Walking Tall (2004)
Dwayne Johnson stars as a war veteran who returns home and wages a one-man war against crime and corruption in this hard-hitting action thriller.
Walking Tall - Movie Information
- Original Title: Walking Tall
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Kevin Bray
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 2, 2004 (United States - PG-13), June 15, 2004 (Germany - 16), June 15, 2004 (Brazil - 14)
- Alternative Titles: Com as Próprias Mãos (BR), Caminando con orgullo (MX), Walking Tall 1 (CA), ワイルド・タウン 英雄伝説 (JP), Върви гордо (BG)
- Production Companies: Mandeville Films, Burke/Samples/Foster Productions, WWE Studios, Cub Eight Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hyde Park Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada
Walking Tall - Plot
A former U.S. soldier returns to his hometown to find it overrun by crime and corruption, which prompts him to clean house.
Walking Tall - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Dwayne Johnson take the law into his own hands:
One man will stand up for what's right.
Where to Watch Walking Tall
Looking for where to watch Walking Tall?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Walking Tall - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kevin Bray
Main Cast
- Dwayne Johnson
- Johnny Knoxville
- Neal McDonough
- Kristen Wilson
- Ashley Scott
- Khleo Thomas
- John Beasley
- Barbara Tarbuck
- Michael Bowen
- Kevin Durand
Writers
- David Klass
- David Levien
- Channing Gibson
- Brian Koppelman
Producers
- Lucas Foster
- Jim Burke
- Paul Schiff
- David Hoberman
- Ashok Amritraj
Walking Tall - FAQs
Is Walking Tall based on a true story?
Yes, Walking Tall is inspired by the real life of Buford Pusser, a Tennessee sheriff who famously fought organized crime in his community during the 1960s and 70s. The 2004 film is a loose remake that updates the setting and reimagines the lead character as a U.S. Special Forces veteran played by Dwayne Johnson.
Who are the main actors in Walking Tall?
Dwayne Johnson leads the cast as Chris Vaughn, the muscle-bound veteran taking on corruption in his hometown. Johnny Knoxville plays his loyal buddy Ray Templeton, while Neal McDonough is the slick villain Jay Hamilton. The supporting cast includes Kristen Wilson, Ashley Scott, Khleo Thomas, and Kevin Durand.
Why does Chris Vaughn use a wooden plank?
The wooden two-by-four plank is Walking Tall's most iconic image, a nod to the original 1973 film and the real Buford Pusser, who was known for carrying a large club. In the 2004 version, Chris Vaughn grabs the plank during his courthouse showdown as a symbol of raw, no-nonsense justice over bureaucratic failure.
Where can I stream Walking Tall?
You can stream Walking Tall on AMC+, AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, and Philo. If you prefer to own or rent it, the film is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. YouTube Free also offers ad-supported viewing.
What is Walking Tall about?
Chris Vaughn, a decorated Special Forces veteran, comes home to find his small Pacific Northwest town transformed by a corrupt casino operation run by a former classmate. When the law refuses to act, he runs for sheriff himself and takes matters into his own hands with fists, determination, and a very large plank of wood.
How long is Walking Tall and what is its rating?
Walking Tall runs a lean 86 minutes, making it one of the more compact action films of its era. It carries a PG-13 rating in the United States, meaning it features action violence and some language but is generally accessible to teenage audiences and above.
Is Walking Tall a remake of an older film?
Yes, the 2004 film is a remake of the 1973 original Walking Tall, which starred Joe Don Baker as real-life Tennessee lawman Buford Pusser. The remake transplants the story to the Pacific Northwest and reimagines the hero as a Special Forces veteran, but keeps the core theme of one man standing up against entrenched corruption.
What movies are similar to Walking Tall?
If you enjoyed Walking Tall, you might like Hard Target (1993) and The Losers (2010) for their one-man-against-many action. Black Mask (1996) and Enter the Dragon (1973) offer martial arts-driven thrills, while Judge Dredd (1995) shares the lone-lawman-restoring-order energy. Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is a fun, stylized alternative.
More About Walking Tall
Explore further details about Walking Tall on these trusted resources: