The Long Walk
Review by Mark Woodring
Another Stephen King adaptation, which as movie fans know is a somewhat dicey proposition.
This time, it’s a post-apocalyptic tale that doesn’t involve the Devil.
**NOTE: You can read Mark’s review below, then listen or watch as he and friend of the show Valerie Cameron discuss the film further. Remember, though, you can listen to all our discussions of this and every other movie directly over on ACAST. Stay tuned.**
108 Minutes, Rated R
Written by JT Mollner, Stephen King
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Synopsis:
A group of teenage boys compete in an annual contest known as “The Long Walk,” where they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot.
In a calmer time, this film might simply spark some philosophical conversation.
Today, it will likely be a Rorschach Test for audiences, who will see what they want to see in it and use it as some sort of strange confirmation bias piece of cinema.
What might once have been simply an interesting concept, ultimately having no real impact other than as a philosophical exercise, could conceivably have an unforeseen impact Today.
But what is undeniable is that the film is absolutely solid on all fronts: the script from JT Mollner is tight, the direction by Francis Lawrence is spot on, the cinematography is stellar, and the performances by our leads is worthy of discussion both now and likely in a few months when awards season starts ramping up.
Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson play very well together as our co-leads, and Mark Hammill disappears into his portrayal of The Major, who controls the Long Walk and drives it’s participants forward, whether they want to or not.
Not for the faint of heart, The Long Walk is unflinching in its depiction the consequences of this contest, which lends an even greater sense of import and uncertainty for the audience to consider as they watch.
Do not miss this one, in a theater if you can. You won’t regret it.
Even if it is entering a world which might warp it.
The Long Walk trudges into theaters today, September 12, and stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Mark Hammill, and Judy Greer.
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