A recommendation: The Long Walk is Worth It

“You walk as long as you can. But sometimes the body won't listen. For some, your heart will stop. For others, your brain. And the blood will flow... suddenly. There's one winner and no finish line.” Now playing in theaters nationwide is a late summer surprise - The Long Walk, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Francis Lawrence (known for Constantine, I Am Legend, Catching Fire, Mockingjay 1 & 2, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) and adapted from the novel written by Stephen King - first published in 1979. This story is just as timely as ever - and it predates both Battle Royale and The Hunger Games. The Long Walk is set in a dystopian near future America where they host a special game every year called “The Long Walk.” 50 boys, one from each state, are chose by lottery to come together and participate with the chance of winning ultimate riches & and any wish they have. Unfortunately this mean 49 boys won’t make it. During the grueling, brutal 3 day non-stop walk without any breaks (only brief pauses which result in warnings) the boys attempt to outlast one another. But ultimately reality sets in and they begin breaking down. The Long Walk focuses on a handful of these boys, specifically on a pair named Ray and Pete. Who will make it to the end? You’ll have to watch and find out. Along the way, they become friends and learn so much more about themselves. Not only is the filmmaking top notch, it's riveting and so unsettling to watch, but the performances are what matter the most and they're all excellent in here. This is one of the best movies of the year and I recommend it. But be warned it’s a bleak, depressing film without much hope to offer - except within the friendship and comradery between the boys on the walk. And this is why it’s so emotional, so endearing to follow them through this hellish stroll through America. The two lead performances are some of the best you’ll see in any movie this year - Ray & Pete are my heroes and I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.

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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. The Long Walk is directed by Francis Lawrence, from a screenplay written by JT Mollner, based on King’s book (Opens in a new window). Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson star in the lead roles as Ray & Pete, joined by a cast including Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Joshua Odjick, Judy Greer, & Mark Hamill as "The Major". This movie really shook me up. It really got me - packing a punch with the emotions it explores. This movie has the most vivid and deeply moving Sam & Frodo energy between Ray & Pete I've experienced in a long time. Some of the most perfect casting picks ever getting Cooper Hoffman & David Jonsson as the two leads. They are remarkable together in this. I was wiping away tears by the end. I won't stop thinking about them for a long time... It's not just their friendship, it's their comradery, their conversations, the way they grow to appreciate each other for who they are, not for the endurance to win this walk. And everything changes once they finally open up and tell each other their real stories. It's so beautiful and wholesome... I think there's a wise lesson in here about listening to each other, understanding each other, well beyond the macho-ness of competing in this walk thinking you'll win it. Winning isn't really what matters, right? I hope everyone else watching this movie comes to understand this point that King is making between Ray & Pete. More thoughts in my full review here (Opens in a new window). This may be a tough movie to watch, but I think it’s a damn good one, and an important one. It’s not just about the filmmaking, the purity of the storytelling, it’s also about how potent and powerful this story is told in this way on screen. Go see it and let it take you on a journey. And most importantly - go see it to support Ray & Pete on their long walk.

For more info on The Long Walk and where to watch it, visit the movie’s official site (Opens in a new window).