Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for Nov. 3–9

This week, we feature a gripping tale about estranged brothers and father healing their emotional wounds, and a Japanese drama about a loving father and his children.

New Release

‘Trolls Band Together’

In this third installment of the popular Troll series, Branch (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) have finally become a couple. However, Branch’s brother Floyd (Troye Sivan) is suddenly kidnapped by Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells), who plan to exploit his musical gifts, and Branch and Poppy must try to save him.

This animated adventure features lots of nostalgic references that hark back to the boyband era of the ’80s and ’90s. However, parents should first consider that it has some mature humor.

Animation | Family | Comedy Release Date: Nov. 17, 2023 Directors: Walt Dohrn, Tim Heitz Starring: Voiced by Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 3 stars out of 5

A Fun Rom-Com 

‘My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend’

Jesse (Alyssa Milano) is trying to get back into the dating world after a divorce. She soon meets Ethan (Christopher Gorham), a writer, and the two are attracted to each other. But when she also meets businessman Troy (Michael Landes), she becomes conflicted as to who is the right man for her.

While the movie’s plot isn’t exactly original, it’s a relatively wholesome flick compared to most of the degenerate swill being thrown on to audiences these days. It has a certain innocence that harks back to classic romantic comedies.

Comedy | Romance Release Date: May 1, 2010 Director: Daryn Tufts Starring: Christopher Gorham, Alyssa Milano, Michael Landes Running Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Vudu, Tubi, Roku Rated: 3 stars out of 5

A Powerful Tale of a Family Battle and Healing

‘Warrior’

Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy) is an ex-Marine who wants to win the top prize for a big mixed martial arts tournament. He gets his recovering alcoholic father Paddy (Nick Nolte) to train him. But when his estranged brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton) enters the tournament, all three men must face their family trauma.

With an outstanding cast, this tale of masculine conflict and healing hits all the right notes. It features bravura performances by Mr. Hardy and Mr. Edgerton, touching emotional drama, and an inspirational finale.

Action | Drama | Sport Release Date: Sept. 9, 2011 Director: Gavin O'Connor Starring: Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Hoopla, Vudu, Plex Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

A Moving Portrait of a Father and Daughter

‘An Autumn Afternoon’

Shuhei Hirayama (Chishu Ryu) is a widower who has special relationships with each of his three children—especially daughter Michiko (Shima Iwashita), whom he wants to see get married.

Visually stunning, yet earthy and often humorous in its delivery, this moving story about the challenges of a father-daughter relationship is a splendid cinematic send-off to director Yasujiro Ozu.

Drama Release Date: May 20, 1964 Director: Yasujiro Ozu Starring: Chishû Ryu, Shima Iwashita, Keiji Sada Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Plex, Apple TV, Tubi