Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Jan. 23–29

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Jan. 23–29
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This week, we feature an uplifting documentary about a boy overcoming setbacks to lead an extraordinary life and an action-adventure flick where space is the new frontier.

New Release

‘Standout: The Ben Kjar Story’

This documentary charts Ben Kjar’s path from a boy with Crouzon syndrome confronting scorn and clinical warnings to a driven wrestler refusing to let labels define him. Interwoven interviews and match footage show Kjar forging respect and unexpected support on and off the mat.

Kjar’s journey shows a man punching through adversity and still winning on his own terms, which makes the film feel alive rather than packaged. It’ll leave you smiling, uplifted, and convinced that its message applies to anyone pushing through setbacks.

Documentary | Drama | Sport Release Date: Jan 23, 2026 Director: Tanner Christensen Starring: Ben Kjar, Colton Fielding, LaCol Grant Running Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) descends from his cathedral sanctuary to shield the mesmerizing dancer Esmeralda (Demi Moore) from a city consumed by prejudice. The fanatical Judge Claude Frollo (Tony Jay) wages a scorched-earth campaign to possess her while the bell ringer rises up against him.

The film argues for decency and curiosity over vanity and power, and it does so with conviction. The pacing and tonality lurch at certain junctures, yet the narrative’s intentions make it worth revisiting.

Drama | Musical | Romance Release Date: June 21, 1996 Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise Starring: Demi Moore, Jason Alexander, Mary Kay Bergman Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: Fandango At Home, YouTube, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Veterans Refuse the Scrap Heap

‘Space Cowboys’

Former test pilot Frank Corvin (Clint Eastwood) is called in by NASA when a rogue satellite exposes an old secret. Joined by Tank Sullivan (James Garner), Jerry O’Neill (Donald Sutherland), and Hawk Hawkins (Tommy Lee Jones), he heads into space on the dangerous mission.
Director Eastwood lets the cast have fun, with brilliant space effects that still hold up well. It follows a familiar path, yet watching these veterans enjoy the ride and push back against being written off makes it an easy favorite.
Action | Adventure | Thriller Release Date: Aug. 4, 2000 Directors: Clint Eastwood Starring: Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, Fandango at Home, YouTube Rated: 3 stars out of 5

When Fame Becomes a Game 

‘Roxie Hart’

Roxie Hart (Ginger Rogers), a fading performer hungry for attention, spins a murder into headline fuel. As police and reporters close in, she plays the press and courts to stay famous.

Rogers plays the role with wit and bite as the film skewers fame, press hysteria, and manufactured scandal. The humor stays brisk while exposing how easily notoriety can be staged and sold.

Screwball Comedy Release Date: Feb. 20, 1942 Director: William A. Wellman Starring: Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, George Montgomery Running Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Archive Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]
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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.