Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Take a look at this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Charlotte.
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.)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Don't miss the third installment in this trilogy about the friendship between an adolescent viking and a dragon. As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.
Catch the conclusion to the animated fantasy series ahead of the Feb. 22 release date in a single special sneak preview this Saturday, only in Charlotte and a few other cities around the nation.
The film already has a critical approval rating of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that "The rare trilogy capper that really works, 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' brings its saga to a visually dazzling and emotionally affecting conclusion."
It's playing at AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 (9541 South Blvd.) only on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. Click here for showtimes and tickets — and if you're interested, don't delay. They'll likely sell out fast.
Free Solo
Nominated for Best Documentary Feature, this film chronicles Alex Honnold's attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb El Capitan, Yosemite's 3,000 foot high 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 Sept. 28.
Per the site's critical consensus, the Best Documentary nominee "depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
You can catch it at Regal Ballantyne Village Stadium 5 (14815 John J Delany Drive) on Thursday, Feb. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Don't miss this Oscar-nominated con caper starring Melissa McCarthy. When bestselling celebrity biographer Lee Israel is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has been a must-watch since its release on Oct. 19.
Acting nominations for Melissa McCarthy (Best Actress) and Richard E. Grant (Best Supporting Actor) underscore a consensus that "Deftly directed and laced with dark wit, 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 (9541 South Blvd.) through Wednesday, Feb. 6. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Bring the family to see this Oscar nominated, animated film centered on Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales. He is juggling life as an ordinary high school student and as a new Spider-Man. His life gets even more complicated when Kingpin uses a super collider to access a parallel dimension. Soon, other Spideys from across the "Spider-Verse begin appearing in Miles’ world.
With an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, a 97 percent critical approval rating 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 raves, "'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 Stonecrest Stm 22 IMAX & RPX (7824 Rea Road) through Thursday, Feb. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
