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 Worcester.
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, 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 garnered plenty of praise — and five Golden Globe nominations — since its release on December 14.
According to the site's critical consensus, "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Showcase Cinemas Worcester North (135 Brooks St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. 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 a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has proven a solid option since its release on November 16. It has received five Golden Globe nods, including Best Director for Peter Farrelly.
The site's critical consensus notes, "'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."
You can catch it at Showcase Cinemas Worcester North (135 Brooks St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Aquaman'
The film reveals the 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. 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."
Catch it on the big screen at Showcase Cinemas Worcester North (135 Brooks St.) 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 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch. Its star, Rami Malek, received a Golden Globe nominee for Best Actor for his work in the film.
Meanwhile, the site's critical consensus has it that "'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 Showcase Cinemas Worcester North (135 Brooks St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
