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 Elgin.
Read on for 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.)
Schindler's List
The true story of how businessman Oskar Schindler saved over a thousand Jewish lives from the Nazis while they worked as slaves in his factory during World War II.
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the 1993 Best Picture winner boasts plenty of accolades, with a consensus that "'Schindler's List' blends the abject horror of the Holocaust with Steven Spielberg's signature tender humanism to create the director's dramatic masterpiece."
For its 25th anniversary, it's playing for a limited time on the big screen at Marcus Elgin Cinema (111 S. Randall Road). 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 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this vintage film is not to be missed. 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."
Interested? It's also playing at Marcus Elgin Cinema (111 S. Randall Road) through Thursday, Dec. 6. 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 a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" is a good bet, with a consensus that, "[F]ull 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."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Marcus Elgin Cinema (111 S. Randall Road) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Creed II
Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with newfound fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has been getting attention since its release on November 21. The site's critical consensus has it that its "adherence to franchise formula adds up to a sequel with few true surprises, but its time-tested generational themes still pack a solid punch."
Get a piece of the action at Marcus Elgin Cinema (111 S. Randall Road) through Thursday, Dec. 6. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Boy Erased
Jared, the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, is outed to his parents at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith.
With a critical approval rating of 81 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Boy Erased" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on November 16.
According to the site's critical consensus, "Anchored in empathy by writer-director-star Joel Edgerton, 'Boy Erased' proves the road to complex, powerfully performed drama can also be paved with good intentions."
You can catch it at Marcus Elgin Cinema (111 S. Randall Road) through Thursday, Dec. 6. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
