Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for March 24–30

This week, we feature family-friendly films that focus on friendship: one about magical animals and the other about curious sea monsters.

New Release

‘School of Magical Animals’

When Ida Kronenberg (Emilia Maier) transfers to a new school, she finds it difficult to make new friends. However, Ida’s teacher, Miss Mary Cornfield (Nadja Uhl), introduces her entire class to enchanted animals that soon become their helpful companions. What adventures await them?

This family-friendly movie is based on German author Margit Auer’s children’s book series “The School of Magical Animals.” It’s a wonderful film full of mystery, fantasy, and wonderment—an uplifting experience that highlights the value of friendship.

Adventure | Family Release Date: March 24, 2023 (U.S.) Director: Gregor Schnitzler Starring: Emilia Maier, Leonard Conrads, Loris Sichrovsky Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Luca’

In this unique animated coming-of-age tale, a young sea monster named Luca Paguro (Jacob Tremblay) lives with his parents on the Italian Riviera. He soon meets another sea monster youth named Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) who shows Luca how to turn into his human form. What adventures await the two new friends?

This is a charming film that features a simple storyline, bereft of any of the typical existential threats and psycho-babble of similar fare. It’s a delightful film with positive messages about male comradery and loyalty.

Animation | Adventure | Comedy Release Date: June 18, 2021 Director: Enrico Casarosa Starring: Jacob Tremblay (voice), Jack Dylan Grazer (voice), Emma Berman (voice) Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

A Masterful Tale of Desperate Salesmen

‘Glengarry Glen Ross’

This film depicts the lives of four men who work for a floundering real estate business. When a smug sales trainer shows up to “motivate” the men, he says that only two of them will keep their jobs—dependent on their sales performances. But with weak sales leads, the men soon resort to desperate measures.

This award-winning film functions as a masterclass in both direction and acting. Its ensemble cast spouts gritty dialogue that brings the characters they portray to life. Truly a must-see drama.

Crime | Drama | Mystery Release Date: Oct. 2, 1992 Director: James Foley Starring: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Hulu, Vudu, Redbox Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

A French Comedy About the Technology-Obsessed

‘Mon Oncle’

Monsieur Hulot (Jacques Tati) is a simple man whose relatives want a more “advanced” and modern lifestyle. He pays them a visit, seeking to rescue his nephew from their obsession with modernity.

Buoyant music and deft body language drive this hilarious comedy as generations clash. It’s a timely (and scathing) tale about society’s overreliance and blind acceptance of technology.

Comedy Release Date: Nov. 3, 1958 Director: Jacques Tati Starring: Jacques Tati (uncredited), Jean-Pierre Zola, Adrienne Servantie Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5