Seattle/ Fun & Entertainment
Published on February 08, 2019
Don't miss a limited Valentine's Day screening in Tacoma this weekImage: Before Sunrise/TMDb

Need Valentine's Day ideas? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Tacoma.

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.)

Before Sunrise

On his way to Vienna, American Jesse meets Céline, a student returning to Paris. After long conversations forge a surprising connection between them, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him in Vienna. Since his flight to the U.S. departs the next morning and he has no money for lodging, they wander the city together, taking in the experiences of Vienna and each other.

Boasting a critical approval rating of 100 percent and an audience score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '90s flick seeing a limited re-release for Valentine's Day is a must-watch. The site's critical consensus notes that "Thought-provoking and beautifully filmed, 'Before Sunrise' is an intelligent, unabashedly romantic look at modern love, led by marvelously natural performances from Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy."

It's playing at The Grand Cinema (606 S. Fawcett Ave.) only on Valentine's Day: 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 critical approval rating of 97 percent and an audience score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on December 14.

According to 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." The film is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Picture.

Catch it on the big screen at Century Point Ruston and XD (5057 Main St.) through Monday, Feb. 11. 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 94 percent and an audience score of 62 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 14, with a consensus that the historical drama "sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext — and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."

The film is nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

You can catch it at The Grand Cinema (606 S. Fawcett Ave.) through Thursday, Feb. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

Stan & Ollie

With their golden era long behind them, comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille and Ida – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair's love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.

With a critical approval rating of 92 percent and an audience score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Stan & Ollie" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 28.

Per the site's critical consensus, "'Stan & Ollie' pays tribute to a pair of beloved entertainers with an affectionate look behind the scenes — and a moving look at the burdens and blessings of a creative bond."

It's screening at The Grand Cinema (606 S. Fawcett Ave.) through Thursday, Feb. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

The Kid Who Would Be King

Alex thinks he’s just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin, take on the wicked enchantress Morgana. With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be.

With a critical approval rating of 88 percent and an audience score of 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Kid Who Would Be King" has proven a solid option since its release, with a consensus that the modern Arthurian fantasy "recalls classic all-ages adventures — and repurposes a timeless legend — for a thoroughly enjoyable new addition to the family movie canon."

It's playing at Century Point Ruston and XD (5057 Main St.) through Monday, Feb. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.