Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Aug. 7–13

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Aug. 7–13
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This week, we feature an Aussie actioner where a hardened smuggler finds his humanity and a modern Cinderella tale involving mistaken identities and class divisions.

New Release

‘The Run’

In 2036, Mac (Callan Mulvey) hauls black-market cargo across a battered Australian wasteland and rarely asks who signs his checks. That indifference starts cracking when he crosses paths with Aliah (Charlotte Maggi), a teenage mother guarding the first baby born in years.

The setup recalls earlier dystopian thrillers, though the Australian landscape and Mulvey’s gritty performance give this one its own character. Watching Mac recover some humanity, by shielding a frightened mother with a child everyone wants to possess, proves compelling.

Action | Thriller Release Date: Aug. 7, 2026 Director: Stephen de Villiers Starring: Callan Mulvey, Charlotte Maggi, Felix Cameron Running Time: 1 hour, 57 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters (limited) Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Operation Dumbo Drop’

After North Vietnamese troops kill a village elephant, Capt. Sam Cahill (Danny Glover) vows to replace it before an upcoming ceremony. Cahill and his hotheaded replacement, Capt. T.C. Doyle (Ray Liotta), lead a small Army team through hostile territory with their new delivery.

Simon Wincer, who also directed “Free Willy,” keeps the Green Berets’ journey playful as the stubborn elephant ruins every military plan. Glover and Liotta work well together, and the promise made to the village puts some decency behind all the complications.

Comedy | Drama | Family Release Date: July 28, 1995 Director: Simon Wincer Starring: Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, Denis Leary Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Love Complicated by Class Assumptions

‘Maid in Manhattan’

Bronx single mom Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez) cleans rooms at an expensive Manhattan hotel and hopes to move into management. Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a wealthy politician, mistakes her for a guest and the two begin a tenuous romance.

Fortunately, the main cast injects real warmth into a rather familiar plotline that keeps the ride enjoyable enough. Tucked inside its breezy love story are uplifting lessons about overcoming challenging circumstances and misperceptions.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: Dec. 13, 2002 Director: Wayne Wang Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Two Rudolfs and One Crown

‘The Prisoner of Zenda’

Rudolf Rassendyll (Stewart Granger) poses as the drugged king of Ruritania, drawing him into a plot against the throne and a romance with Princess Flavia (Deborah Kerr), who believes he is her fiancé.

Granger handles the royal masquerade and palace intrigue with an easy heroism, and the sacrifices demanded by love and duty make this old-fashioned adventure an enjoyable ride.

Adventure | Mystery | Romance Release Date: Nov. 14, 1952 Director: Richard Thorpe Starring: Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, James Mason Running Time: 1 hour, 36 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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Ian Kane
Ian Kane
Author
Ian Kane is a U.S. Army veteran, filmmaker, and author. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.