Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for April 17–23

This week, we feature an over-the-top ‘80s actioner with two of the biggest stars of the era and a thrilling war classic on soldiers behind enemy lines evading capture.

New Release

‘Panda Plan 2: The Magical Tribe’

Hu Hu the panda pulls Jackie (Jackie Chan) into a hidden jungle tribe after he becomes stranded there. He soon realizes that the locals treat the bear like a prophesied creature tied to their survival. Jackie has to keep Hu Hu safe while navigating the tribe’s strange rules.

Hu Hu is a cute character and powers most of the film and keeps it watchable even when things wear a little thin. There’s a simple thread about protecting others and sticking together, nothing heavy, but enough to give it some shape beyond just the comedy.

Action | Comedy | Family Release Date: April 17, 2026 Director: Derek Hui Starring: Jackie Chan, Li Ma, Shan Qiao Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Pocahontas’

Pocahontas (Irene Bedard) finds her world upended when John Smith (Mel Gibson) and a fleet of English settlers drop anchor off the coast of Virginia. While Smith’s crew hunts for gold, Pocahontas and John struggle to bridge the ever widening gap of misunderstanding.

As two worlds brush up against each other, this tale is carried by warm color and wide shots that pull you in regardless of whether every scene works or not. The love story comes through even with its simplicity, and, by the end it looks great, sounds great, and moves with purpose.

Drama | Family | Romance Release Date: June 23, 1995 Directors: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg Starring: Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale Running time: 1 hour, 21 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Maximum Security, Minimum Patience

‘Tango & Cash’

Ray Tango (Sylvester Stallone) and Gabe Cash (Kurt Russell) go to prison after a sadistic drug kingpin plants a body on them. The two rival narcotics cops have to stop bickering long enough to break out of a maximum-security hellhole and hunt down the man who ruined their reputations.

The screen practically bleeds 1980s machismo as they ditch legal red tape for a mountain of firepower and chaotic, over-the-top action. It’s loud, unpretentious, and the banter stays fast while the vengeance stays messy.

Action | Comedy | Crime Release Date: Dec. 22, 1989 Director: Andrei Konchalovsky Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Teri Hatcher Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

From Wreckage to Pursuit

‘Desperate Journey’

Flight Lt. Terry Forbes (Errol Flynn) leads a downed bomber crew through occupied Germany after capture, using his German to outplay guards while Johnny Hammond (Ronald Reagan) and Jed Forrest (Arthur Kennedy) back his efforts to evade capture.

This wartime thriller captures the frantic energy of men behind enemy lines, skipping the polish for a gritty, fast-moving escape.

Drama | War Release Date: Sep. 26, 1942 Director: Raoul Walsh Starring: Errol Flynn, Ronald Reagan, Nancy Coleman Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Internet Archives  Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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