Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Phoenix.
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.)
The Princess Bride
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
With a critical approval rating of 97 percent and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1980s classic has made a lasting impression. The site's critical consensus has it that "A delightfully postmodern fairy tale, 'The Princess Bride' is a deft, intelligent mix of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy that takes an age-old damsel-in-distress story and makes it fresh."
It's screening at FilmBar (815 N. Second St.) through Thursday, Feb. 14. 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 a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Dec. 14. 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 AMC Arizona Center 24 (565 N. 3rd St.) through Wednesday, Feb. 20; Harkins MetroCenter 12 (9615-A Metro Parkway West) through Thursday, Feb. 21; and Harkins Christown 14 (1620 W. Montebello) through Thursday, Feb. 21. 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 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bumblebee" has become a favorite since its release on Dec. 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."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Arizona Center 24 (565 N. 3rd St.) through Wednesday, Feb. 20; and AMC Deer Valley 30 (3033 W. Agua Fria Freeway) through Wednesday, Feb. 20. 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 critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 63 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14. The site's critical consensus notes that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
This period film is one of two leading with 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "The Favourite" also scored a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture.
You can catch it at AMC Arizona Center 24 (565 N. 3rd St.) through Wednesday, Feb. 20; FilmBar (815 N. Second St.) through Thursday, Feb. 14; Harkins North Valley 16 (3420 E. Bell Road) through Thursday, Feb. 21; and AMC Ahwatukee 24 (4915 E. Ray Road) through Wednesday, Feb. 20. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
This story was created automatically using local movie data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
