The Hollywood treatment of real-life stories has often been met with criticism for its lack of respect for the truth. However, the 2004 action film Walking Tall, directed by Kevin Bray, takes this tendency to a new level by straying significantly from the actual history of the life and times of Buford Pusser, a Tennessee sheriff who battled organized crime and paid a heavy price for his efforts. While the original 1973 film, directed by Phil Karlson and starring Joe Don Baker, was based on Pusser's true story, the 2004 version opts for a contemporary setting and fictional protagonists, while retaining some basic elements of the plot.
The protagonist of the 2004 film, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is Sergeant Chris Vaughn, a former US Special Forces soldier who returns to his hometown in Kitsap County, Washington, seeking employment at a local sawmill. However, he discovers that the mill has closed, and the local economy now revolves around a casino owned by his childhood friend, Jay Hamilton (played by Neil McDonough). When Chris exposes the casino's fraudulent practices and is subsequently beaten and tortured by Hamilton's security, he seeks justice but is rebuffed by the local sheriff. When his nephew overdoses on methamphetamine sold at the casino, Chris embarks on a crusade that lands him in jail, but he ultimately becomes the new sheriff and begins cleaning up the town. Hamilton, however, will stop at nothing to thwart his efforts.
Comparisons between the two films inevitably favor the earlier version, which appears more authentic and convincing due to its use of authentic locations and Pusser's involvement as a technical advisor. The older film is also grittier, violent, and at times, depressive, providing a more accurate portrayal of Pusser's life and struggles.
In contrast, the 2004 version is a more streamlined and shorter film with a clearly defined villain played by Neil McDonough, who specializes in such roles. The Rock, in one of his early roles, lacks range but compensates with his physical presence and strong action scenes. However, these action sequences, like the rest of the film, suffer from the desire to achieve a PG-13 rating and appear too Hollywoodised to be convincing. Chris, unlike his real-life counterpart, is not a family man, and the obligatory romantic subplot involving his stripper girlfriend, played by Ashley Scott, is underdeveloped, further contributing to the film's artificiality.
On a technical level, the script is unsatisfactory, as the desire to make the new version shorter results in the omission of crucial details, such as how Chris actually managed to get elected as the new sheriff. This oversight undermines the credibility of the film and leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied.
Ultimately, Walking Tall is a watchable, yet forgettable film that follows the pattern of early 21st-century Hollywood ruining 1970s genre classics. Despite receiving unenthusiastic reviews, it was a commercial success, solidifying The Rock's status as a rising star and leading to two direct-to-DVD sequels featuring a new protagonist played by Kevin Sorbo.
RATING: 3/10 (+)
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