From the outset, I want to say that I have never been a fan of movie remakes. Hollywood remakes, similar to sequels, are just vain attempts by movie producers to replicate the success of previous movie blockbusters. However, on the second time around, the replication rarely works. And, unfortunately, the 2004 version of "Walking Tall" is no exception.
In the 2004 remake, famed wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays the "Walking Tall" lead character, Chris Vaughn. However, unlike Joe Don Baker, who played Buford Pusser in the original '70s' movie, Chris Vaughn is a biracial bachelor, with a family consisting of his two parents (black father and a white mother), a sister, and a kid nephew.
With his brawn body definition and commanding presence, "The Rock" effectively personifies the appearance of the movie's lead character as a one-man militia out to take on the mob. However, and as many would expect, Johnson's lack of professional acting experience and skills significantly hinders his capability in efficiently delivering the lead role in this movie, making his performance, at best, somewhat mundane. And, unfortunately, Kevin Bray's quirky direction of the movie does very little to compensate.
However, the story line and theme of the second movie doesn't deviate significantly from the original '70s' cult classic, telling the based-on-real-life tale of a principled, morally upstanding man returning to his hometown and waging a battle against the corruption and crime that currently plagues it. And the 2004 version also showcases all of the most notable elements of the original--the violent, near-fatal knife slashing; the subsequent display of body scars in court; knockdown, drag-out casino brawls; gun battles; and, of course, the signature trademark weapon of revenge and authority: a wooden club.
Yet what makes this remake so disappointing is that the emotional impact that made the original movie so popular during the 1970s is entirely absent from the 2004 movie. While the original movie effectively used disturbingly violent scenes and on-screen tragedy to incite the viewer to sympathize with the plight of Bufford Pussner, the remake--even with its own display of incessant violence--doesn't seem to generate the same effective emotional empathy with the Chris Vaughn character. And the remake, particularly with its lame and somewhat abrupt ending, also lacks the substance and the climatic grip that made the original version of "Walking Tall" so powerful and poignant.
As with most Hollywood remakes, you're probably better off to watch the original movie and simply pass on the imitation. The 2004 version of "Walking Tall" will most likely disappoint, especially if you have previously viewed the original 1973 movie.
In the 2004 remake, famed wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays the "Walking Tall" lead character, Chris Vaughn. However, unlike Joe Don Baker, who played Buford Pusser in the original '70s' movie, Chris Vaughn is a biracial bachelor, with a family consisting of his two parents (black father and a white mother), a sister, and a kid nephew.
With his brawn body definition and commanding presence, "The Rock" effectively personifies the appearance of the movie's lead character as a one-man militia out to take on the mob. However, and as many would expect, Johnson's lack of professional acting experience and skills significantly hinders his capability in efficiently delivering the lead role in this movie, making his performance, at best, somewhat mundane. And, unfortunately, Kevin Bray's quirky direction of the movie does very little to compensate.
However, the story line and theme of the second movie doesn't deviate significantly from the original '70s' cult classic, telling the based-on-real-life tale of a principled, morally upstanding man returning to his hometown and waging a battle against the corruption and crime that currently plagues it. And the 2004 version also showcases all of the most notable elements of the original--the violent, near-fatal knife slashing; the subsequent display of body scars in court; knockdown, drag-out casino brawls; gun battles; and, of course, the signature trademark weapon of revenge and authority: a wooden club.
Yet what makes this remake so disappointing is that the emotional impact that made the original movie so popular during the 1970s is entirely absent from the 2004 movie. While the original movie effectively used disturbingly violent scenes and on-screen tragedy to incite the viewer to sympathize with the plight of Bufford Pussner, the remake--even with its own display of incessant violence--doesn't seem to generate the same effective emotional empathy with the Chris Vaughn character. And the remake, particularly with its lame and somewhat abrupt ending, also lacks the substance and the climatic grip that made the original version of "Walking Tall" so powerful and poignant.
As with most Hollywood remakes, you're probably better off to watch the original movie and simply pass on the imitation. The 2004 version of "Walking Tall" will most likely disappoint, especially if you have previously viewed the original 1973 movie.