Walking Tall poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Johnny Knoxville, Neal McDonough, Kristen Wilson, Ashley Scott ... see more see more... , Khleo Thomas , John Beasley , Barbara Tarbuck , Michael Bowen , Kevin Durand , Beverley Elliott , Eric Keenleyside , Terence Kelly , Ben Cardinal , Patrick Gallagher , Tom Scholte , John Stewart , Ryan Robbins , April Telek , Fred Keating , Kett Turton , Darcy Laurie , Ty Olsson , Andrew Tarbet , Mark Houghton , Eric Breker , Cobie Smulders , Aaron Douglas , James Ashcroft , Ben Cotton , Michael D. Adamthwaite , Michael Soltis , Sarah Smith , David Purvis , Sandra Steier , Chelsie Amber McEachnie , Kaja Gjesdal , Melody Tinesa Cherpaw , Alana Drozduke , Sandra Higueras , Ana Mirkovic , Rita Theresa Edwards , Douglas Sheridan , Katina Robillard , Jacqueline Stewart , The

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 disti... read more read more...nguished 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. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

71% liked it

212,055 ratings

Critics

24% liked it

131 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 26 min.

Directed by: Kevin Bray

Release Date: April 2, 2004

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: September 28, 2004

Get It:

Stats: 7,244 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

The rock the rock Dwayne Walking Tall dwayne johnson Walking Tall (2004) Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall Walking Tall
Upload a Photo | View All Walking Tall Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (7,244)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 16, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Walking Tall had the potential of being something very good. Instead the film is a disappointing action film with a meager cast. The film could have been done much better than this, and though it had an interesting story, the film falls apart halfway through. The thing that is sh... read moreocking about the film is that it started well enough to be a good film, but like I said halfway through the film things start to fall apart, the film goes all over the place, and it doesn't try whatsoever to really redeem itself. This is disappointing because the film had such a great story. This film ends up being terrible, and being one of the worst action films in recent memory. I found it surprising to see Johnny Knoxville in a somewhat serious role, and to his credit, he wasn't bad in this. The actors do what they can with the lacking second half, but it's too late. Walking Tall is a mediocre action film that doesn't have anything really interesting to offer and it's a shame because the film started off well enough. This is a perfect example of screenwriters not being to effectively develop a solid second half to a solid first half. This film could have been terrific, but it fails and the film is quite unsatisfying in the end. A good first half but disappointing second make Walking Tall a film that really isn't effective, and with a good concept, it could have been a terrific action film.
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    October 23, 2010
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Great Movie! Never get tired of watching it, The Rock is the shit!

    After eight years serving the U.S. Army Special Forces, Sergeant Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown seeking for a job in the local mill. He is informed by Sheriff Stan Watkins that the mill was closed six month... read mores ago and now the Wild Cherry Casino, owned by his former high school friend Jay Hamilton, is the major source of jobs and income to the town. Chris goes home, and meets his best-friend Ray Templeton, who organized a football game with their friends. After the game, Jay invites Chris and his friends to spend the night in his casino on him, but when Chris finds that the casino stick-man is cheating with the dices, he fights against the security men and is almost killed by them. When his nephew Pete has an OD with amphetamines sold by the security men of the casino, Chris realizes that the town is dominated by the mobsters and the corrupt sheriff and with a huge piece of wood, he breaks the casino and the criminals. He is prosecuted and in the trial, he promises to the jury and to the population that if he is considered non-guilty, he would be candidate to the sheriff position and clean the town. Later, Sheriff Chris Vaughn has to fight against the organized crime to keep his promise.
  • ythelastman89
    September 9, 2010
    ythelastman89
    The Rock really explains this best when he says "This is nothing but old school ass whoopins brought on some candy ass with a four by four piece of cedar". This is mostly a nostalgia movie that everyone can love. It's realistic action starring one of the most charismatic and lova... read moreble action stars. As a bonus, this movie is fun and is really well shot. While the story is somewhat of a classic when it comes to the one man army scenario, it somehow never gets old.
  • Chiefilms
    July 13, 2010
    Chiefilms
    3 stars if Johnny Knoxville wasn't in this one, stick to artificially inseminating cattle.
  • fb619846742
    October 19, 2009
    fb619846742
    A fairly entertaining thriller in which The Rock shines. No, it doesn't have much brains, and the plot feels fairly familiar, but some of the scenes are fun. There's absolutely no romantic chemistry between The Rock and Ashley Scott, as this predictability weighs down the movie t... read moreo a degree. However, as said, The Rock atleast makes you believe he's taking this movie and character seriously, even if the ending is completely ridiculous and over-the-top.
  • SirPant
    October 1, 2009
    SirPant
    Naivety ain't a problem when you've got muscles to back you up! The Rock is a likable guy but this film is fairly crappy really. Should have realised when I saw that it was produced by WWE! Aw well!
  • LoughnerWasLucid
    June 11, 2009
    LoughnerWasLucid
    PURE STUPIDITY. but then again what did i expect from the Rock? he is dumb as a rock. "hey im pissed and probably on steroids, im gonna hit people with 2-by-4s and stuff!" cause thats what wrestler turned actors always do...
  • arashxak
    September 16, 2008
    arashxak
    A bad version of The Rundown
  • jlewis07
    August 28, 2008
    jlewis07
    Really there's nothing wrong with this movie in terms of acting and action, it's just I've seen it done and done way better. There's nothing here that stands out and says "I'm a good movie".
  • CrookedlittleB33
    May 17, 2008
    CrookedlittleB33
    Let's get some justice with a 2x4!

View All Walking Tall Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper
April 5, 2004
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

... a real disappointment. Full Review

James Berardinelli
April 3, 2004
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The film is comprised of four violent action scenes tied together by nearly 50 minutes of alternately hilarious (unintentionally, of course) and dull filler. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
April 2, 2004
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Walking Tall actually underserves its star, who is better than schlocky material like this would lead you to believe.

Desson Thomson
April 2, 2004
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

One mediocre, ploddingly predictable film, loaded down with cheesy Hollywood tactics.

Peter Howell
April 2, 2004
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

This revised Walking Tall has only kinetic energy going for it. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
April 2, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

A routine showcase, modest in its aspiration and effective within its limits, entertaining in the moment but, in the end, faintly silly. Full Review

Joe Baltake
April 2, 2004
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

It isn't much of a movie -- the plotline has been whittled down to next to nothing -- but it's a terrific showcase for its formidable star. Full Review

David Hiltbrand
April 2, 2004
David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer

A dull, drab and pointless rehash, Walking Tall ironically manages to diminish the Rock's stature as both a leading man and an action star.

Roger Moore
April 2, 2004
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

A big step backward for The Scorpion King. Full Review

Stephen Whitty
April 2, 2004
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

It's certainly a busy little movie, although none of it makes much sense. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Rundown (Welcome to the Jungle)
    The Rundown (Welcome to the Jungle) (83%)
  • Gridiron Gang
    Gridiron Gang (70%)
  • Walking Tall 2: The Payback
    Walking Tall 2: The Payback (78%)
  • The Killing Time
    The Killing Time (83%)

More Movies like Walking Tall

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Chris Vaughn Jr: You're right, Jay. This does change our relationship. You're under arrest.
Submit a Fact | View All

Walking Tall : Watch Free on TV

Walking Tall Trivia

  • Which of these movie has Eddie Murphy not been a part of...  Answer »
  • What movie starred The Rock and Johnny Knoxville?  Answer »
  • Scorpion King, The Rundown, Walking Tall and a little wrestling. Who am I?  Answer »
  • Was the move Walking Tall based on true events/story?  Answer »
More Walking Tall Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Walking Tall Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Walking Tall to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

datab4lore Skin by datab4lore
26 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins