Need date night ideas? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Livermore.
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.)
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 critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Free Solo has been a must-watch 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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Vine Cinema & Alehouse (1722 First St.) 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 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Can You Ever Forgive Me? has gotten stellar reviews since its release on October 19. The site's critical consensus indicates that "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."
Catch it on the big screen at Vine Cinema & Alehouse (1722 First St.) through Friday, Dec. 14. 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 favorite.
Set to be released on Friday, December 14, The Favourite already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 67 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus has it that "The Favourite sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
You can catch it at Vine Cinema & Alehouse (1722 First St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. 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' $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
With a critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1946 release comes highly recommended. The site's critical consensus indicates 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."
It's playing at Vine Cinema & Alehouse (1722 First St.) on Thursday, Dec. 13. 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 a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Elf has proven a solid viewing choice, with a consensus 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."
Catch it on the big screen at Livermore 13 Cinema (2490 First St.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
