Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Feb. 9–15

Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Feb. 9–15
Ian Kane
2/8/2024
Updated:
2/8/2024
0:00
This week, we feature an animated comedy about rebellious chickens and a quirky Japanese film about a widow who struggles with her ramen shop business.

New Release

‘Lights Out’

Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Frank Grillo) is a veteran who is down on his luck until he meets Max Bomer (Mekhi Phifer), a fast-talking conman who offers to help him. However, Duffy soon discovers that his new life—competing in underground fights—may lead to lethal consequences.

This is an engaging actioner anchored by strong performances of its able cast and is packed with adrenaline-pumping fights. It also sports a peppy soundtrack that complements the action and unfolding drama.

Action | Thriller Release Date: Feb. 16, 2024 Director: Christian Sesma Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Frank Grillo Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Chicken Run’

On an egg farm in England, a group of chickens plot to escape their prison-like coop. After seeing fellow chicken Rocky (voiced by Mel Gibson) almost escape by flying over the coop’s fences, the birds begin to hatch new schemes on how to make their big exodus.

This fun, family-friendly flick uses a brilliant mixture of computer-generated images along with old school Claymation to deliver some great visuals. It’s also well-paced, and although the film’s narrative is action-packed, there are enough slower, dramatic scenes to create emotional resonance.

Animation | Adventure | Comedy Release Date: June 23, 2000 Directors: Peter Lord, Nick Park Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels Running Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

A Delightful Feel-good Romp

‘Tampopo’

When truck driver Goro (Tsutomu Yamazaki) stops to eat at a ramen shop called Lai Lai, he meets its proprietor Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto), who is struggling to keep it open. Goro decides to help Tampopo upgrade her noodle-making skills, which leads to discoveries beyond food.

This film not only showcases some incredible acting by its stellar cast but also some positive messages (along with a lot of laughs) about helping others in distress and doing the right thing, no matter the challenge.

Comedy Release Date: September 1987 Director: Juzo Itami Starring: Ken Watanabe, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Vudu, Apple TV Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

An Engrossing Romantic Tale

‘Homecoming’

When Dr. Ulysses Johnson (Clark Gable) joins World War II for self-centered reasons, he meets Jane “Snapshot” McCall (Lana Turner), a nurse who challenges him to be a better man. Sparks begin to fly, but Johnson is a married man.

This sweeping romantic tale depicts realistic characters dealing with relatable situations that many folks have been through. A true classic.

Drama | Mystery | Romance Release Date: May 1, 1948 Director: Mervyn LeRoy Starring: Clark Gable, Lana Turner, Anne Baxter Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: TCM, Vudu, Amazon Rated: 4 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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