Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around San Francisco.
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.)
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 gotten stellar reviews since its release on Oct. 19. According to the site's critical consensus, "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."
You can catch it at Roxie Theater (3117 16th St.) on Sunday, Dec. 9; AMC Van Ness 14 (1000 Van Ness Ave.) through Friday, Dec. 7; Presidio Theatre (2340 Chestnut St.) through Friday, Dec. 7; and UA Stonestown Twin (501 Buckingham Way) through Friday, Dec. 7. 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 arguably completed the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on Sept. 28. The site's critical consensus notes that "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason - and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
Get a piece of the action at AMC Van Ness 14 (1000 Van Ness Ave.) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
People's Republic of Desire
In China’s popular live-streaming showrooms, three millennials – a karaoke singer, a migrant worker and a rags-to-riches comedian – seek fame, fortune and human connection, ultimately finding the same promises and perils online as in their real lives.
With a critical approval rating of 96 percent and an audience score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "People's Republic of Desire" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Nov. 30.
You can catch it at Roxie Theater (3117 16th St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on Nov. 23. 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."
It's playing at AMC Kabuki 8 (1881 Post St.) and Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (2550 Mission) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. 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 91 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 Oct. 19. Per the site's critical consensus, "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 UA Stonestown Twin (501 Buckingham Way) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
