Want to feel feelings? Don't miss this week's lineup of dramas showing on the big screen in and around Mesa.
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.)
Breakthrough
When he was 14, John Smith drowned in Lake St. Louis and was dead for nearly an hour. According to reports at the time, CPR was performed 27 minutes to no avail. Then the youth's mother, Joyce Smith, entered the room, praying loudly. Suddenly, there was a pulse, and John came around.
With a Tomatometer Score of 65 percent and an Audience Score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Breakthrough" is well worth a watch.
"One of the more authentically moving entries in the genre, fueled by a gripping lead performance from 'This Is Us' star Chrissy Metz," noted Katie Walsh of the Los Angeles Times.
Catch it on the big screen at Harkins Superstition Springs 25 (6950 E. Superstition Springs Blvd.) through Thursday, May 9; and Picture Show at Superstition Springs Mall (6555 E. Southern Ave.) and AMC Mesa Grand 14 (1647 S. Stapley) through Wednesday, May 8. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
La Bamba
Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens, whose life was cut short by a plane crash 60 years ago.
With a Tomatometer Score of 96 percent and an Audience Score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this '80s throwback has been a favorite of critics. Time Out's Nigel Floyd said, "An enjoyable if slightly innocuous biopic based on the brief life and short-lived fame of teen rock 'n' roll idol Richie Valens," while Variety noted, "La Bamba is engrossing throughout and boasts numerous fine performances."
It's playing at Harkins Superstition Springs 25 (6950 E. Superstition Springs Blvd.) through Sunday, May 5. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Mustang
While participating in a rehabilitation program training wild mustangs, a convict at first struggles to connect with the horses and his fellow inmates, but he learns to confront his violent past as he soothes an especially feisty horse.
With a Tomatometer Score of 94 percent and an Audience Score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Mustang" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on March 15.
"There's a Disney movie in here somewhere, but [director Laure de] Clermont-Tonnerre has no interest in it. She's too busy steering her own course, and it works," according to Adam Graham of the Detroit News, while ReelViews' James Berardinelli said, "It's worth seeking out ... as both a portrait of a prison program few are aware of and a powerful character study."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Harkins Superstition Springs 25 (6950 E. Superstition Springs Blvd.) through Thursday, May 9. 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.
