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This week, we feature a classic romcom that’s great for booklovers, and an intense thriller where a scientist plays hide-and-seek with those who want to weaponize his invention.
New Release
‘Off the Grid’
Josh Duhamel stars as Guy, a rogue scientist who disappears after his groundbreaking energy tech is nearly turned into a weapon. Living quietly in a remote village, his peace shatters when his former employers track him down. Forced into survival mode, he fights back with lethal ingenuity.
The film stands out not for its action, but for its clever, conscience-driven lead. He doesn’t just run—he outsmarts, turning survival into strategy. It’s a reminder that doing what’s right often comes at a cost, but some risks are worth taking.
Action | Drama
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Director: Johnny Martin
Starring: Josh Duhamel, Peter Stormare, Greg Kinnear
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Tale of Despereaux’
Despereaux (Matthew Broderick)—an eccentric mouse—longs to be a knight. When Princess Pea (Emma Watson) is taken, he joins forces with a rat and a servant girl, setting out on a quest to save the princess and bring happiness back to their fading kingdom.
This tale trades cheap laughs for timeless values. It’s about sincerity, not spectacle. It reminded me of what kids’ films used to strive for: courage, kindness, and hope, told with storybook charm. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairy tales with something substantive.
Animation | Comedy | Family
Release Date: Dec. 19, 2008
Directors: Sam Fell, Robert Stevenhagen
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Connection Error: Feelings Detected
‘You’ve Got Mail’
Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) runs a cozy bookshop in New York City, but she’s frustrated with Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), her real-life nemesis who is opening a book megastore nearby. She and Fox unknowingly vent their troubles to each other as online friends in a chat room. As their virtual bond deepens, it sets the stage for an impassioned clash between competition and connection.
This romcom may be short on surprises, but that’s part of its charm. Like a favorite pillow, it’s familiar and comforting. The film is filled with small joys that hold up on repeat viewings. The chemistry sparkles, anchored by dialogue that still feels timeless.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Dec. 18, 1998
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear
Running time: 1 hour, 59 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Against the Rising Sun
‘Battle Stations’
During WWII, an aircraft carrier returns to the Pacific, drawing attention from the Japanese, who believed it had sunk. What follows is a tense mission of duty, risk, and camaraderie.
A well-made war film that balances entertainment with reverence, it’s based on real events and delivers action, solid performances, and respect for the courage of ordinary sailors under extraordinary pressure.
Drama | War
Release Date: Feb. 1, 1956
Director: Lewis Seiler
Starring: John Lund, William Bendix, Keefe Brasselle
Running Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc
