Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 3–10

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 3–10
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This week, we feature a fresh take on a superhero finding his place in a new world and an animated tale about unlikely friends solving a mystery.

New Release

‘Superman’

Clark Kent (David Corenswet) is not yet the fully formed Superman. Still early in his journey, he begins to uncover his Kryptonian origins while staying rooted in the values of his human life in Smallville. As the world reacts with both awe and suspicion, Clark must decide how to live with power in a time that questions idealism.

This take on Superman favors heart over spectacle. Corenswet brings a calm sincerity to the role. The film may not soar at every moment, but its faith in hope, kindness, and connection gives it real lift.

Action | Adventure Release Date: July 11, 2025 Director: James Gunn Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Zootopia’

In the mammal-packed metropolis of Zootopia, eager rabbit rookie Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) teams up with smooth-talking fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) to chase down a case that’s bigger than either of them imagined.
Beneath all of the laughs and slick animation is a sharp, heartfelt take on bias and belonging. It’s wild how a bunny and a fox chasing clues through a city of anthropomorphic animals can mirror so much of our real-world struggles and still keep it all so fun. “Zootopia” deftly manages to sneak in meaning between the punchlines.
Animation | Comedy | Family Release Date: March 4, 2016 Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 stars out of 5

A Stranger’s Kindness 

‘Dear Frankie’

Young Frankie (Jack McElhone) believes his father sails the world on a ship, thanks to letters written by his mother Lizzie (Emily Mortimer). When the ship his father is supposedly on nears their town, Lizzie asks a stranger (Gerard Butler) to step in and bring Frankie’s imagined father to life.
I expected something sappy, but what I got was pleasantly affecting. The story unfolds without flash or noise—just honesty, heart, and a rare kind of restraint. Some scenes warm you with dry humor, while others pull you into something much deeper.
Comedy | Western Release Date: April 15, 2005 Director: Shona Auerbach Starring: Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Gerard Butler 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

Love Among the Ruins 

‘A Foreign Affair’

Congresswoman Phoebe Frost (Jean Arthur) arrives in post-World War II Berlin to investigate U.S. troops, unaware that the officer she enlists—Cpt. Pringle (John Lund)—is involved with a nightclub singer (Marlene Dietrich) whose Nazi past complicates things. 
Witty and ahead of its time, the film threads romance and politics through a city still reeling from war, with a phenomenal cast.
Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: Aug. 20, 1948 Director: Billy Wilder Starring: Jean Arthur, Marlene Dietrich, John Lund Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Archive.org 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.