In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Alexandria, including two that have been nominated for 2019 Golden Globes.
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.)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales is juggling his life as an ordinary high school student and mastering his new Spider-Man abilities. However, Miles' life gets even more complicated when Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk uses a super collider to access a parallel dimension. That's when another Spider-Man, Peter Parker, accidentally winds up in Miles' world. As Peter trains Miles to become a better Spider-Man, they are soon joined by four other Spider-Men from across the "Spider-Verse. As all these clashing dimensions start to tear Brooklyn apart, Miles must help the others stop Fisk and return everyone to their own dimensions.
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 December 14. The site's critical consensus notes 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."
You can catch it at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) through Tuesday, Jan. 8 and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Catch 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 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "If Beale Street Could Talk" has become a favorite since its release on December 25. According to the site's overview of critic reviews, "'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."
Interested? It's playing at AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
This must-see film snagged five Golden Globe nominations, including best film and best supporting actress in a comedy/musical. Set in 18th century England, this film centers on the close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill. That relationship is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, which results in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favorite.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 59 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 14, with a consensus that "'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 Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) through Tuesday, Jan. 8 and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Thursday, Jan. 10. 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 93 percent and an audience score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bumblebee" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 21. The site's critical consensus has it 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."
Get a piece of the action at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) through Tuesday, Jan. 8 and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Thursday, Jan. 10. 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, family issues and his continuing quest to become a champion.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has racked up generally positive reviews since its release on November 21. According to the site's critical consensus, "'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."
It's screening at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium 16 (3575 Potomac Ave.) through Friday, Jan. 4 and AMC Hoffman Center 22 (206 Swamp Fox Road) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
