Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 3–9

This week, we feature an intense crime drama of a fugitive who returns to the reservation and a timely animated film that pits screens against family playtime.

New Release

‘Gangland’

Sandra Scala (Dana Namerode) begins training under veteran tribal officer Teddy Sharpe (Lou Diamond Phillips), as returning convict Richie Blacklance (Elisha Pratt) sends their reservation into a dangerous spiral. Their manhunt cuts through gang fallout, old wounds, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Not every piece of this puzzle works, but the film has enough cracked-pavement attitude to feel worth the time investment, especially when it stops chasing the typical thriller polish and lets people and situations get gritty.

Action | Crime | Drama Release Date: July 3, 2026 Director: Vincent Grashaw Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Nick Stahl, Dana Namerode Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Toy Story 5’

Cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks), space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the old toy-room crew face a new rival when Bonnie’s tablet, Lilypad (Greta Lee), starts taking over playtime.

The best part is how the movie treats technology as tempting rather than inherently wicked. Lilypad pulls Bonnie away from the toy box, but the real worry comes from how easily adults mistake screens for harmless company—hopefully, this will encourage parents to think twice before handing their children devices.

Adventure | Comedy | Family Release Date: June 19, 2026 Directors: McKenna Harris, Andrew Stanton Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Londoner Races Toward a Second Chance

‘Run Fatboy Run’

Five years after ditching Libby (Thandiwe Newton) at the altar, Dennis (Simon Pegg) sees her moving on with her new boyfriend, Whit (Hank Azaria), and decides his grand apology should involve a 26-mile race his body absolutely doesn’t want.

There’s a scrappy underdog sweetness under all of the sweat, grunts of pain, and pulled muscles. Dennis doesn’t become a noble man overnight, but the romance has a decent human ache beneath all of the marathon clowning. It’s an entertaining watch for date nights.

Comedy | Romance | Sport Release Date: March 28, 2008 Director: David Schwimmer Starring: Simon Pegg, Thandiwe Newton, Hank Azaria Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: The Roku Channel, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Young Genius Finds Friendship and Family

‘Down to Earth’

Terpsichore Kitty Pendleton (Rita Hayworth), the Muse of dance, leaves Olympus for Broadway after producer Danny Miller (Larry Parks) turns Greek mythology into a flashy stage joke.

The story gets rather thin in places, but the Rita Hayworth dancing through Olympus-meets-Broadway fluff, Technicolor gloss, and musical numbers gives this movie enough champagne fizz to enjoy.

Comedy | Musical | Romance Release Date: Aug. 21, 1947 Director: Alexander Hall Starring: Rita Hayworth, Larry Parks, Marc Platt Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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