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 Merced.
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.)
'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, a workaholic publisher.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 2003 release is a good bet. The site's critical consensus notes, "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."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Regal Manchester Stadium 16 (2055 E. Shields Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Aquaman'
The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime - one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king.
Set to be released on Friday, December 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 70 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up a CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
Ready for popcorn? It's playing at Regal Manchester Stadium 16 (2055 E. Shields Ave.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. 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 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch. Its star, Rami Malek, is a Golden Globe nominee for Best Actor.
The site's critical consensus argues, "'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."
Catch it on the big screen at Regal Manchester Stadium 16 ( 2055 E. Shields Ave., Fresno, CA 93726 ) through Tuesday, Dec. 25. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
