"Based On A Novel By Steven King". That doesn't get me excited to head to the theatres to watch a film, but I try and keep an open mind. "The Long Walk" was the first book Stephen King wrote! He was 19 apparently and finished it as a student of the University Of Maine in 1967. 

The story takes place in a dystopian, alternate 20th Century America where a second civil war in the USA has created a country controlled by a "totalitarian military regime". The nation's annual sporting event: "The Long Walk", which is supposed to "inspire patriotism and work ethic" amongst the poor. Fifty teenage boys, one from each state, are chosen at random for The Long Walk. They're given water and rations and must walk without stopping for hundreds of miles while armed soldiers escort them and broadcast the event on television. They have to walk a certain speed and are only allowed three warnings before execution! That is all I'll spoil for you!

I didn't read the book, but I did read about the book vs. movie differences for our podcast and there were some significant changes (especially with the ending)! I thought the film was OK, but I hated the ending. The way the book ended, while still not great was a whole lot better than this ending! Not sure why the ending was changed, but I didn't like it and it totally changed a major character's principle's for no reason! Solid performances (especially from Cooper Hoffman & David Jonsson) and some interesting scenes cannot salvage over length, predictability and an ending that just doesn't satisfy! If you're a HUGE Stephen King fan (I am not), then you may enjoy more than others. 

If you did see the film and want to hear our SPOILER filled discussion, then click here!