Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 11–17

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 11–17
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This week, we feature the world’s beloved blue humanoids in a quest to rescue their leader and a young boy’s remarkable bond with an injured dolphin.

New Release

‘Smurfs’

Papa Smurf (John Goodman) has been smurf-napped, and it’s up to Smurfette (Rihanna) to lead a rescue team beyond their settlement. With a mix of chaos, courage, and accidental wisdom, the Smurfs chase wizards, dodge danger, and might just figure out who they really are along the way.

This one’s more colorful than cohesive. The animation zips by and the celebrity voices are fun, but the plot feels half-baked and forgettable. Still, older kids might enjoy the all of the commotion, even if adults are mostly just along for the ride.

Adventure | Animation | Comedy Release Date: July 18, 2025 Director: Chris Miller Starring: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 2 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Dolphin Tale’ 

A stranded dolphin finds an unexpected lifeline in a quiet Florida rehabilitation center—thanks to a determined boy (Nathan Gamble), a caring marine team, and a new prosthetic tail. As they fight to give the dolphin a second chance, what begins as a rescue becomes a ripple of hope that transforms lives.

Sure, it’s a little sappy—but that’s the point. This is the kind of movie that restores your faith in all things good. With heartfelt performances and just enough warmth to dodge total cheesiness, it’s a reminder that hope can swim again.

Drama | Family Release Date: Sept. 23, 2011 Director: Charles Martin Smith Starring: Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

One Girl. So Many Receipts.

‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’

Shopaholic Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) accidentally stumbles into success by doling out financial advice while secretly drowning in debt. Thanks to her quirky charm, she becomes a media darling, even as her closet keeps whispering secrets that she’s desperate to hide.
The plot? Predictable. The jokes? Goofy. But the film’s charm sneaks up on you like a final-sale tag. By the end of this unabashed chick flick, guilty snickers are inevitable. Although it’s not high art, it’s delightfully overdrawn. 
Comedy | Romance Release Date: Feb. 13, 2009 Director: P.J. Hogan Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Meddling and Matchmakers

‘Late Autumn’

A widow (Setsuko Hara) and her daughter (Yoko Tsukasa) navigate subtle pressures to remold their lives after the death of a husband and father. Meddling family friends provide the pressure with results that range from humor to a subtle ache.

Director Yasujiro Ozu’s gentle, layered family drama explores how change can sometimes affect the meaning of home, duty, and love, but all without spectacle.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: November 1973 (US) Director: Yasujiro Ozu Starring: Setsuko Hara, Yoko Tsukasa, Mariko Okada Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon, Criterion Channel, and Archive.org Rated: 4 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.