Whether it’s a Stephen King Adaptation, a cozy British Historical Fiction, or the reunion of an iconic classic rock band, there are plenty of options in the theaters this weekend to unwind with. Plus, on streaming a new HBO Max series “Task”, and the Netflix two-part documentary “aka Charlie Sheen”.

Join Tomatometer-Approved critic Patrick Beatty with guest UFCA critic Kent Dunn, as they explore “The Long Walk”, Downton Abby: The Grand Finale”, and “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues”. Utah’s biggest movie review show is back.

In Theaters

The Long Walk (R)

A Note to Utah Audiences:
“The Long Walk” is an unflinching and often brutal film. Its story contains close-up, graphic depictions of death and violence, shown without softening the blow. Under normal circumstances, this would be tough enough to sit through. But given what our state has just experienced, with tragedy and violence hitting so close to home, I want to acknowledge how this movie might land differently for Utahns right now.

Film is often about escapism… a way to step away from the heaviness of the real world. “The Long Walk” is a powerful, even incredible work of art, but it’s not escapism. It forces you to confront pain, control, and loss head-on. For some viewers, that may be too raw in this moment.

At the same time, this isn’t just a film about suffering. It’s also a story about love, about brotherhood, about the choices we make to help others even when there’s nothing in it for us. Those threads of humanity run through the darkness, reminding us that connection and compassion still matter, especially when the world feels cruel.

If you do choose to see it, go in prepared for something heavy and uncompromising. And if you feel the need to wait until a different season of life to watch, there’s no shame in that either. Sometimes timing matters as much as the film itself.

See It or Skip It? See It

Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues (R)

Rob Reiner returns after 41 years to document the return of the iconic band, where they are now, and what has kept them apart for so long. With a list of iconic musicians’ inclusions, and a brisk runtime of 1 hr 22 minutes, the humor doesn’t lose its charm, and the band rocks harder than ever.

This year, we’ve had some impressive comedies, with the most recent being “The Naked Gun”, and I’m pleased to report that “Spinal Tap: The End Continues” keeps the momentum going with a story that’s not trying to retread on the past, and isn’t interested in cheap nostalgia jokes by making a story for the band set in this time. It felt effortless seeing the actors rekindle the same dynamic they had in the first film.

More than anything, this is a film for the fans and the cult following that have been patiently waiting for more. You can feel it’s made with love, and that everyone had fun making it. If you are looking for something funny to laugh in a theater for a communal experience, this is worth it.

See It or Skip It? See It

Downton Abby: The Grand Finale (PG)

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” finds the Crawleys at a turning point. Lady Mary finds herself in the middle of a controversy while keeping the estate alive. While Edith struggles to balance her aristocratic title with her thriving career, the family is trying to control tradition in a rapidly changing world that even the staff clearly knows is coming.

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is a fitting conclusion to the legacy, and one that fans will be satisfied with. I respect the choice to bring a conclusion to the big screen for the fans that began with the original show, and while she is not with us any longer, the film pays a loving tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.

See It or Skip It? See It

What’s Streaming?

Task (TV-MA)

FBI agent Tom Brandis, a former priest still dealing with personal tragedy, is called back into fieldwork to assemble a task force after a string of violent robberies at drug houses in the Philadelphia suburbs. He leads a young, uneven team to investigate before the crime spirals into a full turf war, trying to balance duty, loyalty, and family in a community on edge.

The first episode aired last Sunday, and while I cannot definitely say it is overall as a season, I see it, it certainly had impressive depth and intrigue for just the first episode, and is worth checking out and following along with the weekly drops.

See It or Skip It: See It

aka Charlie Sheen

With 7 years of sobriety under his belt, Charlie Sheen sits down to address his controversial history surrounding drugs and alcohol, and his off-screen behavior, with interviews from those who either experienced it first-hand or who know Charlie personally.

Charlie Sheen was clearly one of the worst examples of nepotism and blissful ignorance, due to his actions never really having hard consequences. Sheen himself sums up his life in three stages, from his stardom to his crashing out, and while the saying kinda goes “you can never fully trust an addict,” Mr. Sheen appears to feel remorseful and have a deeper perspective on how his actions affected those he loved.

Most of the fascinating points of the documentary come from who they were able to get to talk about Charlie Sheen. Denise Richards, John Cryer, Chuck Lorre, Sean Pen. It was fascinating hearing about Charlie Sheen and Nicolas Cage, and how they both kinda matched each never-ending search to keep the party going.

Overall, “aka Charlie Sheen” gives a sober perspective on stardom, entitlement, and yes, Tiger’s Blood. Whether or not I agree with the intention here of perhaps him making a comeback into the same environment that caused the problems? I don’t think so.

See It or Skip It? See It

Did you see any of the shows reviewed this weekend? Leave a comment if so, and make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.