In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Pasadena.
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 Hate U Give
Raised in a poverty-stricken slum, a 16-year-old girl named Starr now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she's torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
With a critical approval rating of 96 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hate U Give" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on October 19. The site's critical consensus has it that "Led by a breakout turn from Amandla Stenberg, the hard-hitting 'The Hate U Give' emphatically proves the YA genre has room for much more than magic and romance."
Catch it on the big screen at Regency Academy 6 Theater (1003 E. Colorado Blvd.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. 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 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's critical consensus, "'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 Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at ArcLight Pasadena (336 E. Colorado Blvd.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. 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 92 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 63 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Old Man & the Gun" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on October 19. The site's critical consensus notes that "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." Robert Redford is nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical or Comedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It's playing at Regency Academy 6 Theater (1003 E. Colorado Blvd.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. 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 a critical approval rating of 83 percent 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." The film is nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Get a piece of the action at ArcLight Pasadena (336 E. Colorado Blvd.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Smallfoot
A bright young yeti finds something he thought didn't exist — a human. News of this “smallfoot” throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village.
With a critical approval rating of 76 percent and an audience score of 66 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Smallfoot" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus notes that "'Smallfoot' offers a colorful distraction that should keep younger viewers entertained — and a story whose message might even resonate with older audiences."
It's screening at Regency Academy 6 Theater (1003 E. Colorado Blvd.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
