In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Raleigh.
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.)
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 96 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hate U Give" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Oct. 19. According to the site's critical consensus, "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."
It's screening at AMC Classic Blue Ridge Road (600 Blue Ridge Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. 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, which results in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 14, "The Favourite" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes to add to its recent pickup of five Golden Globe nominations.
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."
Catch it on the big screen at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) 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's $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 50s hit is being re-released for the Christmas season, with a consensus 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."
Get a piece of the action at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Saturday, Dec. 15. 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, who is a workaholic publisher.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" has proven a solid viewing choice.
According to the site's critical consensus, "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."
You can catch it at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Tuesday, Dec. 18. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
