Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 29–June 4

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 29–June 4
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This week, we feature a new thriller about the weather gamble before D-Day and a classic comedy about a soon-to-be grandpa and his daughter.

New Release

‘Pressure’

Days before the projected Allied invasion, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) doesn’t want his men drowning due to a massive storm. Chief meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) and aide Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon) are tasked to frantically crunch weather data and prevent that D-Day outcome.

Arguing over the weather is uniquely terrifying when one mathematical miscalculation could send thousands of men to die on the beaches. The drama becomes a brutal monument to the sacrifices made behind closed doors to save the free world.

History | Thriller | War Release Date: May 29, 2026 Director: Anthony Maras Starring: Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales’

Fox (Giles New) tries to become a real predator, but his scheme leaves him caring for chicks instead. Pig (Justin Edwards), Rabbit (Adrian Edmondson), and Duck (Bill Bailey) get tangled in farmyard jobs that turn into comic disasters.

I thoroughly enjoyed the handmade look of the animation and the goofy farm humor in the family-friendly little gem, especially because it feels miles away from the usual glossy 3D stuff. The stories are sweet and funny in a way that gives kids plenty to enjoy, without boring the adults with them.

Comedy | Family | Fantasy Release Date: Oct. 21, 2017 Directors: Patrick Imbert, Benjamin Renner Starring: Giles New, Justin Edwards, Adrian Edmondson Running time: 1 hour, 23 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Modern Romance with Old-Fashioned Decency

‘Hometown Hero’

Kelsey Dramond (Brooke Nevin) is a divorce mediator—who happens to be a divorcee—with a deep distrust of romance. But when she gets stuck caring for a client’s dog, it leads her toward Harrison (Jake Sandvig), a local veterinarian with enough patience to soften her pessimism.

The connection between the two leads works because the film stays sweet and sincere without being embarrassed by its old-fashioned sense of decency. I liked that it treats dogs, therapy, and romance with old-fashioned care and affection.

Romance Release Date: April 1, 2017 Director: David S. Cass Sr. Starring: Brooke Nevin, Jake Sandvig, Megyn Price Running time: 1 hour, 24 minutes MPAA Rating: TV-PG Where to Watch: Amazon, DirecTV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Stanley Meets His Next ‘Crisis’

‘Father’s Little Dividend’

Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy) has barely had enough time to recover from his daughter Kay Dunstan’s (Elizabeth Taylor) wedding before she and husband Buckley (Don Taylor) announce a baby, sending him into grandfather panic.

Spencer Tracy gives Stanley Banks a wonderfully cranky resistance to age, babies, and rich in-laws, until family duty sneaks up and makes him human again.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: April 27, 1951 Director: Vincente Minnelli Starring: Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor Running Time: 1 hour, 22 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: fuboTV, Pure Flix, Plex 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.