Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 1–7

This week, we feature the buzzworthy comedy-drama of the high-powered fashion world—part 2—and a nostalgic ‘70s throwback of a lovable neighborhood dog.

New Release

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) returns to the world she once left behind as she reconnects with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), who is navigating an ever-changing fashion industry that no longer plays by the old rules.

There’s a controlled directorial style here, aided by crisp performances and a clear sense of tone, driving most of its momentum. While some of the story beats may ring a little too familiar, this drama mostly holds attention through its lively character dynamics and the push and pull between ambition and personal cost.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: May 1, 2026 Director: David Frankel Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Benji’

Scruffy wanderer Benji drifts through a Texas town, slipping between the lives of a widow (Frances Bavier) and a kind-hearted store owner (Edgar Buchanan), until two kids Benji looks after get taken, and it follows the trail.

There’s something disarming in how the camera sticks with Benji’s point of view, trusting the dog to carry whole stretches without a word while the town hums around him and danger creeps in from the edges. The ‘70s texture hangs all over it, a little rough and a bit dated, yet it pulls you along anyway.

Adventure | Drama | Family Release Date: May 31, 1974 Director: Joe Camp Starring: Peter Breck, Deborah Walley, Patsy Garrett Running time: 1 hour, 26 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Predictable Path, Still Enjoyable

‘Irish Wish’

Maddie (Lindsay Lohan) flies to Ireland to watch her best friend marry Paul (Alexander Vlahos), then a wish flips her into the bride’s place and scrambles everything. As the ceremony closes in, she drifts toward James (Ed Speleers), the one connection that holds without the fantasy.

The two leads click in a way that keeps things moving as they wander through the Irish backdrop. You’ll see the ending coming early, yet watching them trip through the mess still pulls laughs and makes the ride worth it.

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance Release Date: March 15, 2024 Director: Janeen Damian Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Ed Speleers, Alexander Vlahos Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes TV Parental Guidance: TV-PG Where to Watch: Netflix Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Does Right, Pays the Cost

‘The Great McGinty’

Dan McGinty (Brian Donlevy) claws his way up from street-level schemes into a political machine run by The Boss (Akim Tamiroff), riding graft and backroom deals until a late turn toward honesty starts to crack everything he built.

Director Preston Sturges keeps it sharp and fast, letting the main character’s rise and fall play out with bite while the humor keeps its edge intact.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: Aug. 23, 1940 Director: Preston Sturges Starring: Brian Donlevy, Muriel Angelus, Akim Tamiroff Running Time: 1 hour, 22 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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