Walk or die.

Those are the simple rules in "The Long Walk," director Francis Lawrence's bleak and harrowing tale of survival set against a backdrop of a fascist America. The bad guys are in control, and for sport, 50 young men — one from each state, chosen by lottery — are set about to walk for their lives. If they slow down, they're shot to death on site, and the last one standing wins. Rah-rah.

The story is adapted from a 1979 Stephen King novel, which he wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. It's set in the late '60s but could easily take place today, or 10 years from now. Only the cars and clothing would need updating.

At a starting line somewhere in America's heartland, 50 youngsters gather as they prepare for their journey. An endless stretch of blacktop awaits, and the finis

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