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Good morning cinefiles,

This weekend, we’re going to the movies. Sunday (Aug. 27) is National Cinema Day, and I’ve got some deals I’d like to share with you.

But first, you should know that there is a massive labor strike going on. The Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild are both going to bat for better wages, and so far, there’s no end to the picketing in sight.

Although hurricane “Barbenheimer” was deemed the savior of cinema when it made landfall last month, movie theaters will be holding on for dear life as the work stoppage affects every inch of the biz—from costume designers to your friendly AMC clerk.

But why should you care?

Strikers have not called for any movie theater boycotts—and no matter what side of that fence you stand on, I think it’s safe to assume you don’t want to see your local cinema fold. Very soon, theaters far and wide may not have a whole lot of offerings in terms of new releases, but we can still rally around them as they try to keep their doors open.

This Sunday, you can help them, and you can also help yourself to some deals and discounts during the second annual National Cinema Day, organized by The Cinema Foundation.

Sunday’s lineup will include flicks like “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” “Blue Beetle,” Strays,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” as well as some re-releases, including “Jurassic Park” and “American Graffiti.”

Without further ado, here’s what’s happening in Long Beach.

The Art Theatre

This quaint Retro Row single-screen is the last standing independent movie house in Long Beach. And after an “Oppenheimer“-induced windfall, owner Kerstan Kansteiner told me that she’s bracing for one of the biggest slumps they’ve ever seen.

Initially, they hadn’t planned on showing “Barbie” after a long “Oppenheimer” run, but due to local demand and lack of new films available, the film will debut this Friday at 7:30 p.m. with a pink nail polish station, a photo backdrop, free Barbie popcorn, stickers and more giveaways.

Best of all? There will be pink cocktails.

And on Sunday, the theater is offering a BOGO deal all day—buy one ticket and bring a friend for free. “Barbie” and “Ma vie en rose” (“My life in Pink”) will be on the marquee that day. More info here.

AMC Marina Pacifica

On Monday night, I was on my way to pick up my mom to go see “Strays” (I have no comment on that experience) and I texted her to ask which theater she wanted to go to.

“Whichever has recliners,” she replied.

AMC it is.

Setting aside the creepy Nicole Kidman promo shown before every single movie, I happen to love this theater. I was once a regular. Before the pandemic, a matinee was my Sunday morning hangover antidote. The two main ingredients? Darkness and air conditioning.

This Sunday, AMC will offer $4 tickets for any movie, any format, all day. Small fountain drink and popcorn combos are $5. Book your tickets here.

Cinemark at the Pike

The city’s new-ish Cinemark theater is offering $4 admission all day. It won’t be anything like catching a picture at the long-demolished Strand Theatre, which offered showings for decades upon decades at the original Pike amusement park—but Cinemark does have reclining seats. Book here.

Regal Edwards Long Beach

Also offering that all-day $4 deal is Regal Edwards Long Beach, where you’ll also be able to get a $4 small popcorn and soda combo. Book those tickets right here.

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In a future OTC, I plan to venture out of Long Beach to visit my go-to independent movie house, the Frida Cinema. Recently, I’ve watched “Harold and Maude” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” there. Do you have a favorite movie theater in LA or Orange County? Email me your secrets.