Walking Tall: The Payback

Sure this isn't the 50 million dollar Rock version but for a low budget DVD this is a solid rental.

I liked that most of the cast were unknowns, it gave the film authenticity. There isn't a ton of action but there are some genuinely tense moments. I haven't seen Kevin Sorbo in much besides Hercules and I was pleasantly surprised how convincing he was in this film. The bad guy, AJ Buckley is nasty and has some great moments. You really hate him and want Sorbo to kick his ass.

Overall I thought it was a good underdog story that's very entertaining. Rent it.

A woodenly acted unnecessary remake of a remake of a much MUCH better film, This Kevin Serbo helmed straight to DVD action film sees fit to throw every available cliché at the audience apparently in order to pummel them into submission. Sorbo plays Nick, a sheriff returning home looking for vengeance after some local thug kills his father. Why this is billed as Walking Tall 2, I haven't a clue as it has nothing to do with The Rock film and even less to do with the classic original '70's trilogy. To make matters worse the acting's more wooden then Buford Pusser's fabled 2 by 4. A sequel was shot back-to-back with this one and I can say with all confidence that i'll definitely be skipping that likely travesty. Even a huge Sorbo fan such as myself does have his limits.

My Grade: D

All the mileage that could have been gotten from the Buford Pusser story was already gleaned back in the 70s. The Payback is one of two films Kevin Sorbo did with a Walking Tall light plot.

Kevin's back from the army and a pair of no good brothers A.J.Morris and Bentley Mitchum are running things with some organized crime backing. They're acquiring businesses and property with intimidation and worse.

We never learn just what the end game is for the brothers in this film, a big weakness.

Not anything close to the Walking Tall plots from the 70s.

The Shelton County Sheriff Prescott goes to Dallas seeking help from the FBI against the gang leaded by the criminal Harvey Morris (A.J. Buckley) that is forcing the locals to sell their businesses and lands using violence. Prescott is murdered on the road by Harvey and his men that simulate a car accident and this incident triggers a series of murders in the community. Nick Prescott (Kevin Sorbo) decides to assume the position of his father and together with Deputy Hap Worrell (Dell Johnson), they try to find evidences to incriminate Harvey, supported by FBI agent Kate Jensen (Yvette Nipar). However, when Nick sees that the system is absolutely corrupted, he becomes a vigilante bringing justice with his own hands.

"Walking Tall: The Payback" has a promising beginning in spite of a cliché story of bad guys dominating a peaceful community. However, in a certain moment, the escalation of violence becomes exaggerated with many deaths and even in a corrupted system would have called the attention of the government. Further, the plot is not well resolved since the dirty entrepreneur of construction and his right hand Lou Dowdy end the story in the shadow and without any further reference. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Com as Próprias Mãos 2: O Troco" ("With the Own Hands 2: The Payback")

Kevin Sorbo is Great in 'Walking Tall: The Payback'. The Well-Known Star kicks-butt & plays his part stylishly. As a film, however, this sequel has some merits.

'Walking Tall: The Payback' Synopsis: A man goes back to his hometown that is now overrun with crime and single-handedly takes justice into his own hands.

'Walking Tall: The Payback' is strictly time-pass entertainment. Its meant for a certain audience, and that section of audience, won't be disappointed. But, I must admit, I enjoyed The Rock's 'Walking Tall' much more.

Tripp Reed's Direction is ordinary. The Screenplay offers some good moments. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are fine.

On the whole, A Decent Flick, with a Stylish performance by Kevin Sorbo.