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? From a WWI documentary to a rock biopic, this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in Berkeley offers something for everyone.
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.)
They Shall Not Grow Old
Catch this World War I documentary --a landmark feature from Hobbit Director Peter Jackson--that uses never-before-seen footage and actual voices of British soldiers. It first aired on BBC to commemorate the centennial of Armistice Day.
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "They Shall Not Grow Old" has been a must-watch since its release on Dec. 17. Per the site's critical consensus it's "An impressive technical achievement with a walloping emotional impact. 'They Shall Not Grow Old' pays brilliant cinematic tribute to the sacrifice of a generation."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at UA Berkeley 7 (2274 Shattuck Ave.) through Monday, Jan. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has been a must-watch since its release on Dec. 14. It recently won Best Animated Picture at the Golden Globes. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
Get a piece of the action at UA Berkeley 7 (2274 Shattuck Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Aquaman
Arthur Curry learns that he is the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and must step forward to lead his people and be a hero to the world.
With a 64 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Aquaman" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus has it that "'Aquaman' swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."
Interested? It's playing at UA Berkeley 7 (2274 Shattuck Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
In 1970, 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. Hit songs--from "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "We Will Rock You"--become instant classics. But 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 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch for Rami Malek's portrayal of Mercury, which recently earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The site's critical consensus has it that "'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."
Catch it on the big screen at UA Berkeley 7 (2274 Shattuck Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 24. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
