Walking Tall: The Payback

Walking Tall: The Payback is a action movie based on the true story of Buford Pusser, a Tennessee sheriff, who fought against corruption and crime in his county during the 1960s. Unlike the original 1973 movie, this version follows a new character, Nick Prescott (Kevin Sorbo), who is a former US Marine and war veteran. Prescott returns to his hometown to settle down with his family only to find that the city is overrun by drugs and violence.

As he spends time with his old friends, he becomes aware of the problems that the locals face due to the corrupt officials and their association with a drug lord. Nick Prescott decides to take matters into his own hands and stands up against the criminal elements, which leads to him being targeted by the gangsters. The story follows the challenges he faces, the relationships he builds, the sacrifices he makes to bring justice to his community.

The movie features a well-paced and well-structured plot with a good balance between action and drama. The cinematography perfectly captures the Tennessee setting, and the special effects are well-executed, especially during the action scenes. The soundtrack is excellent, keeping the audience engaged and emphasizing the emotions portrayed in the film.

The chemistry between the lead actor Kevin Sorbo and his on-screen wife (Yvette Nipar) is quite impressive, providing a perfect balance of romance and action. Richard Dillard, who plays Jack Tingelhoff, the local corrupt businessman and the main antagonist in the story, is convincing and portrays a great deal of menace on screen.

Supporting characters like Sheriff Stan Watkins (Dell Johnson) and Nick's father Earl Prescott (Lance Henriksen) also deliver excellent performances, adding depth and dimension to the story. Gail Cronauer, who plays Dr. Suzan Hudson, also deserves special mention for her understated yet impactful performance.

Director Tripp Reed delivers a gritty and intense movie with Walking Tall: The Payback. The movie does an impressive job of highlighting the challenges faced by people living in rural America, bringing attention to the drug-related problems and the pervasive corruption that afflicts many small towns.

The film also portrays a great deal of patriotism, with the main character being a decorated veteran who is committed to protecting his community even after returning home. This message of dedication towards one's community and the importance of taking action when there is a need is delivered effectively without coming across as preachy.

Overall, Walking Tall: The Payback is an excellent action-thriller that is enjoyable for both action and drama movie fans alike. It is a worthy addition to the Walking Tall franchise and showcases Kevin Sorbo's range as an actor. The movie takes you on a thrilling ride, delivering a powerful message on the importance of standing up against injustice and making the world better for everyone.