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 Chicago.
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, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
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 December 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."
It's playing at ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Saturday, December 22; ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East) through Wednesday, December 19; AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) through Thursday, December 20; and Regal Webster Place 11 (1471 W. Webster Ave.) through Thursday, December 20. 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, and a workaholic publisher.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Elf has a strong following. The site's critical consensus indicates that "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."
It's screening at Regal City North Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX (2600 N. Western Ave.) on Saturday, December 22. 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 were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line. They 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 been getting attention since its release on November 16. The site's critical consensus has it that 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."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Thursday, December 20; ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East) through Wednesday, December 19; AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) through Thursday, December 20; and Regal Webster Place 11 (1471 W. Webster Ave.) through Thursday, December 20. 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, December 25, On the Basis of Sex already has a critical approval rating of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's critical consensus, "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."
Get a piece of the action at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) and Regal Webster Place 11 (1471 W. Webster Ave.) through Wednesday, December 26. 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 70 percent and an audience score of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus indicates 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."
You can catch it at AMC Dine-in Block 37 (100 N. State St.) through Tuesday, December 25; ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Monday, December 24; ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East) through Wednesday, December 26; and Regal City North Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX (2600 N. Western Ave.) through Wednesday, December 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
