In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies and Golden Globe nominees showing on the big screen in and around Sacramento.
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.)
If Beale Street Could Talk
After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
Set to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 25, "If Beale Street Could Talk" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus indicates that "'If Beale Street Could Talk' honors its source material with a beautifully filmed adaptation that finds director Barry Jenkins further strengthening his visual and narrative craft."
You can catch it at The Tower Theatre (2508 Land Park Drive) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. 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 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Nov. 25. 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."
You can catch it at The Tower Theatre (2508 Land Park Drive) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. 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 racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 16. The site's critical consensus indicates 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."
Catch it on the big screen at The Tower Theatre (2508 Land Park Drive) through Friday, Dec. 21. 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" has proven a solid viewing choice. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Regal Natomas Marketplace Stadium 16 & RPX (3561 Truxel Road) and Regal Delta Shores 14 & IMAX (8136 Delta Shores Circle South) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
