Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Sept. 30–Oct. 6

This week, we feature the first film in an iconic action series about a New York cop and a swashbuckling fairytale sure to inspire giggles.

New Release

‘Bandit’

Gilbert Galvan Jr. (Josh Duhamel) escapes a minimum-security prison in the United States and relocates to Canada. There, he reinvents himself as Robert Whiteman and falls in love with the kind-hearted Andrea (Elisha Cuthbert). But he turns back to crime and goes on a massive bank robbing spree.

It’s a pretty straightforward bank heist movie based on a true story, with good tension and drama. But what makes it stand out are the excellent acting performances by its cast. Mel Gibson sizzles in his small role as a crime boss.

Crime | Drama | Thriller Release Date: Sept. 23, 2022 Director: Allan Ungar Starring: Josh Duhamel, Elisha Cuthbert, Nestor Carbonell Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Family Pick

‘The Princess Bride’

Based on the William Goldman novel of the same title, “The Princess Bride” is an epic fairy-tale adventure. Framed with a plot device of a grandfather reading to his grandson, the story involves a simple farm boy turned swashbuckling pirate (Cary Elwes). He must overcome various challenges to save and be reunited with his one true love—the princess Buttercup (Robin Wright).

This charming, thoroughly enjoyable film with its sometimes-zany script is both an ode to classic fairy tales as well as a satire on happily-ever-afters.

Adventure | Family | Fantasy Release Date: Oct. 9, 1987 Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Redbox, Vudu, Apple TV Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

An ’80s Classic Action-Thrill Ride

‘Die Hard’

John McClane (Bruce Willis) is a New York cop who is visiting his estranged family on Christmas Eve. When a group of terrorists, led by dastardly villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), takes over the high-rise party McClane’s wife is attending, it’s up to McClane to save the hostages.

The action showcased in this thriller is consistently exciting and the cinematography is inventive. John McTiernan (“Last Action Hero”) directed this film with brisk pacing that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.

Action | Thriller Release Date: July 20, 1988 Director: John McTiernan Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia Running Time: 2 hours, 12 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: DirecTV, Vudu, Redbox Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Rom-Com With Fantastic Music

‘High Society’

In this remake of “The Philadelphia Story,” C.K. Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby) and Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly) were childhood friends who married and quickly divorced. Now, Lord is set to marry an up-and-coming businessman, but Dexter-Haven wants her back.

This charming rom-com should appeal to fans of musicals and tongue-in-cheek comedies. It’s hard not to smile as you listen to it.

Comedy | Musical | Romance Release Date: July 17, 1956 Director: Charles Walters Starring: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Redbox, DirecTV, Vudu Rated: 4 stars out of 5