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 Fresno.
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.)
'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.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on December 14. All three of its leading ladies have been honored with Golden Globe nominations for their work in the movie, as have the director and the film as a whole.
The site's critical consensus agrees: "'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 screening at Maya Fresno 16 & MPX (3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive) through Monday, Dec. 24. 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, a workaholic publisher.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" is a good bet. The site's critical consensus indicates, "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 Regal Manchester Stadium 16 (2055 E. Shields Ave.) and Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX (250 Paseo del Centro) on Saturday, Dec. 22. 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 82 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up highly positive reviews since its release on November 16, with a 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."
It has received five Golden Globe nominations this season. You can catch it at Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX (250 Paseo del Centro) through Friday, Dec. 21. 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 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's critical consensus, "'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."
It's playing at UA Broadway Faire Stadium 10 (3351 W. Shaw Ave.) and Regal Manchester Stadium 16 (2055 E. Shields Ave.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
