Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Dec. 29–Jan. 4

Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Dec. 29–Jan. 4
Ian Kane
12/28/2023
Updated:
1/1/2024
0:00
This week, we feature a biopic about a tight-knit community recovering from tragedy and an interesting rom-com set in the City of Lights.

New Release

(Republic Pictures)
(Republic Pictures)

‘The Painter’

Peter (Charlie Weber) is a former CIA agent, who lives a quiet life as a painter. However, that all changes when someone from his shadowy past emerges. Soon, he finds himself hunted by malevolent forces.

Like so many other “man with a mysterious past” movies, this one is formulaic, at least regarding plot. However, it sports some excellent cinematography (a great use of vibrant colors), and visceral, well-choreographed action sequences. Overall, it’s a pretty decent actioner.

Thriller Release Date: Jan. 5, 2024 Director: Kimani Ray Smith Starring: Charlie Weber, Marie Avgeropoulos, Madison Bailey Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Indie Pick

(Sony Pictures Classics)
(Sony Pictures Classics)

‘Midnight in Paris’

Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful writer who is traveling with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), and her parents in France. On their trip, he begins to discover that perhaps Inez isn’t the woman for him—while also realizing that Paris is a magical place that inspires him to write his first novel.

The “City of Lights” serves as a truly stunning backdrop for this thought-provoking rom-com about a man finding himself and what is important to him. Director of photography Darius Khondji’s cinematography is also a feast for the eyes.

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance Release Date: June 10, 2011 Director: Woody Allen Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, AMC on Demand Rated: 3 stars out of 5

An Inspiring Sports Film

(Warner Bros.)
(Warner Bros.)

‘We Are Marshall’

On Nov.14, 1970, a DC-9 domestic commercial jetliner crashed into a hillside, killing all 75 of its passengers, which included almost all of Marshall University’s football team members. New coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is hired to develop a new team of players and to help heal the damaged heart of the local community.

Although this sports drama does contain some tragedy, it’s also an ultimately uplifting film that shows there is sometimes hope to be found beyond calamity.

Drama | Sport Release Date: Dec. 22, 2006 Director: McG Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie Running Time: 2 hours, 11 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Fun-Filled Western 

(Republic Pictures)
(Republic Pictures)

‘The Fighting Kentuckian’

John Breen (John Wayne) is a Kentuckian militiaman, who meets Fleurette De Marchand (Vera Ralston) on his way home from the War of 1812. When he learns of a dastardly plot to steal land from her and her fellow French exiles, he dashes to their aid.

This film has everything—lots of fighting, loving, and plenty of laughs provided by Oliver Hardy of “Laurel and Hardy.”

Adventure | Drama | Romance Release Date: Sept. 15, 1949 Director: George Waggner Starring: John Wayne, Vera Ralston, Philip Dorn Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Vudu, Hoopla, Amazon Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
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Ian Kane is an U.S. Army veteran, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.
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