On the hunt for date night ideas? Read on for this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Evanston.
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, and resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
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 December 14. The site's critical consensus indicates that "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 playing at Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD (1715 Maple Ave.) through Friday, December 21. 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 and 000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
With a critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this classic has become a favorite. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
It's playing at Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD (1715 Maple Ave.) on Monday, December 24. 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. The story takes place during the days when African Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line and relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Green Book has proven a solid option 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's playing at Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD (1715 Maple Ave.) through Friday, December 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
On the Basis of Sex
Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination.
Set to be released on Tuesday, December 25, On the Basis of Sex already has a critical approval rating of 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus notes that "On the Basis of Sex is nowhere near as groundbreaking as its real-life subject, but her extraordinary life makes a solid case for itself as an inspirational, well-acted biopic."
Catch it on the big screen at Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD (1715 Maple Ave.) through Wednesday, December 26. 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, with a consensus 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."
Get a piece of the action at Century 12 Evanston/CinéArts 6 and XD (1715 Maple Ave.) through Wednesday, December 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
