Want to get real? Check out this week's lineup of dramas showing on the big screen in and around Denver.
Read on for the highest rated dramatic movies to catch in theaters, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
If Beale Street Could Talk
Check out this film from "Moonlight" director Barry Jenkins while you can — it just landed three Golden Globe nominations. Adapted from James Baldwin's novel, "If Beale Street Could Talk" is a love story about a young black couple set in 1970s Harlem. Dreams of a happy ending crumble when the woman's fiancé is falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned. Driven by love, she sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
With a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "If Beale Street Could Talk" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 25.
According to the site's critical consensus, "'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."
It's screening at Alamo Drafthouse Sloans Lake (4255 W. Colfax Ave.) through Friday, Jan. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Creed II
This sequel follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring. 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 November 21. The site's critical consensus notes that the film'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."
Catch it on the big screen at Harkins Northfield 18 (8300 E. Northfield Blvd.) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Catch the Queen biopic starring Rami Malek, which recently snagged two Golden Globe nominations. 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 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 critical approval rating of 62 percent and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch, according to the viewing public.
The site's critical consensus notes 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."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at UA Denver Pavilions Stadium 15 & RPX (500 16th St.) through Friday, Jan. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
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