Patch Weekend Movie Guide: 'A Dog's Purpose,' 'Resident Evil' And 'Gold'

We have verdicts on "A Dog's Purpose," "Resident Evil," "Gold" and more. Find out what to see and what to skip, plus check out the trailers.

Opening This Weekend

"A Dog's Purpose" — Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, Josh Gad, directed by Lasse Hallstrom

Adapted from the wildly popular novel of the same name, "A Dog's Purpose" follows a pup from birth to death, then its continued reincarnation through different breeds as its true, loyal purpose is revealed. A delightfully sweet concept, this is some overly sentimental fun for the kids. However, try as I might to separate reality from fiction, the buzz around the terrible on-set treatment of a German shepherd during filming is a real bummer and enough for me to say no.

The verdict: Skip it. Re-watch "Marley & Me."

"Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" — Milla Jovovich, Shawn Roberts, Ali Larter, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson

The "Resident Evil" sequel machine rambles ever onward with this weekend's final entry of the saga. Adapted from the massively popular video game series, "The Final Chapter" follows heroine Alice as she returns to Raccoon City to band together with old and new friends in order to defeat the Umbrella Corporation and its army of mutants once and for all. If you're laughing after reading this, stay away.

The verdict: Skip it. The newest "Resident Evil" game arrived this week — coincidence? I think not.

"Gold" — Matthew McConaughey, Bryce Dallas Howard, Craig T. Nelson, directed by Stephen Gaghan

"Gold" is the story of Kenny Wells (based on real-life David Walsh), an entrepreneur who follows a dream to Borneo to create a mining business. Indulgence and toeing the line of legality follows. McConaughey may steal the show with an "all in" performance — he gained 40 pounds to exhibit Wells' insatiable appetite for wealth and decadence — but early reviews says the story doesn't match up in quite the same way.

The verdict: Skip it. But this McConaughey performance warrants a home viewing.

Quick Cuts

"I Am Michael" (Limited Release, VOD) — James Franco, Emma Roberts, Zachary Quinto, directed by Justin Kelly

Skip it: In this true story, James Franco plays Michael Glatze, a man who denounces his homosexuality and becomes a repentant Christian pastor. It's hard to know what you'll get with a Franco film these days, but if this strikes your interest it's also on Video On-Demand.

"The Daughter" (Limited Release) — Miranda Otto, Geoffrey Rush, directed by Simon Stone

See it: "The Daughter" is a modern-day twist on legendary playwright Henrik Ibsen's "The Wild Duck." This no-doubt fantastically acted film about family secrets, revelation and forgiveness is worth a ticket — though it may not prove uplifting in the middle of dreary winter!

Netflix Picks

"Hugo" (2012, Martin Scorsese) — Since he was frozen out of this year's Oscar nominations, we must offer up Martin Scorsese's "Hugo," a magical film the director adapted as a love letter to his son. This heartfelt family film follows an orphan's adventures in a 1930s Paris railway station and turns into a surprising ode to cinema.

"Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992, David Mamet) — Want to witness some great acting? "Glen Ross," a sharp tale of a real estate firm's competitive desperation on a single night, boasts possible career best performances by Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris and Alec Baldwin.

Watch the trailer for "A Dog's Purpose"

Watch the trailer for "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter"

Watch the trailer for "Gold"

Photo credit: FilmTrailerZone via YouTube