Walking Tall

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Walking Tall

PG-13

2004

1h 26m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

28%

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127 Reviews

59%

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100,000+ Ratings

When decorated military officer Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown in the state of Washington to find work, he finds that the lumber mill has closed and the town's big business is now a seedy casino operated by one of his old schoolmates, Jay Hamilton. Aided by his loyal friend Ray Templeton, Vaughn tries to make a stand against the area's crime and corruption, but, finding no help from the police, he must take matters into his own hands.

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Critics Consensus

The Rock makes a competent hero, but the movie is content to let a 2x4 do all the talking.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 29, 2010

2/5

OK as a WWE grudge match, but not as a movie.

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Neil Smith

BBC.com

Jul 6, 2004

3/5

Although morally dubious and unpleasantly brutal, Kevin Bray's film is a decent enough showcase for its leading man's low-key charm and bone-crunching machismo.

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Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

Apr 17, 2004

1.5/5

This contemporary remake of the 1973 grassroots classic retains and updates the basic plot points while losing much of the original's heart and soul.

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Noah Gittell

Washington City Paper

Apr 4, 2023

An amazingly true story that still challenges audiences with its complex notions of justice and revenge.

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Henry Northmore

The List

Apr 18, 2019

2/5

There just aren't enough cheap action thrills to make this a true action movie or enough depth for a serious piece.

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

Jan 17, 2016

4/5

In many ways, this is better than the original.

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Jim M

@Jimboinmk Oct 28, 2026

You get exactly what you expect - plenty of fist fights, gunfights and explosions. The acting was pretty decent too.

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Danielle A

@dramatize8782 Oct 23, 2026

Good movie, not perfect but good performance by Dwayne and Knoxville

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Kevbone 3

@RT67856264 Jul 24, 2026

I gotta tell ya, I was surprised that the score on this one was so low. So I had to swoop in. This movie is criminally underrated and I definitely recommend it!

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Damon G

@Dmoney420 Feb 22, 2026

This was a good one

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andrew s

@Savage97 Jan 3, 2026

A good action movie my favourite of Dwayne Johnson’s shows the real dilapidation of the discarded American rural communities aswell as a good performance by Johnny knoxville

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Nathan J.

@TribianiRamoray Oct 26, 2025

Rating: 5.8/10 Walking Tall is a generic, forgettable action flick saved by Dwayne Johnson's charisma. The film is a predictable, by-the-numbers story with one-dimensional characters and uninspired action. Highlights - Dwayne Johnson Shines: Johnson's commanding presence and natural charisma make the film watchable. - Decent Action: The film has some fast-paced action sequences, including a notable scene at the casino. Criticisms - Lazy Screenplay: The plot is predictable and clichéd, with no suspense or originality. - Forgettable Characters: The characters are one-dimensional and cardboard cutouts. - Generic Direction: The direction is flat and uninspired, with no distinct style or personality. Verdict Walking Tall is a passable but forgettable action movie that wastes Dwayne Johnson's star power. It's a mindless, paint-by-numbers film with some decent action beats, recommended only for die-hard Johnson fans or undemanding action enthusiasts.

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Kevin Bray

Director

Dwayne Johnson

Chris Vaughn

Johnny Knoxville

Ray Templeton

Neal McDonough

Jay Hamilton

Kristen Wilson

Michelle Vaughn

Ashley Scott

Deni

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Synopsis

When decorated military officer Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown in the state of Washington to find work, he finds that the lumber mill has closed and the town's big business is now a seedy casino operated by one of his old schoolmates, Jay Hamilton. Aided by his loyal friend Ray Templeton, Vaughn tries to make a stand against the area's crime and corruption, but, finding no help from the police, he must take matters into his own hands.

Director: Kevin Bray
Producer: Ashok Amritraj, Jim Burke, Lucas Foster, Paul Schiff, David Hoberman
Screenwriter: Channing Gibson, Brian Koppelman, David Levien, David Klass, Mort Briskin
Distributor: MGM Distributing Corporation, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Mandeville Films, RAI Fiction, Hyde Park Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Drug Material|Sequences of Intense Violence|Sexual Content)
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 2, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 11, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $45.9M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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