Patch Weekend Movie Guide: What to See and What to Skip

We have the verdict on the "Harry Potter" spinoff "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," "Manchester by the Sea," "Bleed for This," "The Edge of Seventeen" 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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"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" — Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, directed by David Yates

The legendary "Harry Potter" series marches onward with this spinoff set 70 years before Harry shows up at Hogwarts. Based on the book by J.K. Rowling written under the fictitious pseudonym Newt Scamander, "Beasts" is the tale of magizoologist Scamander and his study of magical creatures in the wizard universe. Director David Yates, who helmed the final four "Potter" films, carries the torch into refreshing (yet familiar) territory with a newly energized cast.

The verdict: See it. "Beasts" will deliver the same level of imagination, wonderment and magic you've come to expect from Rowling's world.

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"Manchester by the Sea" (Limited) — 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 with acting considered some of the best you'll find this year. Expect some heavy scenes lifted with humor and poignancy.

The verdict: See it. If this Oscar hopeful is playing near you, hop on it.

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"Bleed for This" — Miles Teller, Katey Sagal, Aaron Eckhart, directed by Ben Younger

Miles Teller (the "Divergent" series) plays a talented young boxer who finds his career potentially cut short after a devastating car crash. What follows is a recognizable comeback story of an underdog determined to compete again. The consistent Aaron Eckhart contributes a strong supporting role and its great to see Katey Sagal on the big screen, but there have been a surplus of boxing movies recently.

The verdict: Skip it. "Bleed" will make for a quality movie night on the couch.

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"The Edge of Seventeen" — Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, directed by Kelly Fremon Craig

"The Edge of Seventeen" stars the multi-talented Hailee Steinfeld ("True Grit" and "Ender's Game") as teen Nadine. When her best friend starts dating her older brother, she must navigate the halls alone until she finds a lifeline in an awkward, kindred spirit. Reception from critics has been very warm, but "Seventeen" flirts with the all-too-familiar territory of a high school coming-of-age story. Unless you've been eagerly anticipating this one, wait for the home experience.

The verdict: Skip it. But another worthy home rental.

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Quick Cuts

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"Nocturnal Animals" (Limited) — Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, directed by Tom Ford

See it: "Animals" is a dark, twisty tale of exes (Gyllenhaal and Adams) exploring what went wrong set against the plot of a violent novel.

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"Finding Dory" (Home Video) — Ellen Degeneres, Albert Brooks, directed by Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane

See it: I may be preaching to the choir on this one, but if you haven't seen Pixar's quality "Finding Nemo" sequel (featuring 2016's most heroic octopus), corral the family and watch it this weekend.

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Next week: "Moana," "Allied," "Bad Santa 2" and more. Until then, folks, save me a seat!

Watch the trailer for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Watch the trailer for "Manchester by the Sea"

Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures via YouTube