Title Directed by
Rating
Times Seen
Walking Tall Kevin Bray 6 1
     I saw "Walking Tall" at a preview showing, the tickets bequeathed to me as a birthday gift. I've never been to a preview showing of any movie, so there was a certain sense of novelty to my evening to begin with. Seeing a movie for free lowers my expectations considerably. I have nothing on the line but time, and frankly, with life being as interesting as it is for me these days, I just needed something mindless to watch. And that is what I got, seeing this remake of "Walking Tall."
    Fans of the original film will likely be disappointed by this tight little action piece. I personally try to avoid comparisons to originals when remakes are made. Only disappointment can come from such comparisons. This version of the tale of Buford Pusser has far less gravity than its predecessor. The only connection to the true story is the presence of the big oak stick and the way in which the lead character becomes sheriff.
    Seeing as I don't make those sorts of comparisons though, I didn't care. The preview audience was primed to watch Dwayne "The Rock" Johnston kick some ass, and that is exactly what they got. I'm a fan of Johnston's film work; not the films themselves, mind you, but his presence within. I'm not the only guy out there who thinks Johnston has a lot of untapped potential either - even Roger Ebert thinks so.
    This isn't the film that taps that potential unfortunately. At 75 minutes long, it accesses every cliche in the action movie book, but the story is such that it's hard not to enjoy the film. The idea of one man against the darkness is older than Buford Pusser, going back to Beowulf, or farther. Some might say I'm pushing it by making such allusions, but hey, it's my website, and I like the Rock kicking ass. It was cathartic for me.
    It doesn't hurt that the film appears to have been filmed on the BC coast either. I sometimes felt like I was watching a really violent episode of the Beachcombers. And Johnny Knoxville of 'Jackass' fame shows that he too has a lot of potential, playing a very serviceable sidekick to Johnston.
    There are no suprises here; but then again, with a remake of a story about a guy who speaks softly and carries a really big stick, could there be?

Movie Reviews - Walking Tall

Legend
10
 This movie is in my "top 10 films" list.
9
 I laughed, I cried, I peed my pants because there was no good time to leave the theater.
8
 The kind of movie you see twice and tell all your friends about.
7
 Worth paying full admission for.
6
 Worth seeing.
5
 Could have waited for DVD.
4
 Should have waited for DVD.
3
 Even if I'd waited for the DVD I'd still feel cheated out of the rental price.
2
 If someone ever gives me this movie I'll use the DVD as a coaster.
1
 Kept watching because my arms were pinned and I couldn't claw my eyes out.
0
 Piece of crap.
WO
Walked out.