Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? Check out this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Oakland.
Here are the highest rated films to catch, 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.)
Booksmart
Two academic teenage superstars realize, on the eve of their high school graduation, that they should have worked less and played more. Determined to never fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.
With a Tomatometer Score of 97% and an Audience Score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Booksmart" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on May 24. The New Republic's Kristen Evans said, "It's more John Hughes than Judd Apatow, and it's a little more 'Bridesmaids' than 'Lady Bird'...a success on [its] own terms," while Erin Keane of Salon.com noted, "'Booksmart' puts a fresh spin on the coming-of-age night-of comedy because it's focused on two girls, one of whom is also queer."
You can catch it at Regal Jack London (100 Washington St.) through Wednesday, June 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Hail Satan?
A look at the intersection of religion and activism, tracing the rise of The Satanic Temple: only six years old and already one of the most controversial religious movements in American history. The Temple is calling for a Satanic revolution to save the nation's soul. But are they for real?
With a Tomatometer Score of 97% and an Audience Score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Hail Satan?" has been a must-watch since its release on April 17.
"Director Penny Lane frames her smart, level-headed documentary as a discussion about the Satanic Temple and its fight for religious equality," according to Adam Graham of the Detroit News, while the San Diego Reader's Matthew Lickona said, "The question mark in the title of Penny Lane's documentary on The Satanic Temple is integral to the story she's telling...a fine, thought-provoking effort."
It's screening at The New Parkway (474 24th St.) through Wednesday, June 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Rocketman
The story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
With a Tomatometer Score of 90% and an Audience Score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Rocketman" has become a favorite since its release on May 31.
"If you need somebody to recount the rise of a British rock god from pallid suburbia to the baroque extremes of fame, and to create a stir without causing too much of a fuss, Fletcher is your man," noted Anthony Lane of the New Yorker, while the Chicago Reader's Leah Pickett said, "The story reshuffles reality, especially time and facts, and the film is more enjoyable for it."
It's playing at Grand Lake Theatre (3200 Grand Ave.) through Wednesday, June 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Late Night
Legendary late-night talk show host's world is turned upside down when she hires her only female staff writer. Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision has unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women separated by culture and generation are united by their love of a biting punchline.
Released on Friday, June 14, "Late Night" already has a Tomatometer Score of 80% and an Audience Score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. Washington Post's Ann Hornaday said, "Like all comedians worth their salt, [Mindy] Kaling sets out to kill — but with kindness," while Mick LaSalle of San Francisco Chronicle stated, "'Late Night' is a fairly agreeable experience, and every time [Emma] Thompson is on screen, there's a reason to keep watching."
You can catch it at Regal Jack London (100 Washington St.) through Wednesday, June 19. 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.
