Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for June 26–July 2

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for June 26–July 2
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This week, we feature a new war drama that follows a GI trapped behind enemy lines and a spirited tale about a girl and her loyal horse.

New Release

‘Lucky Strike’

Scott Eastwood stars as Capt. Castle, an American soldier trapped behind German lines during the Battle of the Bulge. Forced to think faster than the soldiers hunting him, his attempts to survive turn into a desperate bid to turn his bad position into something useful.
This film works best when it sticks to the survival problem instead of trying to inflate itself into a war epic. The stripped-down setup gives the better scenes a suspenseful, boots-in-the-snow feeling, and Eastwood helps sell his character’s exhaustion.
Action | Drama Release Date: June 26, 2026 Directors: Todor Kotzev, Rod Lurie Starring: Scott Eastwood, Colin Hanks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Running Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Spirit Untamed’

Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced) arrives in the dusty town of Miradero and soon bonds with Spirit, a wild stallion as eager for freedom as she is. When his herd is captured, Lucky and her new friends Prudence (Marsai Martin) and Abigail (Mckenna Grace) race into dangerous country.
The plot follows a trail that children’s movies have ridden before, though the colorful frontier scenery and well-chosen voice-actors keep us pleasantly aboard. Its respect for loyalty, family, and bravery gives younger viewers something worthwhile without preaching.

Adventure | Comedy | Family Release Date: June 4, 2021 Director: Elaine Bogan, Ennio Torresan Starring: Isabela Merced, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace Running Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Former Couple Reunites Under Fire

‘Bird on a Wire’

Lawyer Marianne Graves (Goldie Hawn) discovers that Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson), the boyfriend she believed was dead, has spent years hidden by the FBI. A crooked agent exposes Rick to vengeful drug trafficker Eugene Sorenson (David Carradine), sending the former couple across the country.
The villains tend to come from the standard action-movie parts bin, yet Gibson and Hawn bring enough comic warmth and rom-com chemistry to make all the gunfire, wrecked vehicles, and rekindled romance go down easily.

Action | Comedy | Crime Release Date: May 18, 1990 Director: John Badham Starring: Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, David Carradine Running Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Young Genius Finds Friendship and Family

‘Lost Angel’

Reporter Mike Regan (James Craig) expects an easy assignment when he meets Alpha (Margaret O’Brien), a child experiment stuffed with adult knowledge, then finds himself swept into her first unruly taste of ordinary life.

The child-genius premise can get a trifle sappy, yet O’Brien’s charm should keep viewers entertained throughout this modest MGM tale about finding a home.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: Dec. 23, 1943 Director: Roy Rowland Starring: Margaret O'Brien, James Craig, Marsha Hunt Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: ok.ru Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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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.