On the hunt for date-night ideas? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Burbank.
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, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 14. Per 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 been nominated for five Golden Globes, including Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture.
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Burbank Town Center 8 (201 E. Magnolia Blvd.) through Thursday, Dec. 20 and AMC Burbank 16 (125 E. Palm Ave.) through Monday, Dec. 24. 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. The film is set in the days when African-Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line and 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 November 16. According to the site's overview 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 five Golden Globes, including Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
You can catch it at AMC Burbank Town Center 6 (770 N. 1st St.) through Thursday, Dec. 20. 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, December 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's critical consensus, "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at AMC Burbank 16 (125 E. Palm Ave.), AMC Burbank Town Center 6 (770 N. First St.) and AMC Burbank Town Center 8 (201 E. Magnolia Blvd.). 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.
With a 60 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 51 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Vox Lux" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus has it that "'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."
It's screening at AMC Burbank 16 (125 E. Palm Ave.) through Saturday, Dec. 22. 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, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet — finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch, with a consensus 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." The film has been nominated for two Golden Globe awards, including Best Picture – Drama.
It's playing at AMC Burbank 16 (125 E. Palm Ave.) through Thursday, Dec. 20. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
