Review of Walking Tall (2004) by J K — 05 Jun 2010

Being a true-blue fan of the original 1973 film with Joe Don Baker, I was highly skeptical of this remake. Most remakes are even worse than the original and I would've severely hated it if they butchered the original story.

But I was pleasantly surprised in this film's ability to avoid both the cheesiness factor and the schmaltzy dialogue I can't stand factor (well at least avoided it enough so I didn't vomit).

Personally, I think this was The Rock's best movie in that he doesn't try to be anyone but a simple country sheriff. He didn't try to be Hamlet or some complex character. He was simply a badass and we all know he does that well (it's the only thing he does well).

Neal McDonough, even though I loved him in Band of Brothers, clearly is not cut out for playing villains. I felt they could've cast someone a little more menacing in that role (i.e. Scott Glenn, Julian McMahon).

I laughed out loud with I saw the first Sherriff was played by Michael Bowen, the same guy who played Buck from Kill Bill. The same Buck Beatrix Kiddoe kills with a door. Johnny Knoxville, for the first time in his movie career, wasn't annoying or at least annoying enough to make me want to vomit, either.