The Long Walk

Usually when a film is based on any work of Stephen King, I have a tendency to skip it, predominantly because his work is typically too gratuitously violent. However his "Misery" and "1408" were the exceptions. They were very suspenseful--kept one on the edge of their seat, but not really violent. Well, "The Long Walk" is basically the same in that, yes there was blood, but not gratuitously so, and that speaks volumes for King. 

In the near future, where America has become a police state, one hundred young men including Raymond Garraty (Cooper Hoffman), Pete McVries (David Jonsson), Stebbins (Garrett Wareing), Art Baker (Tut Nyuot), Gary Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer), Hank Olson (Ben Wang) and others are selected to enter an annual contest where the winner will be awarded whatever he wants for the rest of his life. The game is simple--maintain a steady walking pace of at least three miles per hour without stopping. Three warnings of slowing down or stopping, and you're out--permanently! Many of them struggle--anywhere from a rock in their shoe to having to defecate which became problems since they are warned and if they aren't walking by the third warning, they're done, so consistent movement is vital. This contest is headed up annually by the tyrannical 'The Major' (Mark Hamill) who puts a whole new definition of the term ruthless. 

Others to round out the cast are Jordan Gonzalez as Richard Harkness, Joshua Odjick as Collie Parker, Roman Griffin Davis as Curley, Judy Greer as Ginnie Garraty and Josh Hamilton as William Garraty. 

This was brutally directed with intensity and grit by Francis Lawrence ("Constantine" '05, "I Am Legend" '07, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" '13, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2" '15, "Red Sparrow" '18, "Slumberland" '22, "The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes" '23) plus TV, music videos and videos. Obviously this filmmaker could handle this type of production since he was involved with the 'Hunger Games' franchise which, in some ways is a bit similar to "The Long Walk". His ability to involve each of his actors as far as they interacted was consummate. It was interestingly written by JT Mollner ("Outlaws and Angels" '16, "Strange Darling" '23) plus shorts, based on the novel by Stephen King. Even though this writer has limited feature film experience, his experience in producing shorts has served him well where he has had the ability to hone his craft that much more. The writing was sequenced, paced and staged well, and other than a couple of very small places of continuity issues, this script soared. They way this writer showcased these characters different and distinct personalities was amazing. If this writer suits your interest, his "18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses" is in production at this time. It was interesting that even though the premise is held in the near future, the vintage vehicles in this were all circa 60s and 70s, where as certain watches were digitally displayed, and the clothing seemed aged as well. This had to be purposed whereas to allow us to pay attention to the story and not so much the surroundings. 

If you are a King aficionado, you will like this even though it's not his typical fare--this is a plus in my book. This film is similar in what we, as a country, are experiencing today. This film involved a divided nation ending up with a tyrannical government, which is where we are begging to allow to happen here. So, it is high time that we, as a nation, get off our high horse and start listening to one another lest we become this way. Humble ourselves now and allow ourselves to let this film have a sobering effect on us. Nuf said. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: R                                         108mins.