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 Seattle.
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.)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales is juggling his life between being a high school student and being Spider-Man. However, when Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk uses a super collider, another Spider-Man from another dimension, Peter Parker, accidentally winds up in Miles' dimension. As Peter trains Miles to become a better Spider-Man, they are soon joined by four other Spider-Men from across the "Spider-Verse." As all these clashing dimensions start to tear Brooklyn apart, Miles must help the others stop Fisk and return everyone to their own dimensions.
With a critical approval rating of 97 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on Dec. 14, with a consensus that "'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Thursday, Jan. 3; AMC Seattle 10 (4500 Ninth Ave. NE) through Thursday, Jan. 3; Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Wednesday, Jan. 2; and AMC Loews Oak Tree 6 (10006 Aurora Ave. North) through Thursday, Jan. 3. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bumblebee
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary yellow VW bug.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bumblebee" has become a favorite since its release on Dec. 21, with a consensus that "'Bumblebee' proves it's possible to bring fun and a sense of wonder back to a bloated blockbuster franchise -- and sets up its own slate of sequels in the bargain."
You can catch it at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Thursday, Jan. 3; AMC Seattle 10 (4500 Ninth Ave. NE) through Friday, Jan. 4; Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Wednesday, Jan. 2; and Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 & IMAX (316 N.E. Thorton Place) through Wednesday, Jan. 2. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "If Beale Street Could Talk" has become a favorite since its release on Dec. 25. 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."
The film has received Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture – Drama and Regina King for Best Supporting Actress.
Catch it on the big screen at Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Wednesday, Jan. 2. 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 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 59 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14. The site's critical consensus notes that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
The film has received numerous Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Picture, Olivia Colman for Best Actress and Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone for Supporting Actress.
Interested? It's playing at AMC Seattle 10 (4500 Ninth Ave. NE) and AMC Loews Oak Tree 6 (10006 Aurora Ave. North) through Thursday, Jan. 3. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
