Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Sept. 19–25

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Sept. 19–25
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This week, we feature a creative dramedy about a woman who chooses to follow her heart and a solid British World War II drama involving breakthrough technology and dangerous flying.

New Release

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’

Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) take a wild trip to Cat Francisco. But the fun takes a turn when her dollhouse is nabbed by eccentric cat collector Vera (Kristen Wiig). To get it back, Gabby embarks on a city-wide quest, rallying the Gabby Cats for a rescue mission.

Bright, bouncy animation and a heap of goofy cat antics keep this one moving. It’s built for kids, but there’s enough clever weirdness to keep adults awake. The story plays it safe, and the acting is good, mixing live-action with animation.

Animation | Comedy | Family Release Date: Sept. 26, 2025 Director: Ryan Crego Starring: Laila Lockhart Kraner, Kristen Wiig, Carla Tassara Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Holes’

Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf), plagued by a family curse, is sent to a camp where The Warden (Sigourney Weaver) forces kids to dig holes. When Stanley uncovers a relic, he realizes The Warden isn’t building character—she’s hunting for something buried.

For what’s basically a story about kids stuck in the desert with shovels, the film works better than you’d expect. The flashbacks add grit, though the film drags and juggles more plot than needed. Still, it’s a Disney oddball that stays watchable without sugarcoating everything.

Comedy | Drama | Family Release Date: April 18, 2003 Director: Andrew Davis Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight Running Time: 1 hour, 57 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Old-school Charm, Sharp Cast

‘Moonstruck’

Widow Loretta Castorini (Cher) agrees to marry the dependable Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello). But while he’s in Italy, she meets Johnny’s estranged brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage), and their instant spark threatens to upend both the wedding and her family’s secrets.

Cher and Cage have good chemistry, and the old-school family cast keeps it grounded. The script has bite without getting preachy, and the whole thing looks better than most New York stories manage. It’s worth a watch, even if it doesn’t knock you flat.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: Jan. 15, 1988 Director: Norman Jewison Starring: Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis Running Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Old-school War Grit, No CGI Needed

‘The Dam Busters’

During World War II, scientist Barnes Wallis (Michael Redgrave) builds the “bouncing bomb,” and Wing Cmdr. Guy Gibson (Richard Todd) trains 617 Squadron for a high-risk strike on Germany’s dams.

Solid wartime picture—Redgrave carries it, Todd does his stiff-upper-lip duty—and the old effects hold up well enough if you remember when it was made. Overall, it feels gritty and authentic.

Drama | History | War Release Date: July 16, 1955 Director: Michael Anderson Starring: Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Ursula Jeans Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube 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.