In the age of streaming entertainment, it can be hard to leave the couch. But movie theaters still offer a special experience for those willing to get out of the house. Want to see what's out there? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Miami Beach.
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
This must-see film snagged five Golden Globe nominations, including best film and best supporting actress in a comedy/musical. Set in 18th century England, the story follows the close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill. That relationship, however, is soon threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, and the two cousins compete 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. 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."
Catch it on the big screen at Regal South Beach Stadium 18 & IMAX (1120 Lincoln Road) through Friday, Dec. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Elf
When young Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) 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 turns out to be a workaholic publisher.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" has a strong following, with a consensus 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."
It's screening at Regal South Beach Stadium 18 & IMAX (1120 Lincoln Road) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
You still have time to catch this Golden Globe-nominated film starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. In 1962, Tony Lip, a Bronx bouncer, is hired to drive pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South. In the Jim Crow era, African Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line and often 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 generally positive reviews since its release on November 16. According to the site's summary of critic reviews, "'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 Regal South Beach Stadium 18 & IMAX (1120 Lincoln 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 a 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, Dec. 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Per the site's critical consensus, "'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 Regal South Beach Stadium 18 & IMAX (1120 Lincoln Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Vox Lux
In 1999, teenage sisters Celeste and Eleanor survive a seismic, violent tragedy. The sisters compose and perform a song about their experience, making something lovely and cathartic out of a catastrophe, while also catapulting Celeste to stardom. By 2017, Celeste is raising a teenage daughter of her own and struggling to navigate a career fraught with scandals when another act of terrifying violence demands her attention.
With a 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Vox Lux" is well worth a watch. According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "'Vox Lux' probes the allures and pitfalls of modern celebrity with sharp intelligence and visual style, all held together by an assured Natalie Portman performance."
It's playing at Regal South Beach Stadium 18 & IMAX (1120 Lincoln Road) through Friday, Dec. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
