Part 2: Walking Tall

Walking Tall Part II is a worthy follow up to the original Walking Tall. Bo Svenson carries the big stick and he does so with a lot of authority. Of course since this is Hollywood they can't get the facts right so they hollywoodize it. the story is Buford is on the rampage looking for the People behind Pauline's death. Those people are starting to get scared. And they send an assassin out to finish the job. In the End Buford gets his information foils the assassin and finds the spy in his office. Not a bad movie as far as movies go. But this one was mostly a fictionalized account of Buford Pusser's life. Having read everything on Buford Pusser that I could get my hands on. I find the films are a great way to tell Buford's Legend. Worthwhile film. And A good solid story that'll keep you in your seat.

Part two in the Buford Pusser homage-trilogy begins during the aftermath of the assassination attempt that killed Pusser's wife and heavily injured the Sheriff of McNairy County himself. After spending eight long months in the hospital, Pusser is ready to pick up the fight with corruption and moonshining again.

The "Walking Tall" movies are difficult to rate and review. They basically qualify as Rednecksploitation, but since they are inspired by true events and pay tribute to a real-life "American Hero", the films don't feature comic elements (don't expect goofy banjo-music chases here) and have a much more stern and depressing atmosphere. And yet, part two is also typical and clichéd kind of sequel, with a lot more action footage and crazed supportive characters than the in the first. John Witter, the cowardly head of the moonshine-syndicate, hires numerous people to eliminate Buford Pusser (including a duo of merciless crooks, a deadly prostitute and a brute Nascar-driver) but every attempt spectacularly fails, even though there are sad losses again.

What makes "Walking Tall: Part Two" even more of a cult movie is that it normally would have starred the real Buford Pusser if he hadn't died in questionable circumstances prior to the start of production. Bo Svenson took over the role from Joe Don Baker (who refused in honor of Buford Pusser) and portrayed him in this film, the last part of the trilogy, and a short-lived television series. The rest of the cast is also terrific, with many great names reprising their roles (like Bruce Glover) but also a bunch of freshly loathsome faces, like Luke Askew, John Davis Chandler, Angel Tompkins and Richard Jaeckel.

Following the ambush on his life and the assassination of his wife, Pauline Pusser, Buford(Bo Svenson) continue his pursuit of justice. While he is continuing his pursuit, he runs into another bump in the road, his African-American deputy is killed on duty following the people who want to kill Pusser. Obra is always loyal to him, and he has been a good friend to Buford.

Buford does carry the Big Stick. And the law always get the criminals. The man will never be forgotten.

Big changes in the film, but the fun is always there. It can be used for history lessons. Respect them always.

3 out of 5 stars.

This was the first "Walking Tall" movie I saw, I think in a $2 movie theater along Hollywood Blvd. , so I didn't have any reference to the first installment done by Joe Don Baker. I remember being shocked at the corrupted system of McNairy County and the brutality of the "redneck gangs". I was also amazed at the fact that one man decided he's not going to let it slide, and went out to do something about it. Courageous ? I thought so - to a point where it sent shivers up my spine.

I think this movie is a great story about American courage to stand up and do something about a system that's only serving its own interest. I was pretty blown away about it, and think this is still one of the best movie of the hero/anti-hero genre, which one might laugh but includes recent movies like the "The Punisher", but even more so because it's a true story. The recent remake starring the "Rock" just doesn't do any justice to the real fire in the story of Buford Pusser.

A "classic" that I'm sure will resurface again in the future.

I wasn't sure if i could watch this without Dad. I made it thru surprisingly without it bothering me too much. This is the 1 i remember most watching with Dad. This was the first time i watched it since his death. Always loved Bo, fine figure of a man. Dad & me always liked/loved Jaeckel primarily because of him being in Grizzly which is a 11 star film. Luke Askew is funny on here. Always loved him. When Pusser tears Jaeckel's car apart i remember Dad laughing, loving every minute of it. Good memories. Its not the same without him but i do love these movies. Wish i had watched them more when he was alive. Gonna be a sad day when Bo dies too.