Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch

Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch
Ian Kane
1/21/2022
Updated:
1/22/2022

New Release

‘Belle’

High schooler Suzu (Kaho Nakamura) is grieving the loss of her mother. To escape her episodes of depression, she crosses over into a digital world and becomes her popular alter ego, Belle. However, her perfect virtual world is soon thrown into turmoil when certain nefarious forces arrive on the scene.

Simply put, this film is an emotional powerhouse. With marvelous voice acting, sumptuous animation, and a riveting storyline that has to do with the human soul, this is a fine example of what animated films can aspire to be.

Anime | Adventure | Drama Release Date: Jan. 14, 2022 Director: Mamoru Hosoda Starring: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘October Sky’

Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a teenager growing up in a mining town in the 1950s. He’s expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and work the mines. But when he watches the launch of a satellite, he becomes obsessed with building his own. In this quest, he and his like-minded friends will face many challenges.

With a fantastic cast that portrays believable characters (it’s based on a real-life story), this film has a mix of excitement, disappointment, humor, hope, and beautiful oldies tunes that will keep your toes tapping.

Biography | Drama | Family Release Date: Feb 19, 1999 Director: Joe Johnson Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Vudu, Redbox, DirectTV Rated: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Top Action Thriller

‘Jack Reacher’

When former military sniper James Barr (Joseph Sikora) is jailed for killing five people in a quiet Midwestern city, he asks for ex-Army MP Officer Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise). However, Jack knows Barr from Iraq and wants to find him guilty. But as Jack digs deeper into the case, he begins to suspect that things aren’t as they seem.

This is an increasingly rare type of action thriller—full of mystery and intrigue while being light on gratuitous violence. It’s also a very well-crafted film.

Action | Thriller Release Date: Dec 21, 2012 Director: Christopher McQuarrie Starring: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Redbox, Hulu, Epix Rated: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Rousing Family Drama

‘How Green Was My Valley’ 

In a Welsh mining village at the turn of the 20th century, life is a challenge. But the Morgans have strong familial bonds. When the village is threatened by the mine’s owner, they must take desperate measures.

This classic is filled with memorable characters and beautiful scenery. But what’s most memorable is its message of hope despite facing some incredibly tough odds.

Drama | Family Release Date: Oct. 28, 1941 Director: John Ford Starring: Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O’Hara, Anna Lee Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes MPAA Rating: Passed Where to Watch: Watch TCM, Vudu, DirectTV Rated: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
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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