Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for April 3–9

This week, we feature a historical drama about the American colonies’ first spiritual revival and a warm comedy-drama about loyal dog that honors a promise.

New Release

‘A Great Awakening’

Rev. George Whitefield (Jonathan Blair) travels the Thirteen Colonies drawing massive crowds with his sermons, while Benjamin Franklin (John Paul Sneed), at first skeptical, helps spread his message. The movement came to be known as the First Great Awakening.

While it runs a little long, you can feel the early American spirit come through strong, and the push and pull between Whitefield and Franklin keeps the narrative from lagging. There’s a lot of important history here, and it’s presented in a way that holds your attention.

Drama | History Release Date: April 3, 2026 Director: Joshua Enck Starring: John Paul Sneed, Jonathan Blair, JT Schaeffer Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘A Dog’s Journey’

Faithful dog Bailey (Josh Gad) makes a promise to its owner, Ethan (Dennis Quaid), to protect his granddaughter CJ (Kathryn Prescott). Bailey is reborn into new bodies across the different stages of CJ’s life.  Each lifetime loops him back into her orbit as he tries to stay close.

It all from the dog’s point of view, bouncing through lives with a kind of blind loyalty that keeps pulling things back to the same place. Some of it gets a little ridiculous, but it’s also heartwarming, especially if you’re a dog lover.

Comedy | Drama | Family Release Date: May 17, 2019 Director: Gail Mancuso Starring: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott Running time: 1 hour, 49 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Hearts Under Watchful Eyes

‘Pride & Prejudice’

Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) pushes against the marriage pressure closing in on her family as Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) steps in with his stiff manners and unreadable intent, setting off a clash that keeps circling back between them.

This version of the titular novel builds texture and atmosphere, from the costumes to the way the music and cinematography bolster each scene. The romantic thread holds strong the entire way, with enough humor and restraint to keep it from getting too sappy.

Drama | Romance Release Date: Nov. 23, 2005 Directors: Joe Wright Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn Running time: 2 hours, 9 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Rated: 4 stars out of 5

From Show-off to Squadron Man

‘A Yank in the RAF’

American Tim Baker (Tyrone Power) heads to Britain and signs up with the RAF because of an old flame, landing in the orbit of Carol Brown (Betty Grable), while trying to prove something he hasn’t thought through.

Power plays Tim with a cocky edge that softens once the war catches up, and Grable brings enough charm and pizazz to elevate this well-paced wartime romance.

Drama | Romance | War Release Date: Sept. 26, 1941 Director: Henry King Starring: Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, John Sutton Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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