Episode 552: The Long Walk, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Movie News LIVE!

We're here to provide a little distraction -- and a positive online community during these weird times -- with the latest episode of our Breakfast All Day podcast.

Our first movie isn't exactly escapist fun, though: "The Long Walk," which is one of the better Stephen King adaptations. It's beautifully written and acted but also harrowing to watch, especially now. This may not be the best week to see people getting shot in the head, but this movie is really good otherwise. In theaters.

Next up, it's "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," the painfully unfunny sequel to the 1984 comedy classic "This Is Spinal Tap." It would be impossible to match the brilliance of a movie that invented an entire genre, but this one really doesn't. Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer are all back, along with some major celebrity cameos. In theaters.

If you're looking for elegant pleasures, we have "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale." Everyone's lives are in flux in 1930s England, but they look great doing it. And despite their financial woes, they find time to get gussied up for the horse races at Ascot. This tidies up all the stories in satisfying fashion. In theaters.

Finally, a lengthy Movie News LIVE!: Early reactions to "One Battle After Another," Emmy Awards on Sunday, "Big Little Lies" season 3 and much more. We tried to keep the politics to a minimum but dipped into some entertainment-adjacent items toward the end. Join us every Friday at Noon Pacific. Thanks for all you do for our community!

• Subscribe to Christy's Saturday Matinee newsletter: https://christylemire.beehiiv.com/

• Come hang out with us before a showing of "One Battle After Another"! We'll be at CinemaWest Beach Cities before the 6pm show on Friday, Sept. 26. Meet us in the lobby bar at 530pm before seeing the movie on their giant screen. Details and tickets here: https://web.cinemawest.com/films/One-Battle-After-Another/HO00000209

• Come see Alonso and Dave at 29 Queer Film Festival in Twentynine Palms, CA! They'll be introducing a 30th anniversary screening of "Showgirls" on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10:30pm. Tickets available here: https://www.29qff.com/