In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Santa Monica.
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.)
Meet Me in St. Louis
In the year before the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 100 percent and an audience score of 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1944 release has made a lasting impression.
Interested? It's playing at American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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 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. 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." The film has been nominated for five Golden Globes, including Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture.
It's screening at ArcLight Santa Monica (395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 330) through Sunday, Dec. 23. 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 $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
With a 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this old-school film 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."
Catch it on the big screen at American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave.) on Sunday, Dec. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Lion in Winter
1183 AD: King Henry II's three sons all want to inherit the throne, but he won't commit to a choice. They and his wife variously plot to force him.
With a critical approval rating of 92 percent and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1960s classic has garnered plenty of praise, with a consensus that "Sharper and wittier than your average period piece, 'The Lion in Winter' is a tale of palace intrigue bolstered by fantastic performances from Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins in his big-screen debut."
Interested? It's playing at American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave.) on Thursday, Dec. 20. 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, a workaholic publisher.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" is a good bet. The site's critical consensus indicates 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 American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave.) through Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
