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 Culver City.
Here are 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 gotten stellar reviews since its release on September 28, with a consensus 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 ArcLight Culver City (9500 Culver Blvd.) through Thursday, Dec. 13. 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.
Set to be released on Friday, December 14, "The Favourite" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes -- not to mention five Golden Globe nominations, including nods for all three leading actresses.
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."
Interested? It's playing at ArcLight Culver City (9500 Culver Blvd.) starting Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
It's a Wonderful Life
A holiday favourite 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's $8000 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 has become a favorite. The site's critical consensus notes 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 screening for a limited time at ArcLight Culver City (9500 Culver Blvd.) on 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 an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has proven a solid option since its release on November 16.
Five Golden Globe nominations back up the site's critical consensus 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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at ArcLight Culver City (9500 Culver Blvd.) through Friday, Dec. 14. 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 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch, with a consensus that it "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."
Get a piece of the action at ArcLight Culver City (9500 Culver Blvd.) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
