Looking to reflect on the humanity of it all? Don't miss this week's lineup of dramas showing on the big screen in and around New York City.
Here are the highest rated drama films to catch in theaters, based on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer Score, which reflects the opinions of hundreds of film and television critics.
(Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango. Movie ratings and showtimes are subject to change.)
Gully Boy
A coming-of-age story based on the lives of street rappers in Mumbai.
Boasting a Tomatometer Score of 100 percent and an Audience Score of 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Gully Boy" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Feb. 14.
Variety's Jay Weissberg said, "A mainstream rap musical served up with generous helpings of deftly written hip-hop lyrics and an appealing, largely well-woven narrative starring Ranveer Singh in all his charms."
While Deborah Young of the Hollywood Reporter noted, "Zoya Akhtar directs with flair and passion and, aided by explosive performances from a right-on cast, triumphs over the familiarity of the star-is-born storyline."
Catch it on the big screen at UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14 & RPX (35-30 38th St.) through Thursday, Mar. 7; Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas (15902 Jamaica Ave.) through Wednesday, Mar. 6; AMC Empire 25 (234 W. 42nd St.) through Monday, Mar. 4. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Hate U Give
Raised in a poverty-stricken slum, a 16-year-old girl named Starr now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she's torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
With a Tomatometer Score of 97 percent and an Audience Score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hate U Give" has proven to be a critical darling since its release in October of 2018.
"Director Tillman has an excellent touch for the quietly impactful scenes with Starr and her family, as well as the news footage-style depictions of marches and protests that go sideways," according to Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times.
While the Chicago Reader's Ben Sachs said, "The filmmakers understand their characters so thoroughly that the insights seem to grow organically from their experiences. This is American studio filmmaking at its finest."
Catch it on the big screen at Stuart Cinema & Cafe (79 West St.) on Monday, Mar. 4. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
England, early 18th century. 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 favorite.
With a Tomatometer Score of 94 percent and an Audience Score of 66 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release in December of 2018.
"Weisz and Stone are both brilliantly witty and nimble, but Colman's performance is nothing short of sublime," noted A.O. Scott of the New York Times.
While the Atlantic's David Sims said, "Despite its period setting, 'The Favourite' just might be Lanthimos' most trenchant and relevant work yet."
In the mood for popcorn? It's playing at Cinépolis Chelsea (260 W. 23rd St.) through Wednesday, Mar. 6; and City Cinemas Village East (181-189 Second Ave.), Cobble Hill Cinema (265 Court St.) and Williamsburg Cinemas (217 Grand St.) through Thursday, Mar. 7. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Creed II
Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight against an opponent with ties to his family's past, Adonis Creed is up against the challenge of his life.
With a Tomatometer Score of 84 percent and an Audience Score of 82 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Creed II" has been getting attention since its release in November of 2018.
The Atlantic's David Sims said, "'Creed II' fits the mold of every Rocky sequel — competent, entertaining and a little passionless."
And the San Diego Reader's Matthew Lickona said, "Ryan Coogler, having gone on to bigger and bigger things, steps aside and lets relative newcomer Steven Caple, Jr. do the job of mixing the beats of 'Rocky III' and 'Rocky IV' into a smooth groove for the son of Apollo Creed (Michael B. Jordan.)"
You can catch it at Stuart Cinema & Cafe (79 West St.) on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans, forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line, relied on a guide called 'The Negro Motorist Green Book.'
With a Tomatometer Score of 79 percent and an Audience Score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" is well worth a watch.
The Atlantic's Christopher Orr said, "First-rate execution can't solve all of a film's problems, but Mortensen and Ali offer a reminder that it can solve an awful lot of them."
While Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out said, "Call this actors' duet sentimental and simplistic at your own peril. 'Green Book' may well move you, possibly to tears, at the thought of real social change and kindness (at a time when we need it badly.)"
It also won best picture, along with two additional Oscars, at the 2019 Academy Awards.
Catch the drama at Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th St.) through Tuesday, Mar. 6; or AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 (2210 Bartow Ave.), AMC 19th St. East 6 (890 Broadway) and Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX (247 W. 42nd St.) through Wednesday, Mar. 6. 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.
