McConaughey, Dog Abuse, and Zombies: January 27's New Movies

There’s another trio of new releases hitting theaters this weekend. Since we’re closing out January, that may mean we’re moving away from the worst part of the filmgoing year. Here’s hoping, at least. Let’s get to them.

Photo credit: Gold The Movie/Facebook

A Dog’s Purpose

Director: Lasse Hallström

Writers: W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells , Maya Forbes, Wally Wolodarsky

Starring: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton

Remember what I said in the introduction paragraph? Scrap it. I know I’m always all, “Maybe it could be good! You never know!” This movie about all the times a dog dies looks like garbage, pure and simple. Plus, it certainly looks like they abused the dogs on the set. Just don’t go see it.

Gold

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Writers: Patrick Massett, John Zinman

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard

This story, about modern-ish gold prospectors, played by Matthew McConaughey and Edgar Ramírez, who strike it big in the jungle looks like the type of movie that was made in order to compete at the Oscars. Because it is being released in January, this tells you something: Its studio did not have confidence in its ability to bring home statues. That said, McConaughey and Ramírez are reliable sources of entertainment in their roles, and the way their empire seems to crumble due to infighting and jealousy after they return with their heaps of gold certainly looks compelling.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Writer: Paul W.S. Anderson

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter

I’m about zombie’d (zombied? I don’t understand the grammar on this one) out in pop culture. The Resident Evil series seems to be in the same boat, given that they’re pushing out what they have deemed to be The Final Chapter of the saga. Milla Jovovich returns as Alice. She has guns, a motorcycle, and series director Paul W.S. Anderson (the “action” Paul Anderson, not the “talent of his generation” Paul Thomas Anderson) looks to crank things up to 11 in this last go-round with the franchise. Do with this information what you will.