Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worthwhile? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Washington.
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.)
Free Solo
Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on September 28. The site's critical consensus indicates that "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
It's playing at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market (550 E. Penn St. NE) through Thursday, Feb. 7. 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 a spider-man. When Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk uses a super collider, others from across the Spider-Verse are transported to this dimension.
With an Oscar nod for Best Animated Feature, a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on December 14.
Per the site's critical consensus, "'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."
It's screening at Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh St. NW) through Thursday, Feb. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Groundhog Day
A narcissistic TV weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer and mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.
With a critical approval rating of 96 percent and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '90s classic boasts plenty of accolades, and it's being re-released in honor of, of course, Groundhog Day (Feb. 2).
According to the site's critical consensus, "Smart, sweet, and inventive, 'Groundhog Day' highlights Murray's dramatic gifts while still leaving plenty of room for laughs."
Catch it on the big screen at The Miracle Theatre (535 Eighth St. SE) only today, Jan. 31, or at the Warner Bros. Theater(13th St and Constitution Avenue N.W.) on Saturday, Feb. 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 favourite.
With a 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 62 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has become a favorite since its release on December 14. It recently received a whopping ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress or Supporting Actress for all three main actresses.
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."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW) through Thursday, Feb. 7.
