Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worthwhile? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies — many of which are Golden Globe nominees — showing on the big screen in and around Irvine.
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.)
Shoplifters
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets and tests the bonds that unite them.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 99 percent and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Shoplifters" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on November 23. The site's critical consensus notes that "understated yet ultimately deeply affecting, 'Shoplifters' adds another powerful chapter to director Hirokazu Koreeda's richly humanistic filmography."
It's screening at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.Free Solo
Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3, 000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Boasting a 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on September 28. The site's critical consensus indicates that "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
Interested? It's playing at Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX (500 Spectrum Center Drive) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
When bestselling celebrity biographer Lee Israel is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on Oct. 19. Per the site's overview of critic reviews, "deftly directed and laced with dark wit, 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy."
It's playing at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. 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, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
"The Favourite" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus notes that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
Get a piece of the action at Edwards University Town Center 6 (4245 Campus Drive) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Old Man & the Gun
The true story of Forrest Tucker, from his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public. Wrapped up in the pursuit are a detective, who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and a woman, who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.
With a critical approval rating of 92 percent and an audience score of 63 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Old Man & the Gun" has become a favorite since its release on Oct. 19. Per the site's overview of critic reviews, "a well-told story brought to life by a beautifully matched cast, 'The Old Man & the Gun' is pure, easygoing entertainment for film fans and a fitting farewell to a legend."
Get a piece of the action at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Tuesday, Dec. 18. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
