Patch Weekend Movie Guide: 'Collateral Beauty,' 'Rogue One' and 'Solace'

We have verdicts on "Collateral Beauty," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "Solace" and more. Find out what to see and what to skip, plus check out the trailers.

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Opening This Weekend

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"Collateral Beauty" — Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, directed by David Frankel

Will Smith finds himself in "It's a Wonderful Life" territory as a tragedy-stricken man at the end of his rope in search of answers in this sentimental Christmas flick. "Beauty" is sure to give you all the feels, and there's some serious star power on display here — Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Helen Mirren and Keira Knightley work along side Smith. But unless you can't miss this cast, you're better off turning on the Hallmark channel if you're searching for some fuzzy holiday schmaltz this weekend.

The verdict: Skip it. Save your bucks for next week's offerings.

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"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" — Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker, directed by Gareth Edwards

After Disney spent a whopping $4 billion on the rights to "Star Wars," we were all but guaranteed traditional sequels and spinoffs like "Rogue One." Luckily, a wonderfully novel concept sets the stage for this reportedly darker-than-usual Star Wars saga: A band of rebels and Jedi sympathizers come together for a dangerous heist to steal the blueprints of the original Death Star. But the real reason to see "Rogue One"? If you don't, you'll have to wait an entire year for another "Star Wars" to hit the big screen.

The verdict: See it. Get more details on the plot in Patch's review of the premiere screening.

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"Solace" — Anthony Hopkins, Abbie Cornish, Colin Farrell, directed by Afonso Poyart

Anthony Hopkins stars on the good side of the law opposite Colin Farrell in this serial killer pursuit drama. Farrell is popping up everywhere lately, and you're not alone if you think it'd be a treat to see him go villainous again so soon after "Fantastic Beasts." However, a story thread about telepathic powers pushes "Solace" toward outlandish. If you're mood is more killer than candy-tooth this holiday season, re-watch Hopkins in the American classic "The Silence of the Lambs" instead.

The verdict: Skip it. As great as Farrell is, he can't fix this one.

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"Manchester by the Sea" (Wide Release) — Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, directed by Kenneth Lonergan

After his brother unexpectedly passes away, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) returns home and finds himself guardian of his nephew. Playwright and director Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count On Me") is as skilled as they come at the family drama. "Manchester" is already making waves as an Oscar hopeful and with acting considered some of the best you'll find this year.

The verdict: See it. Expect some heavy scenes lifted with humor and poignancy.

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Quick Cuts

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"Suicide Squad" (Home Video) — Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, directed by David Ayer

See it: Your teen will love "Squad" if they haven't already seen it, but be warned that an overstuffed and undercooked plot about super-villains tasked with saving the world could test the patience of even the most loyal adult comedy comic book fan.

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"Ben-Hur" (Home Video) — Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman, directed by Timur Bekmambetov

Skip it: A confusing entry in the "unnecessary remake" category, "Ben-Hur" had a difficult time finding any purchase with today's culture upon release. Seek out the original instead.

Until next week folks, save me a seat!

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Watch the trailer for "Collateral Beauty"

Watch the trailer for "Solace"

Photo credit: FilmTrailerZone via YouTube