5 worthwhile films worth checking out in San Jose this week

5 worthwhile films worth checking out in San Jose this weekImage: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse/TMDb
Hoodline
Published on January 16, 2019

In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around San Jose.

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, joining others from across the "Spider-Verse".

With a critical approval rating of 97 percent and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on Dec. 14. The site's critical consensus indicates 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."

In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at AMC Eastridge 15 (2190 Eastridge Loop) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; AMC Saratoga 14 (700 El Paseo De Saratoga) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; and CineLux Almaden Cafe & Lounge (2306 Almaden Road) through Thursday, Jan. 24. 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 95 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 71 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "If Beale Street Could Talk" has garnered plenty of praise since its release. The site's critical consensus has it 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."

Get a piece of the action at AMC Saratoga 14 (700 El Paseo De Saratoga) through Thursday, Jan. 17 and Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Wednesday, Jan. 23. 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 62 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite 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 scored a Golden Globe win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy or Musical Motion Picture, according to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. 

Catch it on the big screen at Pruneyard Dine-In Cinemas (1875 S. Bascom Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 24. 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 92 percent and an audience score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bumblebee" has garnered plenty of praise 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."

Catch it on the big screen at AMC Eastridge 15 (2190 Eastridge Loop) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; AMC Saratoga 14 (700 El Paseo De Saratoga) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; Century 20 Oakridge and XD (925 Blossom Hill Road) through Wednesday Jan. 23; and CineLux Almaden Cafe & Lounge (2306 Almaden Road) through Thursday, Jan. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Creed II

Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with newfound fame, issues with his family and his continuing quest to become a champion.

With a critical approval rating of 83 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on Nov. 21. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Creed II''s adherence to 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 AMC Eastridge 15 (2190 Eastridge Loop) through Wednesday, Jan. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.