Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Feb. 23–29

This week, we feature a hopeful dramedy about a young man taken in by kind Texans and a fun-filled comedy about a traveling ad executive.

New Release

‘Accidental Texan’

After wannabe actor Erwin Vandeveer (Rudy Pankow) ruins his acting prospects in New Orleans, he skedaddles to Texas, where he is taken in by friendly waitress Faye (Carrie-Anne Moss) and oil-drilling cowboy Merle (Thomas Haden Church). Merle and Erwin formulate a risky plan that may end up being a win-win situation.

This film’s simple plotline belies its portrayal of realistic interactions, with some great acting by its main players. At its heart, it’s a feel-good movie about the power of communities, friendship, and loyalty.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: March 8, 2024 Director: Mark Lambert Bristol Starring: Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Family Pick

‘Terra Willy’

Willy (Landen Beattie) is a youngster traveling through space with his parents when disaster strikes and their ship is compromised. He escapes on a rescue pod and lands on an alien planet. With the assistance of his trusty robot and a helpful alien, Willy must survive until a rescue team arrives.

This is a fun adventure movie with vibrant, fluid animation, and all sorts of exotic aliens—some cutesy and others hostile. Parents should know that some of the peril the main characters face may be a little too mature for younger children.

Animation | Adventure | Comedy Release Date: Oct 23, 2020 (limited) Director: Eric Tosti Starring: Landen Beattie, Jason Anthony, Edouard Baer Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Amazon, Yideo Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 

An Comedy With a Positive Message 

‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’

Marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) is on a trip from New York to Chicago to visit relatives for Thanksgiving. However, severe weather conditions cause delays and he eventually meets fast-talking salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). Together, they’ll face more than just bad weather.

While this film features two standout comedy actors in their primes that will elicit plenty of laughs, it also has a surprisingly heartwarming undercurrent that comes to the fore as it reaches its conclusion.

Comedy | Drama Release Date: Nov. 25, 1987 Director: John Hughes Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Satisfying Melodrama 

‘Parrish’

Based on Mildred Savage’s novel of the same name, this film follows the life of titular Parrish McLean (Troy Donahue), who comes into conflict with his stepfather, a cruel tobacco magnate.

This is an entertaining, yet slightly overstuffed melodrama that would have benefited more as a mini-series, but satisfies as a film because of its great cast and engaging narrative.

Drama Release Date: May 4, 1961 Director: Delmer Daves Starring: Claudette Colbert, Troy Donahue, Karl Malden Running Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Rated: 3 stars out of 5

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