04-05-2025
Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 2–8
This week, we feature a thrilling blockbuster about a Scotsman rising up against a tyrannical force and a timeless romantic tale sure to win hearts.
New Release
'Stand Your Ground'
When former soldier Jack Johnson (Daniel Stisen) loses his wife to a violent crime, he launches a one-man war against a ruthless crime family. As the body count rises, Jack faces wave after wave of attackers. Will his Special Forces training be enough to survive?
This is the kind of action flick that calls back to the glory days of the 1980s and 1990s when cheesy one-liners came sandwiched between explosive set pieces. If you're after a solid dose of old-school escapism, you could do far worse—the action scenes deliver.
Action | Crime | Thriller
Release Date:
May 27, 2025
Director:
Fansu Njie
Starring:
Peter Stormare, Eric Roberts, Megan Lockhurst
Running Time:
1 hour, 40 minutes
MPAA Rating:
R
Where to Watch:
Theaters
Rated
: 2 1/2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
'Million Dollar Arm'
J.B. Bernstein (Jon Hamm) is a struggling sports agent who bets big on turning two Indian teens, Rinku (Suraj Sharma) and Dinesh (Madhur Mittal), into Major League pitchers. With help from no-nonsense scout Ray (Alan Arkin), the wild idea becomes a heartfelt journey across cultures.
While it sticks to the sports movie formula, this brings real depth. Hamm leads a charming cast, with Sharma and Mittal delivering performances you root for. Funny, moving, and with a few mature themes—this underdog story is heartwarming and inspiring.
Drama | Family | Sport
Release Date:
May 16, 2014
Director:
Craig Gillespie
Starring:
Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Alan Arkin
Running Time:
2 hours, 4 minutes
MPAA Rating:
PG
Where to Watch:
YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated:
3 1/2 stars out of 5
Defying Tyranny
'Braveheart'
A Scottish warrior's fight for freedom unfolds as William Wallace (Mel Gibson) leads his people against England's oppressive forces.
This film remains a classic, filled with unexpected twists and gripping moments that will keep you hooked. The intense battle scenes and poignant dialogue combine to deliver an unforgettable experience, weaving in themes of love, passion, and resilience. The powerful speeches and heartfelt intensity make it one of the most inspiring tales of strength and sacrifice ever told.
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Biography | Drama | War
Release Date:
May 24, 1995
Director:
Mel Gibson
Starring:
Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
Running Time:
2 hours, 58 minutes
MPAA Rating:
R
Where to Watch:
YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated:
4 1/2 stars out of 5
Time, Love, and Latin
'Goodbye, Mr. Chips'
A reserved Latin teacher at a traditional British boys' school finds his life unexpectedly transformed by a spirited romance with a lively suffragette, leading to decades of lasting personal influence through war, love, and social change.
Robert Donat and Greer Garson deliver moving, nuanced performances in this subtly powerful, emotionally rich, and beautifully crafted film.
Drama | Romance
Release Date:
July 28, 1939
Directors:
Sam Wood, Sidney Franklin
Starring:
Robert Donat, Greer Garson, Terry Kilburn
Running Time:
1 hour, 54 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch:
Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV
Rated:
4 stars out of 5
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