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? Read on for this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Dallas.
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.)
If Beale Street Could Talk
After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
Set to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 25, "If Beale Street Could Talk" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that "'If Beale Street Could Talk' honors its source material with a beautifully filmed adaptation that finds director Barry Jenkins further strengthening his visual and narrative craft."
The film has received Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture – Drama and Regina King for Best Supporting Actress
Catch it on the big screen at Cinepolis Luxury Cinema Victory Park (2365 Victory Park Lane) and Angelika Film Center & Cafe (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.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 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14. According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "'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.
You can catch it at Alamo Drafthouse Dallas (1005 S. Lamar St.) through Monday, Dec. 24 and Angelika Film Center & Cafe (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Gremlins
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, and unleashes a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
With an 84 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1980s classic has a strong following. The site's critical consensus has it that "Whether you choose to see it as a statement on consumer culture or simply a special effects-heavy popcorn flick, 'Gremlins' is a minor classic."
Catch it on the big screen at Alamo Drafthouse Dallas (1005 S. Lamar St.) on Monday, Dec. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
On the Basis of Sex
Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband, Marty, to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination.
Set to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 25, "On the Basis of Sex" already has a critical approval rating of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus has it that "'On the Basis of Sex' is nowhere near as groundbreaking as its real-life subject, but her extraordinary life makes a solid case for itself as an inspirational, well-acted biopic."
You can catch it at AMC NorthPark 15 (8687 N. Central Expressway) and Angelika Film Center & Cafe (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
