In the age of streaming entertainment, it can be hard to muster the motivation 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 Phoenix.
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 Hate U Give
Raised in a poverty-stricken slum, a 16-year-old girl named Starr now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she's torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hate U Give" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on October 19, with a consensus that "Led by a breakout turn from Amandla Stenberg, the hard-hitting 'The Hate U Give' emphatically proves the YA genre has room for much more than magic and romance."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at AMC Arizona Center 24 (565 N. Third St.) through Thursday, Dec. 20. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
King Arthur, accompanied by his squire, recruits his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Bedevere the Wise, Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot and Sir Galahad the Pure. On the way, Arthur battles the Black Knight who, despite having had all his limbs chopped off, insists he can still fight. They reach Camelot, but Arthur decides not to enter, as "it is a silly place."
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '70s throwback has made a lasting impression. The site's critical consensus has it that "A cult classic as gut-bustingly hilarious as it is blithely ridiculous, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' has lost none of its exceedingly silly charm."
You can catch it at FilmBar (815 N. Second St.) 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 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 nods -- since its release on December 14.
The site's critical consensus has it that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at AMC Ahwatukee 24 (4915 E. Ray Road) through Thursday, Dec. 27. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
