Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 24–30

This week, we feature a broad comedy about two irresponsible frat boys stumbling toward making better choices and a World War II classic about troubled leadership.

New Release

‘Bad Counselors’

College students Grayson Fuller (Matt Cornett) and Tyler Newman (Ramon Reed) manage to temporarily dodge expulsion by posing as counselors at Pastor Tom’s (Chris Klein) Christian summer camp. However, kids, camping, worship songs, and trust falls weren’t exactly in their frat-boy skill set.

Some of the film’s PG-13 innuendo may push it outside younger-family territory, but the better material comes from the redemption angle, which is tied to consequences, humility, and two selfish young men finally becoming useful to people besides themselves.

Comedy | Family Release Date: July 23, 2026 Director: Chris Dowling Starring: Matt Cornett, Missi Pyle, Richard T. Jones Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Wish Dragon’

Din (Jimmy Wong) is a broke Shanghai college kid still hung up on Li Na (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), the childhood friend who vanished into a richer life, until a beat-up teapot drops Long (John Cho), a wish-granting dragon, into his hands.

The vibrant animation gives the movie a bright, playful vibe, with expressive character designs and detailed city backdrops. The story pokes fun at Din’s belief that money can repair an old friendship, while the film’s deeper message about being honest and choosing people over status is a good one.

Adventure | Comedy | Family Release Date: June 11, 2021 Director: Chris Appelhans Starring: Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Netflix Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A London Family Navigates WWII

‘My Life as a Dog’ (‘Hope and Glory’)

Grace (Sarah Miles) desperately tries to wrangle her kids through the London Blitz after her husband volunteers to serve in WWII. Her son, Bill (Sebastian Rice-Edwards), treats bomb sites like a playground before the danger starts closing in.

A few wandering subplots in this Swedish film tend to drag the momentum down whenever the focus shifts away from young Bill, but viewers probably won’t mind too much because we still get a wonderfully upbeat message about families sticking together in the middle of war.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: Feb. 19, 1988 Director: John Boorman Starring: Sarah Miles, David Hayman, Sebastian Rice-Edwards Running time: 1 hour, 53 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 (English subtitles) Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube (availability subject to location) Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Fear, Pride, and Command Rot

‘Attack’

Lt. Joe Costa (Jack Palance) knows his unit has enough trouble holding ground in Belgium during WWII, then Capt. Erskine Cooney (Eddie Albert) turns weak command into a new sort of threat.

This one’s gritty—director Robert Aldrich’s black-and-white imagery feels cramped, sweaty, and mean, with every worn soldier’s face looking one bad order away from falling apart.

Action | Drama | War Release Date: Oct. 17, 1956 Director: Robert Aldrich Starring: Jack Palance, Lee Marvin, Eddie Albert Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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