On the hunt for date night ideas? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Stockton.
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.)
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, forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line, relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has racked up highly positive reviews -- and five Golden Globe nominations -- since its release on November 16.
The site's critics agree that "'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 Regal Stockton City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX (222 N. El Dorado St.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Boy Erased
Jared, the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, is outed to his parents at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends and faith.
With an 80 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Boy Erased" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus argues, "Anchored in empathy by writer-director-star Joel Edgerton, 'Boy Erased' proves the road to complex, powerfully performed drama can also be paved with good intentions."
The film earned Luke Hedges a Golden Globe nod for Best Actor. It's screening at Regal Stockton City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX (222 N. El Dorado St.) only through the end of today. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
With a 64 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '80s throwback re-released for the holiday season may provide some laughs.
The site's critical consensus admits that, "While 'Christmas Vacation' may not be the most disciplined comedy, it's got enough laughs and good cheer to make for a solid seasonal treat."
It's playing at Regal Stockton City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX (222 N. El Dorado St.) on Saturday, Dec. 15. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet – finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been more popular with audiences than critics: "'Bohemian Rhapsody' hits a handful of high notes, but as an in-depth look at a beloved band, it offers more of a medley than a true greatest hits collection."
However, both the film and its star, Rami Malek, are Golden Globe nominees, and for fans of the band's work, it's certainly worth a look.
You can catch it at AMC Showplace Manteca 16 (848 Lifestyle St.) through the end of today. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
