Walking Tall (DVD, 2004)

Ex-Special Forces grunt Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown in Washington to revive his family's lumber mill business but discovers that drug dealers and crooked casino owners have taken control. Time to load up on the lumber and crack some heads. This action-packed flick is patterned after the 1973 film about tough Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser -- a man who didn't suffer criminals lightly. A great drama/thriller.

Dwayne Johnson, Neal McDonough, Johnny Knoxville

Definitely not Oscar worthy - but if you are looking for a 90 minute joy-ride, Walking Tall is a great trip. The Rock is surprisingly great - he is perfectly built for this role: charismatic, action-star worthy, intelligent, etc. The movie is fun, quick and action-packed. The movie has a series of 5minute action scenes sprinkled throughout that are hard-hitting, offer plenty of thrills, and excellent stunts. If you are rating this movie on entertainment - you'll definitely get your money's worth. If you're looking for fine acting and drama - clearly this isn't that film.

I'll venture to bet that, if you give this movie a chance, you'll find it a great ride and a fun film. You can thank me later.

This movie is not like many other action movies. Walking Tall does not focus on explosions and Hollywood special effects, it is a classic brawl movie. All the action scenes have actors fighting one another in a classic 'old-school' way. The movie is fantastic and I recommend it, especially to those Rock fans.

The Rock did a great job with this movie, but the movie with the same title from years before is just not the same. This was supposed to be a remake, but it just wasn't to me. I realize they had to update the movie for the times we now live in, but the previous movie was excellent, so this one was a little of a let down. But, I must admit I did enjoy the movie once I realized it was just not being done the same as the previous movie with the same title. It will go good in my DVD collection.

Movie Info


A man fights to bring decency and the rule of law back to his hometown in this action drama. Chris Vaughn (The Rock) left his home in Washington State's timber country to join the Army, where he distinguished himself as a member of the Special Forces. When his hitch is over, Vaughn decides to return home to help run the family business, a sawmill, but he soon makes the unpleasant discovery that things aren't what they once were. Vaughn learns that the town's lumber industry has all but dried up, and an old high school buddy, Jay Hamilton (Neal McDonough), has turned the city into a den of vice, running a large gambling casino and strip club while selling drugs and women on the side. Angry at this turn of events, and frustrated by local law enforcement officials who are willing to ignore Hamilton's crimes in exchange for kickbacks, Vaughn decides to run for sheriff, and with the help of another old friend, Ray Templeton (Johnny Knoxville), he wins the election. But Hamilton doesn't take kindly to Vaughn's attempts to clean up the town, and Vaughn discovers Hamilton's henchmen are willing to target his friends, his family, and the woman he loves (Ashley Scott) in order to have their way. Walking Tall was based on Phil Karlson's 1973 action hit of the same name, which was in turn inspired by the true story of Buford Pusser, who was sheriff of Tennessee's McNairy County between 1964 and 1970 and gained fame for his tough tactics against the local criminal element.