Pop Culture Happy Hour The Long Walk And What's Making Us Happy
11 snips
Sep 12, 2025 Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, joins to dive deep into the intriguing world of dystopian cinema with a focus on The Long Walk. She discusses its gripping narrative and its parallels to Stephen King's themes. The conversation shifts to contrasting opinions on character depth and the effectiveness of the film's emotional resonance. Humorous insights emerge as they explore the absurdities of walking on treadmills, highlighting both the filmmaking challenges and the everyday quirks of life.
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Concept: Dystopian Walking Death Match
- The Long Walk adapts Stephen King's early novel into a Hunger Games–style televised death contest of walking until death.
- The film promises dystopian stakes, one winner, and a wish as the ultimate prize.
Rihanna's Personal Praise
- Rihanna Cruz says she loved the film and enjoys the trapped-person-works-or-die genre.
- She calls it a strong, well-paced entry that fits her tastes perfectly.
Expectation Shapes Reception
- Kristen Meinzer liked the premise and simplicity but felt the film didn't go deep enough.
- She suggests a YA/PG framing might have better aligned expectations and reception.
