Walking Tall

A subpar whiff of the 1980s. I like The Rock more and more since The Rundown as the prototype action hero, but he should weigh roles carefully or change his agent. With a film of this type, you have to wonder what you're actually looking at in the cinema, and it's not just the ridiculously short runtime (an hour and a few minutes on top), but mainly the absolutely rudimentary, simple, clichéd story that seems to have fallen out of all those C-action movies on late-night TV. (24.10.2005)

No, the idea is nice, it sounds really nice that one person stands up to the power of the rich who exploit others. It sounds even better knowing that this is based on events that actually happened. The character that Rock plays here actually existed, although his name was Buford Pusser. Rock is suitable for the role, but he doesn't bring anything else other than muscles. Well, okay, and his charisma. In the end, this is what makes Knoxville tolerable. Overall, an average movie that gives us hope that sometimes things can be better, even if only for a while. (09.01.2014)

If only it was at least a little funny, since it's so incredibly stupid. But the sensational Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will apparently not be surpassed by The Rock. The only reason I don't want to give this a Boo! is because of the brisk scene with the beam. But put a shovel in my hand and I'll bury the other 99% of the film deep in the ground. And gladly. (03.10.2010)

Kevin Bray did a pretty good job with this fast-paced action caper, with likeable actors, nicely shot and scored action scenes, and solid music. It's definitely not the best action flick of the year, but it's a pleasant way to have fun and relax. The Rock is very good in the action scenes. (17.12.2004)

Walking Tall is a surprisingly tolerable conservative action flick. Of course, it’s simple with a clichéd plot, but Dwayne Johnson’s charisma and the director’s technically clean style give it the right edge. The fight scenes are brisk and the sound of punches landing is unusually realistic for today’s (digital) times. Kevin Bray generally prefers natural authenticity to artificial bombast. His protagonist’s favourite weapon is an ordinary piece of wood. In comparison with other “conservative action movies” like Half Past Dead and Collateral Damage, Walking Tall is the clear winner. (10.10.2004)