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? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Miami.
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.)
Shoplifters
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor and barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
Boasting a 99 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Shoplifters" has been a must-watch since its release on November 23. The site's critical consensus indicates that "Understated yet ultimately deeply affecting, 'Shoplifters' adds another powerful chapter to director Hirokazu Koreeda's richly humanistic filmography."
It's playing at MDC’s Tower Theater Miami (1508 S.W. Eighth St.) through Saturday, Dec. 22. 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 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this classic comes highly recommended, with a consensus 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."
It's playing at Silverspot Cinema Metsquare (300 S.E. Third Ave.) through Monday, Dec. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
At Eternity's Gate
Famed but tormented artist Vincent van Gogh spends his final years in Arles, France, painting masterworks of the natural world that surrounds him.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 52 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "At Eternity's Gate" has proven a solid option since its release on November 16. The site's critical consensus has it that "Led by mesmerizing work from Willem Dafoe in the central role, 'At Eternity's Gate' intriguingly imagines Vincent Van Gogh's troubled final days."
It's playing at MDC’s Tower Theater Miami (1508 S.W. Eighth St.) through Monday, Dec. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line. They relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has proven a solid option since its release on November 16. Per the site's critical consensus, "'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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Silverspot Cinema Metsquare (300 S.E. Third Ave.) through Friday, Dec. 21 and Cinépolis Coconut Grove (3015 Grand Ave.) through Sunday, Dec. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Aquaman
The film reveals the origin story of half-human and half-Atlantean Arthur Curry. It takes him on the journey of his 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, December 21, "Aquaman" already has a critical approval rating of 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's summary of critic reviews, "'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 CMX Brickell City Centre (701 S. Miami Ave.), Silverspot Cinema Metsquare (300 S.E. Third Ave.), and Cinépolis Coconut Grove (3015 Grand Ave.) through Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
