Final Chapter: Walking Tall

You don't have to agree with its message to enjoy the first "Walking Tall". Certainly not as violent as the "Dirty Harry" pictures, but just as unsubtle, it was a powerful movie with a totally convincing, appropriately square performance by Joe Don Baker.

The first sequel, in which Baker was replaced by Bo Svenson, was a boring, by-the-numbers follow-up, with none of the force of the original.

The second sequel is even worse; talky and drab, it exploits (in an almost cannibalistic way) the first movie by lifting and recreating the most famous sequences from it. There are a few good moments (when Pusser picks up his trusty bat), but they are very scarce.

Buford Pusser is a legend in Tennessee. A wrestler, a lawman, a part of American history. He's beloved by people and family. He is split with critics on how he handled crime.

Now I was born up North, I was fascinated with Pusser. I know that he died a hero. He was brutal against crime. He did keep the town safe.

The first movie was worth watching. The second one was great. This movie is abstract. I have respect for him and his family. The Hollywood made movie of his life opens his wounds. And his daughter Dwana, was a very loving person.

I want to keep it close to me. I will be my own critic.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

The Final Chapter Walking Tall. Is perhaps the most fictionalized chapter in the series Bo Svenson once again picks up the big stick. The film goes into detail as it's one year to the day Pauline Died and Buford is still fighting his war.

Buford is filled with gulit and remorse. If he had not been Sheriff his wife would still be alive. But Buford only knows one thing and that's action. He continues his war and dries up the county and breaks the back of the state line mob. Soon Re Election comes up and Buford is voted out of office. It seems the people want change. and Buford's violent war is something they want to put behind them.

So Buford decides to fix cars up and sell them. However some people have a hard time in accepting the fact that Buford is no longer sheriff and call him for help. His enemies attack him. And Buford tries to move on with his life. A Hollywood producer sees a news story on Buford and decides to make a film based on Buford's life. This leads to Buford helping out with the film in telling his story. the end of the film comes with the tragic death of Buford Pusser just days before he was to step in front of the cameras to film Buford. a film continuing his story. A fitting end to the legend of Buford Pusser.

"Final Chapter: Walking Tall" is a solid finale to an excellent trilogy. "Finale Chapter" wraps things up in a sad but very satisfying way. Family is a very important element to all three movies. The family part of the saga takes center stage in this movie. The scenes between Bo Svenson and Forrest Tucker are excellent. The rest of the cast isn't far being. This movie is not a stand alone film. It's actually the final chapter of an amazing story. I first saw "Final Chapter: Walking Tall" in the theater (Glen Oaks, NY). Over the years I've seen this movie a bunch of times. It always hits the spot. Honorable mention: a dreamy Margaret Blye.

Much like the previous movie this picture essentially begins immediately after "Sheriff Buford Pusser" (Bo Svenson) has been seriously hurt and his wife killed in a deadly ambush by a criminal element there in Tennessee. However, unlike its predecessor, this film focuses less of Buford seeking vengeance and more on his coming to terms with his changing environment afterward. This is especially apparent when it comes to his being able to make ends meet financially as his way of doing business becomes increasing out-of-favor as time goes by. That being said, this film seemed to rely more on tepid drama than the more robust action found in either of the two previous movies and as a result it seemed to be rather dry for the most part. That's not to say that this was a dull film, necessarily, as it certainly has its moments at times. It isn't, however, quite as good as its predecessors and I have rated it accordingly. Average.