Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Aug. 5–11

Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Aug. 5–11
Ian Kane
8/5/2022
Updated:
8/5/2022
This week, we look at an ’80s classic about a friendly alien and a hilarious, offbeat comedy about an aging stuntman and his younger rival.

New Release

‘DC League of Super-Pets’

When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto the Super-Dog and his motley crew of fellow super-pets harness their collective superpowers in order to stage a big rescue.

This movie sports some pretty good animation and is action-packed from beginning to end. However, the comedic bits are largely hit-or-miss, depending on whether you’re a fan of crude humor. But overall, the film’s heartfelt nature overshadows most of its shortcomings. In the end, it’s a fun movie but nothing groundbreaking.

Animation | Action | Adventure Release Date: July 29, 2022 Directors: Jared Stern, Sam Levine Starring: Dwayne Johnson (voice), Kevin Hart (voice), Kate McKinnon (voice) Running Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 2.5 stars out of 5

Family Pick 

‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’

After young Elliott (Henry Thomas) discovers a kind-hearted alien that was left behind on Earth, he takes it home. Although he introduces E.T. (nicknamed for extraterrestrial) to his sister and brother, Elliot otherwise keeps its existence secret. But when E.T. becomes sick, the government may have to intervene.

Director Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi tale of an alien stranded on Earth is blissful movie magic. Parents will love the nostalgia, and kids will love the adorable E.T. and its friendship with its earthling family.

Adventure | Family | Sci-fi Release Date: June 11, 1982 Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote Running Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Vudu, Redbox, DirecTV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Perfect, Whacky Summer Comedy 

‘Hooper’

Sonny Hooper (Burt Reynolds) has been Hollywood’s top stuntman for ages but is getting on in years. He gets the chance to prove he still has what it takes when a brash director (Robert Klein) gives him the opportunity to perform his greatest stunt ever. But at what cost?

Not only is Reynolds hilarious and at the top of his game in this raucous laugh-fest, but Jan-Michael Vincent is brilliant as the young rival, an upstart stuntman, Ski Shidski. This is the perfect summer comedy for lifting spirits.

Action | Comedy Release Date: July 28, 1978 Director: Hal Needham Starring: Burt Reynolds, Jan-Michael Vincent, Sally Field Running Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Redbox, HBO Max, Vudu Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

One of the Greatest Westerns of All Time

‘The Searchers’

John Wayne stars as Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran who spends years looking for his niece, Debbie Edwards (Natalie Wood), who was kidnapped by Comanches. His journey is fraught with peril.

This feature is considered one of the most influential films of all time. It’s a masterclass in filmmaking and has inspired many creative minds including David Lean and Martin Scorsese.

Adventure | Drama | Western Release Date: May 26, 1956 Director: John Ford Starring: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: DirecTV, Redbox, Vudu Rated: 5 stars out of 5
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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