Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for March 20–26

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for March 20–26
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This week, we feature a frantic underwater quest carried out by a most unlikely pair and a beloved romping musical that you just “cain’t say no” to.

New Release

‘The Pout-Pout Fish’

Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) drifts through the reef in a low mood while Pip (Nina Oyama) keeps pulling him into a hunt for a wish-granting legend that could fix their wrecked homes.

Based on the children’s book by Deborah Diesen, this animated tale has a vivid color palette and a simple idea about helping others. Offerman plays off Oyama in a way that actually gets a few laughs. The film has a scrappy, smaller production feel, but the positive narrative carries it, and the whole thing leaves you feeling good.

Adventure | Animation | Comedy Release Date: March 20, 2026 Directors: Ricard Cussó, Rio Harrington Starring: Nick Offerman, Miranda Otto, Amy Sedaris Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Storks’

Junior (Andy Samberg), the star stork courier under boss Hunter (Kelsey Grammer), gets stuck with an unauthorized baby after Tulip (Katie Crown) accidentally restarts the abandoned Baby Factory. The two sneak the infant out and rush to deliver it before anyone discovers the mistake.

The movie runs on frantic energy, bright animation, and a great voice cast that sounds like they are having a blast. Beneath the cartoon chaos is a reminder that work can swallow whole families if nobody remembers to spend time with each other.

Animation | Comedy | Family Release Date: Sep. 23, 2016 Directors: Nicholas Stoller, Doug Sweetland Starring: Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer Running Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Faith, Rivalries, and the Road to Lourdes

‘The Miracle Club’

Lily Fox (Maggie Smith), Eileen Dunne (Kathy Bates), and Dolly Hennessy (Agnes O’Casey) win a parish contest that sends them on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Each hopes for relief from burdens they carry. Chrissie Ahearn (Laura Linney) returns to town and joins the uneasy journey.

The direction keeps the road simple and the focus on faces and conversations, letting the veterans handle the heavy lifting while the Irish countryside and the shrine town provide the backdrop for their uneasy truce.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: July 14, 2023 Directors: Thaddeus O'Sullivan Starring: Maggie Smith, Laura Linney, Kathy Bates Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Love and Rivalries on the Prairie

‘Oklahoma!’

Curly (Gordon MacRae) courts Laurey (Shirley Jones) while rival Jud Fry (Rod Steiger) circles the romance, and Ado Annie (Gloria Grahame) can’t decide between Will Parker (Gene Nelson) and Ali Hakim (Eddie Albert).

Fred Zinnemann spreads this musical’s score across wide prairie skies, delivering memorable songs, big performances, and classic show tunes that still echo today.

Musical | Romance | Western Release Date: Nov. 17, 1955 Director: Fred Zinnemann Starring: Gordon MacRae, Gloria Grahame, Gene Nelson Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon, Plex, Hoopla 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.