Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for July 31–Aug. 6

This week, we feature a new action-packed flick involving one brother trying to save the other and an inspiring documentary about a couple’s quest to revive worn-out land.

New Release

‘The Gentleman Thief’

Mason Goddard (John Travolta) returns for one more painting heist after his brother Shawn (Lukas Haas) gets him pulled back into the shady game. The job initially looks lucrative enough, though some criminal payback may come later.

The cast gives the movie some gritty old-school rental-shelf guilty pleasure, with Travolta and Haas convincingly portraying the brotherly angle. The action scenes are tight, the desperate heist hook works, and the movie has enough twists and turns to stay engaging for fans of the genre.

Action Release Date: July 31, 2026 (limited) Director: Randall Emmett Starring: John Travolta, Lukas Haas, Tim Sitarz Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘The Biggest Little Farm’

John and Molly Chester leave their cramped Los Angeles apartment for a large stretch of depleted farmland that seems beyond saving. Over eight years, they face drought, coyotes, snails, gophers, and plenty of ugly surprises while trying to bring Apricot Lane Farms back to life.

You’ll root for the Chesters as they discover how everything connects on their farm, right down to the last pesky gopher. Watching them resurrect a worn-out patch of earth brings a massive sense of hope and shows how hard work and persistence pay off.

Documentary | Family Release Date: May 10, 2019 Director: John Chester Running time: 1 hour, 31 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Second Chance in Motion

‘Step Up’

Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) is required to do community service at a performing arts school where he meets dancer Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan). When Nora suddenly needs a partner, Tyler’s rougher street rhythm may give her polished routine the pizzazz she’s been missing.

The storyline barely pretends to surprise anyone, but the dance routines definitely have energy and the music keeps everything moving forward. Also, Tyler’s path from vandal to someone willing to work at a craft gives this movie a positive lift.

Drama | Music | Romance Release Date: Aug. 11, 2006 Director: Anne Fletcher Starring: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Damaine Radcliff Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Shady Coach Gets Another Shot

‘Trouble Along the Way’

Pool-hall bookie Steve Williams (John Wayne) gets one last shot at coaching when tiny St. Anthony’s College hires him to revive its football program, but his desperate push to win threatens his job and custody of his daughter.

Nice to see Wayne loosen up outside his usual cowboy-and-soldier lanes. The best part comes from watching Steve inch toward decency for his daughter.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: April 4, 1953 Director: Michael Curtiz Starring: John Wayne, Donna Reed, Charles Coburn Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Rated: 4 stars out of 5

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