Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 10–16

This week, we feature a brand-new comedy of two friends returning to their childhood summer camp and an animated tale of a free-spirited hedgehog with supersonic speed.

New Release

‘The Floaters’

After her band cuts her loose, Nomi (Jackie Tohn) takes a job from friend Mara (Sarah Podemski) at their childhood Jewish summer camp, then gets stuck with oddball campers, a busted septic system, and a rival-camp challenge from Daniel (Seth Green).

The summer-camp setting works because the story deals with misfit teens and adults who still have old baggage tied to the place. The humor tends to be more effective when it comes from camp life itself, with failing facilities, grudges, and Nomi’s half-baked confidence all rubbing together.

Comedy Release Date: July 10, 2026 Director: Rachel Israel Starring: Jackie Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Aya Cash Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

Sonic (Ben Schwartz) races with Tails and Knuckles to stop Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a super-powered hedgehog originating from a secret experiment. Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns with a nasty new agenda, pushing the world toward cartoon doomsday.

This animated adventure plays like a big candy-colored blast of hedgehog battles, strange machines, and Carrey clowning around in his two supervillain roles (He also does the voice of Robotnik’s grandfather Gerald.) Shadow brings a touch of sadness and mystery, while Sonic’s crew keeps the whole thing fun, fast, and easy to enjoy.

Adventure | Comedy | Family Release Date: Dec 20, 2024 Director: Jeff Fowler Starring: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Plex, YouTube, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Small Wonders in a Repeating Day

‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’

Mark (Kyle Allen) has been replaying one ordinary day so often that life has become a puzzle he can cheat. Margaret (Kathryn Newton) knows the loop, too, and their map of perfect little moments pulls them into a romance and to the one question neither can dodge forever.

Mark and Margaret spend their repeated day together cataloging numerous tiny wonders that most people would walk past without even noticing. The movie turns that scavenger hunt into a sweet reminder that ordinary life can still surprise you.

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance Release Date: Feb. 12, 2021 Director: Ian Samuels Starring: Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen, Jermaine Harris Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Young Sheriff Learns Under Pressure

‘The Tin Star’

Bounty hunter Morgan Hickman (Henry Fonda), a former sheriff with a hard past, rides into a troubled town and starts guiding young acting-sheriff Ben Owens (Anthony Perkins).

Fonda plays a mentor here with no pretense, just a man who already knows where fear and pride can lead, while Perkins gives off a believable greenhorn vibe.  I liked the movie’s lessons about courage.

Western Release Date: Nov. 6, 1957 Director: Anthony Mann Starring: Henry Fonda, Anthony Perkins, Betsy Palmer Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Rated: 4 stars out of 5

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