Epoch Watchlist

Movie Reviews

This week, we feature a couple of patriotic films: one about the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima and the other about a U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Indie Pick

Teenager William Brody (Daniel Diemer) lives in the shadow of his famous storm-chaser father, Bill, who tragically died following a super tornado. But when a catastrophic supercell develops, Williams joins his father’s old partner, Roy Cameron (Skeet Ulrich), to travel into the eye of the storm.

This entertaining movie may seem like a disaster flick at first, but it eventually delves deeper into a tale of a boy’s search for himself and the importance of family. It also features outstanding cinematography and special effects.

ACTION

Release Date: April 20, 2023

Director: Herbert James Winterstern

Starring: Skeet Ulrich, Alec Baldwin, Anne Heche

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Where to Watch: Theaters

Dallas, Texas, 1976. When 27-yearold Randall Adams’s car runs out of gas, he gets picked up by teenager David Harris. Later, the same car gets pulled over, and as Dallas policeman Robert Wood nears it, he is fatally shot. Adams gets arrested for the crime, despite contrary evidence. This frightening, capably directed documentary relies on reenactments and shows what can sometimes happen when incompetence and corruption permeate aspects of the American criminal justice system. It features a mesmerizing score by Philip Glass.

DOCUMENTARY | CRIME

Release Date: Aug. 25, 1988

Director: Errol Morris

Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Where to Watch: Apple TV, The Criterion Channel, Amazon

TEAMWORK, UNDERDOGS, AND PATRIOTISM

‘Miracle’

John Wayne and carries positive messages about comradery, self-sacrifice, loyalty, and good ol’ American grit.

ACTION | DRAMA | ROMANCE

Release Date: March 1, 1950

Director: Allan Dwan

When U.S. Marine Sgt. John Stryker (John Wayne) is tasked with whipping a brash new crop of recruits, he soon discovers that his harsh training methods make them resentful of him.

This entertaining World War II drama features an iconic performance by American legend

Starring: John Wayne, John Agar, Adele Mara

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Parental Guidance Rating: Approved

Where to Watch: Vudu, Kanopy, Apple TV

When American hockey coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) is chosen to train the U.S. 1980 Olympic team, he handpicks its members and begins a rigorous training regimen. Will Brooks’s unorthodox training methods and hard-driving personality be enough to topple the dominant Soviet team?

Although a Disney film, it doesn’t feature any schmaltz or sentimentality. Instead, we get a fascinating character study about a complex, some- times harsh man and his relationship with the men of the team he led.

BIOGRAPHY | DRAMA | HISTORY

Release Date: Feb. 6, 2004

Director: Gavin O’Connor

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West

Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG

Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Redbox

—Paul Behrends, consultant

Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. It is an immersive experience that will uplift your spirit and transport you to another world.

Join us for a night filled with courage and wisdom, light and hope...

I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows, and none can compare to what I saw tonight.”

—Richard Connema, Broadway critic

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—Edward McMillan-Scott, former

of the European Parliament

Vice-President

“I encourage everyone to see and all of us to learn from.”

—Donna Karan, creator of DKNY