Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for May 19–25

This week, we feature a couple of fun romantic comedies: one about an elderly, lifelong bachelor and another about a quirky husband and wife.

New Release

‘You Hurt My Feelings’

Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), seem to have it all: a long-lasting marriage, successful careers, and a healthy passion for each other. However, when Beth discovers that Don’s “encouragement” of her work may not have been totally honest, their relationship becomes strained.

This is an interesting comedy about a major concern that many creative people have: How many of those close to us are being fake in their praise of our perceived talent? It’s a quick-witted jaunt into a very relatable subject.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: May 25, 2023 (Limited) Director: Nicole Holofcener Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tobias Menzies, Michaela Watkins Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

Indie Pick

‘Senior Moment’

Lifelong bachelor Victor Martin (William Shatner) is a retired pilot with a penchant for ladies and fast cars. When he participates in a drag race that gets out of control, he loses his license and is forced to take the bus, where he meets café owner Caroline Summers (Jean Smart). Romance may be in the air.

This is a whimsical romantic dramedy that takes place in beautiful Palm Springs, California. It’s an enjoyable watch that ticks all of the feel-good boxes, and it’s great to see Shatner at nearly 90 years old playing such a fun role.

Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: March 26, 2021 Director: Giorgio Serafini Starring: William Shatner, Jean Smart, Don McManus Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Showtime, Plex, Apple TV Rated: 3 stars out of 5

The Innocence of Youth

‘Big’

After being embarrassed because of his height, 12-year-old Josh Baskin (David Moscow) is granted his wish by a fortune-telling machine and becomes an adult (Tom Hanks) overnight—but is still a kid inside. At first, it seems fun being a grown-up, but Josh eventually longs for the simplicity of being a kid again.

With excellent acting by Hanks, this comedy has some interesting insights into how kids and adults perceive the world differently. It’s ultimately an uplifting film about cherishing one’s life.

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy Release Date: June 3, 1988 Director: Penny Marshall Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: DirecTV, Vudu, Redbox Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

A Musical Gem of the 1950s

‘On the Riviera’

Jack Martin (Danny Kaye) is an American entertainer who becomes popular on the French Riviera. But when he takes a job to impersonate wealthy local magnate Henri Duran (also Kaye) while he’s away on business, things don’t quite go as planned.

With bright colors, exotic scenery, and lots of fancy dancing by the incomparable Danny Kaye and others, this enjoyable musical soars.

Comedy | Musical Release Date: May 1951 Director: Walter Lang Starring: Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, Corinne Calvet Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5