Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Feb. 28–March 6

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for Feb. 28–March 6
Ian Kane
Updated:
0:00
This week, we feature a romcom fantasy about a musician who wakes up to unexpected opportunities and a baseball drama about diminishing male spaces.

New Release

‘Eephus’

When their small-town baseball field faces demolition, two middle-aged New England rec league teams gather for one final game. On a late summer day, with empty bleachers and fading youth, the men prepare to say goodbye to the last place their community called home.

This film thoughtfully explores the ongoing loss of traditional male spaces, weaving a story that resonates with more than just sports enthusiasts. With a standout cast including Bill Lee and Wayne Diamond, it deepens the themes of nostalgia and diminishing communities.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: March 7, 2025 Director: Carson Lund Starring: Frederick Wiseman, Bill Lee, Keith William Richards Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Spies in Disguise’

Superspy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) is smooth, sophisticated, and unstoppable—until scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) accidentally turns him into a pigeon. Now, this unlikely duo must team up, outsmart enemies, and save the world—feathers and all.

Smith nails the suave spy turned pigeon, and Holland’s meek inventor is a perfect contrast, with great chemistry between them. The action is fun, and the message about avoiding violence hits home. Ben Mendelsohn makes a great villain too, in this 007-inspired adventure with a twist.

Animation | Comedy | Family Release Date: Dec. 25, 2019 Director: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane Starring: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, Rachel Brosnahan Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

A Conflict of Romance and Conscience

‘Yesterday’

Aspiring musician Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) wakes up after a worldwide blackout to discover The Beatles never existed. Seeing a huge opportunity, he takes credit for their songs, catapulting to fame. But his rising stardom distances him from his friend Ellie (Lily James)—and his own conscience.

This spunky romcom humorously reveals how solo artists often rely on teams that shape their sound for mass appeal. The romance at times overshadows the premise but still leads to a satisfying conclusion.

Comedy | Romance Release Date: June 28, 2019 Director: Danny Boyle Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino Running time: 1 hour, 56 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, fuboTV Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of World War II

‘Story of G.I. Joe’

Pulitzer-winning war correspondent Ernie Pyle (Burgess Meredith) joins C Company, 18th Infantry, as they fight through North Africa and Italy in World War II, bonding with the soldiers, including Lt. Walker (Robert Mitchum).

Pyle captured war’s reality through his writing. His work deeply resonated with soldiers and humanized their experiences.

Biography | Drama | War Release Date: July 13, 1945 Director: William A. Wellman Starring: Burgess Meredith, Robert Mitchum, Freddie Steele Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Tubi, YouTube Rated: 4 stars out of 5
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]
Ian Kane
Ian Kane
Author
Ian Kane is an U.S. Army veteran, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.