Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Sept. 9–Sept. 16

This week, we look at an outstanding adventure undertaken by British officers, and a drama about secrets buried in a small Texas town’s past.

New Release

‘About Fate’

Just when both their hopes for a wedding seem to be souring, a series of fateful events bring Griffin Reed (Thomas Mann) and Margot Hayes (Emma Roberts) together on New Year’s Eve. Soon, romantic stirrings begin to develop between them, but there are those who don’t want to see that happen.

Despite the rapid-fire valley girl dialects (which permeate so many movies these days), this briskly paced rom-com is generally fun and engaging. It has some heartwarming moments and charming scenes that play out among its characters.

Romantic | Comedy Release Date: Sept. 9, 2022 Director: Marius Vaysberg Starring: Emma Roberts, Thomas Mann, Madelaine Petsch Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Indie Pick

‘Lone Star’

When Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) finds a skull in the desert near a small border town, he starts unraveling the murder of Sheriff Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson) four decades earlier. Deeds’s investigations begin to reveal town secrets revolving around his father (Matthew McConaughey) that might be best left buried in the past.

Featuring fantastic performances by its outstanding cast—particularly Cooper—this indie Western is a whodunit with a realistic vibe that will keep you transfixed through to its kicker of an ending.

Drama | Mystery | Western Release Date: June 21, 1996 Director: John Sayles Starring: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña, Matthew McConaughey Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, DirecTV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Wonderful Adventure With Captivating Locales

‘The Man Who Would Be King’

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s tale, this rousing adventure romp follows friends Peachy Carnehan (Michael Caine) and Danny Dravot (Sean Connery), who are British officers stationed in India. Having boundless ambitions, they head off to the remote land of Kafiristan and plan to live as kings.

With sublime portrayals by its shining stars Caine and Connery (the two have great chemistry), along with its great script and direction by John Huston, it’s one of the most brilliant adventure films of all time.

Adventure | History | War Release Date: Dec. 17, 1975 Director: John Huston Starring: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Redbox, DirecTV, HBO Max Rated: 5 stars out of 5

An Outstanding Semi-Historical Western

‘Lone Star’

Cattle baron Devereaux Burke (Clark Gable) is hired by President Andrew Jackson (Lionel Barrymore) to convince Sam Houston (Moroni Olsen) to bring Texas into the union. But Burke’s challenges are many.

This outstanding Western carries a good message about being principled. It also features a steamy love story and well-drawn characters brought to life by its brilliant cast.

Western Release Date: Feb. 8, 1952 Director: Vincent Sherman Starring: Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Broderick Crawford Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Vudu, Amazon, DirecTV Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5