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 San Antonio.
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 critical approval rating of 97 percent 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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Cinemark Movies 16 (5063 N.W. Loop 410th) and Regal Fiesta Stadium 16 (12631 Vance Jackson) through Friday, Dec. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'March of the Penguins'
Every year, thousands of Antarctica's emperor penguins make an astonishing journey to breed their young. They walk, marching day and night in single file 70 miles into the darkest, driest and coldest continent on Earth. Morgan Freeman narrates this amazing, true-life tale touched with humor and alive with thrills. Breathtaking photography captures the transcendent beauty and staggering drama of devoted parent penguins who, in the fierce polar winter, take turns guarding their egg and trekking to the ocean in search of food. Predators hunt them and storms lash them. But the safety of their adorable chicks makes it all worthwhile.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "March of the Penguins" has garnered plenty of praise. The site's critical consensus has it that "Only the most hardened soul won't be moved by this heartwarming doc."
It's screening at Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak (22806 Us Highway 281 North) through Tuesday, Dec. 25. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Incredibles 2'
Elastigirl springs into action to save the day, while Mr. Incredible faces his greatest challenge yet — taking care of the problems of his three children.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Incredibles 2" has become a favorite since its release on June 15. Per the site's overview of critic reviews, "'Incredibles 2' reunites Pixar's family crime-fighting team for a long-awaited follow-up that may not quite live up to the original, but comes close enough to earn its name."
You can catch it at Cinemark Movies 16 (5063 N.W. Loop 410th) through Tuesday, Dec. 25, and Regal Fiesta Stadium 16 (12631 Vance Jackson) through Friday, Dec. 21. 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 favorite.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on December 14. According to the site's critical consensus, "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext — and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
It's screening at Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro (4522 Fredericksburg Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 26; Santikos Embassy 14 (13707 Embassy Row) through Wednesday, Dec. 26; and Alamo Drafthouse Park North (618 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 307) through Friday, Dec. 21. 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 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1946 release comes highly recommended. According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "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 screening at Santikos Embassy 14 (13707 Embassy Row) through Tuesday, Dec. 25; Santikos Silverado 16 Theatre (11505 W. Loop 1604 North) through Tuesday, Dec. 25; Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak (22806 Us Highway 281 North) on Monday, Dec. 24; and Alamo Drafthouse Park North (618 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 307) on Monday, Dec. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
