Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worthwhile? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Birmingham, including a special early opening for the final installment of the "How to Train Your Dragon" trilogy.
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'
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.
Set to be released on Friday, Feb. 22, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" already has a critical approval rating of 99 percent and an audience score of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critical consensus enthuses, "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."
You can catch it at Emagine Palladium (209 Hamilton Row) starting Thursday, Feb. 21 — a day early. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Cold Pursuit'
Nels Coxman's quiet life comes crashing down when his beloved son dies under mysterious circumstances. His search for the truth soon becomes a quest for revenge as he seeks coldblooded justice against a drug lord and his inner circle.
With a critical approval rating of 74 percent and an audience score of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Cold Pursuit" is well worth a watch. According to the site's critical consensus, the revenge flick "delivers the action audiences expect from a Liam Neeson thriller — along with humor and a sophisticated streak that make this an uncommonly effective remake."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Emagine Palladium (209 Hamilton Row) through Thursday, Feb. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Isn't It Romantic'
For a long time, Natalie, an Australian architect living in New York City, had always believed that what she had seen in rom-coms was all fantasy. But after thwarting a mugger at a subway station only to be knocked out while fleeing, Natalie wakes up and discovers that her life has suddenly become her worst nightmare—a romantic comedy—and she is the leading lady.
With a critical approval rating of 66 percent and an audience score of 67 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Isn't It Romantic" is well worth a watch. The site's critical consensus indicates that, "It follows as many genre conventions as it mocks, but 'Isn't It Romantic' is a feel-good rom-com with some satirical bite — and a star well-suited for both."
Interested? It's playing at Emagine Palladium (209 Hamilton Row) through Thursday, Feb. 21. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Alita: Battle Angel'
When Alita awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido, a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past.
Set to be released on Thursday, Feb. 14, "Alita: Battle Angel" already has a critical approval rating of 60 percent and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
The site's critical consensus notes that, "'Alita: Battle Angel''s story struggles to keep up with its special effects, but fans of futuristic sci-fi action may still find themselves more than sufficiently entertained."
It's playing at Emagine Palladium (209 Hamilton Row) through Thursday, Feb. 21. 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.
