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 Alexandria.
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 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.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14. 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."
The film has received numerous Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Picture, Olivia Colman for Best Actress and Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone for Supporting Actress.
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. 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 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 has it that "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."
Catch it on the big screen at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) 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 it "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 been getting attention since its release on Nov. 16. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
The film has been nominated for Best Picture by the Golden Globes, Mahershala Ali for Supporting Actor and Farrelly for Best Director.
Interested? It's playing at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) through Saturday, Dec. 22 and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Monday, Dec. 24. 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, and but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be: a king.
Set to be released on Friday, Dec. 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 70 percent and an audience score of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
