Walking Tall

2004 Action/Adventure

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. more..

Director: Kevin Bray

Starring: The Rock, Neal McDonough, Johnny Knoxville, John Beasley, Barbara Tarbuck

Reviews

  • The cast acquits itself well, with the Rock evincing a quiet balance between humor and brawn.

    Sheri Linden - The Hollywood Reporter

    11 May 2013

  • It's blunt, to the point, aggressively manipulative and, at 86 minutes, not a minute longer than it needs to be.

    Rene Rodriguez - Miami Herald

    11 May 2013

  • Exciting stuff in its primitive, predictable way.

    Jonathan Foreman - New York Post

    11 May 2013

  • This Walking Tall does have the Rock, and that, both physically and metaphorically, is no small thing.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    11 May 2013

  • There's not a guy I know who hasn't been looking forward to seeing The Rock pick up the big wooden stick first swung by Joe Don Baker more than 30 years ago.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Choice Movie Actor - Drama/Action Adventure

    Teen Choice Awards (2004)

     
  • Best High Work

    World Stunt Awards (2005)