Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for April 24–30

This week, we’ll watch a thriller where a bomb scare masks a heist and a trek across rough country with kids pushing farther than they planned.

New Release

‘Fuze’

Karalis (Theo James) exploits the frantic exodus caused by a dug-up World War II explosive so he can run a huge underground bank job. Meanwhile, Maj. Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) risks his neck to disarm the ancient threat, but doesn’t realize he’s handing the thieves a tailor-made smokescreen.

It runs hot on a late 1990s, early 2000s charge, with big swings, a little cheese in the talk, and flexing muscles on display. It’s confident in its style and happy to ride that all the way through without second guessing itself.

Drama | Thriller | War Release Date: April 24, 2026  Director: David Mackenzie Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Sam Worthington Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘The Mountain’

Sam (Elizabeth Atkinson), a girl facing cancer, runs off to climb a mountain with Mallory (Reuben Francis) and Bronco (Terence Daniel), pushing through farmland and rough ground with no clear plan. What begins as a stubborn streak turns into a long trek shaped by the land and the people they encounter.

The film stays close to the journey and lets its moments stack as they travel, playing like a stripped-down coming-of-age indie piece built around the terrain the kids cross, with each stretch revealing new insights.

Adventure | Comedy | Drama Release Date: April 17, 2026 Director: Rachel House Starring: Elizabeth Atkinson, Reuben Francis, Byron Coll Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Plex Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

One Decision Shakes a Divided Town

‘Radio’

This engaging biopic follows Harold Jones (Ed Harris), a high school football coach in 1970s racially-divided South Carolina, who brings James “Radio” Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.) onto the team sideline, turning a chance encounter into something that reshapes both their lives.

Some folks may find this movie unashamedly sentimental and syrupy in parts (as did I), but the narrative serves as a necessary reminder of how much impact one person’s basic decency can have on an overly judgmental community.

Biography | Drama | Sport Release Date: Oct. 24, 2003 Director: Michael Tollin Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, Debra Winger Running Time: 1 hour, 49 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

From Jail Cell to Broadcast King

‘A Face in the Crowd’

Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal) pulls Lonesome Rhodes (Andy Griffith) out of a small-town jail and onto her radio show, then watches him ride that raw charm to fame until his persona starts slipping.

This scathing satire plays like a warning that aged into something current, with Griffith and Neal locking into performances that keep it both humorous and biting.

Drama | Music Release Date: June 1, 1957 Director: Elia Kazan Starring: Andy Griffith, Patricia Neal, Anthony Franciosa Running Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

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