Monday, September 08, 2025
The Long Walk
“The Long Walk” is Stephen King’s version of “The Hunger Games” & a 1960’s looking version of ancient Rome’s gladiator games.This American dystopian horror thriller is brutal, but what else would expect from King. In some alternate universe, the United States is ruled by a totalitarian regime & a group of young men voluntarily enter this insane annual walking contest in which they must maintain a minimum speed staying on the pavement or risk execution by their military escort. The contest ends only when there is a single survivor. Their walk is televised to the public in the name of patriotism & nationalism in hopes that the people will forget about the country’s sad state of affairs. This is a brutal hard watch especially if you have a weak stomach for violence. Mark Hamill plays the intimidating major in charge. Judy Greer has a small part as a caring mother. All of the walkers are amazing as their physical & emotional states begin to breakdown after days & miles on constant walking. How many miles? How many days? Who will die first? Who will survive? Will it be #7, #23, #46, #47, or who? Yes, they are reduced to just their dog tag numbers. Are there any rest breaks? How do they eat & drink? How do they go to the bathroom? It’s an arduous emotional journey to the end. This is a tough film shoot… acting & spouting your dialog all while constantly walking. Clever imagery of their bleak background scenery enhances the dark mood. Although this is a definite uncomfortable hard watch, I️ still enjoy it… seeing the camaraderie building among these young men under this extremely stressful situation as their numbers dwindled. Seeing their fortitude, perseverance, & sacrifice throughout. How will it end?
Alien gives it 3 “Next time, take the train” stars out of 4.
