Picture by the Golden Globes, Mahershala Ali for Supporting Actor and Farrelly for Best Director.
It's playing at AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K St. NorthW.) through Monday, Dec. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Aquaman
The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be: a king.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 70 percent and an audience score of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at AMC Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
