Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Sept. 22–28

This week, we feature a Disney animated classic about a puppet and a drama about an American woman’s transformative life experience in England.

New Release

‘Surprised by Oxford’

Young American Carolyn “Caro” Weber (Rose Reid) receives a scholarship to Oxford University and hopes to earn her doctorate. She arrives in England as an emotionally guarded person due to a rough upbringing. She eventually meets fellow student Kent Weber (Ruairi O’Connor), who guides her through a transformative journey of love and faith.

This is based on a true story of a woman who overcame many challenges and eventually went on to become the first female dean of St. Peter’s College, Oxford. It has a very inspirational message and is a great watch.

Drama | Romance Release Date: Sept. 27, 2023 Director: Ryan Whitaker Starring: Simon Callow, Rose Reid, Mark Williams Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Where Hope Grows’

Calvin (Kristoffer Polaha) left Major League Baseball on bad terms and has turned to alcohol to ease his pain. On one of his liquor runs, Calvin meets a produce worker (David DeSanctis) and the two form a friendship that inspires him to repair his life and his relationship with his daughter, Katie (McKaley Miller).

This is an inspirational story filled with loss, hope, and eventual redemption through the kindness of others. It reminds us that although we can’t change the past, we can make current decisions that shape our futures.

Drama | Family Release Date: May 15, 2015 Director: Chris Dowling Starring: Kristoffer Polaha, David DeSanctis, McKaley Miller Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Redbox, Hoopla, Vudu Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Opposites Attract in an ’80s Rom-Com

 ‘The Sure Thing’

Things aren’t going well for college freshman Gib (John Cusack) but his friends want to link him up with hot babe in California. He inadvertently travels with Alison (Daphne Zuniga) on his road trip out west, a spirited girl who previously rejected him. But who knows what will happen on their trip.

This is a pretty breezy romantic comedy that thankfully doesn’t have a lot of the raunchy themes of other teen movies. Although it has a predictable plot, watching how things unfold is delightful.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: March 1, 1985 Director: Rob Reiner Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

An Endearing Disney Classic

‘Pinocchio’

Geppetto (Christian Rub) crafts a wooden puppet he names Pinocchio (Dickie Jones). Geppetto’s wish for the puppet to become human is partially granted by a fairy. But first, Pinocchio must cultivate good values if he is to become a real boy.

Sporting beautiful animation, this classic Disney film is not only entertaining but has some moral lessons never feel forced or preachy.

Animation | Adventure | Comedy Release Date: Feb. 23, 1940 Directors: Norman Ferguson, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson Starring: Voiced by Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc Running Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: AMC on Demand, Amazon, Vudu Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5