Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worthwhile? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Portsmouth.
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 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has gotten stellar reviews and two Golden Globe nominations since its release on October 19,
The critical consensus agrees: "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 Cinemagic Portsmouth (2454 Lafayette Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. 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 forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up highly positive reviews since its release on November 16, and now boasts five Golden Globe nods as well.
Critical consensus lauds the film: "'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."
It's screening at Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 & RPX (45 Gosling Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, and but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
With a critical approval rating of 64 percent and an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1980s classic has something to offer. According to the site's summary of critic reviews, "While 'Christmas Vacation' may not be the most disciplined comedy, it's got enough laughs and good cheer to make for a solid seasonal treat."
You can catch it at Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 & RPX (45 Gosling Road) on Saturday, Dec. 15. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet – finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a critical approval rating of 62 percent and an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been more popular with the public and awards nominators than with critics.
The consensus among film reviewers is that "'Bohemian Rhapsody' hits a handful of high notes, but as an in-depth look at a beloved band, it offers more of a medley than a true greatest hits collection." Both the film itself and star Rami Malek were nominated for Golden Globes.
It's screening at Cinemagic Portsmouth (2454 Lafayette Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
