Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worthwhile? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Raleigh.
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.)
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 been a must-watch since its release on Oct. 19. The site's critical consensus states, "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."
Catch it on the big screen at Regal North Hills Stadium 14 (4150 Main at North Hills St.) through Friday, Dec. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
With a critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on Nov. 23, with a consensus that, the film "sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext -- and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
The period drama just picked up five Golden Globe nominations for best picture, best screenplay, and best actress or supporting actress for all three leads. You can catch it at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Gremlins
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, and and unleashes a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
With a critical approval rating of 84 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1984 release has much to recommend it. According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "Whether you choose to see it as a statement on consumer culture or simply a special effects-heavy popcorn flick, 'Gremlins' is a minor classic."
It's playing at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Creed II
Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new found fame, issues with his family, and and his continuing quest to become a champion.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has been getting attention since its release on Nov. 21, with a consensus that, its "adherence to a franchise formula adds up to a sequel with few true surprises, but its time-tested generational themes still pack a solid punch."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Regal North Hills Stadium 14 (4150 Main at North Hills St.) through Friday, Dec. 7. 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 based on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 16 -- plus five Golden Globe nominations.
The Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus declares, "'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 Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
