Los Angeles/ Fun & Entertainment
Published on December 06, 2018
The 5 best movies screening around Irvine this weekImage: The Favourite/TMDb

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 Irvine.

Here are the highest rated films to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy of The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)

The Waldheim Waltz

Ruth Beckermann documents the process of uncovering former UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim’s wartime past. It shows the swift succession of new allegations by the World Jewish Congress during his Austrian presidential campaign, the denial by the Austrian political class, the outbreak of anti-Semitism and patriotism, and which finally led to his election.

Boasting a critical approval rating of 100 percent and an audience score of 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Waldheim Waltz" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on October 19.

Interested? It's playing at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

When bestselling celebrity biographer Lee Israel is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, and abetted by her loyal friend Jack.

Boasting a 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on October 19. The site's critical consensus has it that "Deftly directed and laced with dark wit, 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy."

Get a piece of the action at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Free Solo

Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3, 000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, and he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history.

With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has been a must-watch since its release on September 28. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."

It's screening at Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX (500 Spectrum Center Drive) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

The Favourite

In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail arrives, and her charm endears her to Sarah.

With a 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on November 23. Per the site's summary of critic reviews, "'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 Edwards University Town Center 6 (4245 Campus Drive) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

The Old Man & the Gun

The true story of Forrest Tucker, from his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public. Wrapped up in the pursuit are a detective, who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and a woman, who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.

With a 91 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 63 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Old Man & the Gun" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on October 19. According to the site's critical consensus, "A well-told story brought to life by a beautifully matched cast, 'The Old Man & the Gun' is pure, easygoing entertainment for film fans — and a fitting farewell to a legend."

You can catch it at Edwards Westpark 8 (3735 Alton Parkway) through Thursday, Dec. 6. Click here for showtimes and tickets.