DENNIS QUAID and “Buddy/Bailey” in “A Dog’s Purpose in Life.”

As we wind down the month of January, the local entertainment scene recovers … slowly … from the exhaustion of the holiday season. Here’s what’s amusing this weekend in the Garden Grove-Huntington Beach-Westminster area.

MOVIES

Opening this weekend in local cinemas.

• “A Dog’s Purpose.” This film about the many lives of a good dog, based on a best-selling novel, has attracted some controversy about the treatment of a canine in one scene. Otherwise, it’s a PG-rated fantasy. Starring – among others – Dennis Quaid and Peggy Lipton (See review posted on this site).
• “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.” Evil giant corporation tries to snuff out resistance. Milla Jovovich returns as Alice, humanity’s last hope. This sci-fi/thriller/horror film is rated R for violence.
• “Gold.” Matthew McConaughey stars as an American adventurer who finds a huge caches of gold, but others are trying to take it from him. Also starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Edgar Ramirez. Rated R for language, alcohol and tobacco use.

ON STAGE

Live theater opening this weekend locally is …

• “The Wisdom of Eve” opens Friday at the Westminster Community Playhouse. It’s a stage adaptation of the story first told in the film “All About Eve.” It’s a gritty backstage look at the world of theater in 1950s New York. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and three Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The WCP is located at 7272 Maple St. in Westminster. For more, go to http://www.wcpstage.com .

EVENTS

The usual fun suspects this weekend …

• “Friday Night Car Show” on Main Street in Downtown Garden Grove from 4-8 p.m. Music, class cars and more.
• “Art-A-Faire” on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Pier Plaza, Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. Vendors selling handmade gifts and crafts. For more, go to www.hbartafaire.com .