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Walking Tall

Play trailer Poster for Walking Tall PG-13 2004 1h 26m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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27% Tomatometer 133 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 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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Walking Tall

Walking Tall

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Noah Gittell Washington City Paper Apr 4, 2023
An amazingly true story that still challenges audiences with its complex notions of justice and revenge. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies Jan 17, 2016
4/5
In many ways, this is better than the original. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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! See more Damon G @Dmoney420 Feb 22, 2026 This was a good one See more 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 See more 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. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Mar 7, 2025 Filme bacana, o roteiro é bacaninha, as cenas de ação são boas, o protagonista que é o the rock é bom no filme, e ajuda o filme a ficar bom, o elenco é bacaninha, a história é bacana, e o vilão é mais ou menos, com tudo isso, eu meio que recomendo esse filme. See more Gary D @RT53049889 Jan 3, 2025 Tre Rock movie’s are always worth checking out. Supporting cast is also good. Overall not a bad movie. See more Read all reviews
Walking Tall

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Cast & Crew

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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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Walking Tall

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Movie Info

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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