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.

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.

A movie trilogy between 1973 and 1977, a TV-series in 1981, and another made-for-TV movie in 1978... I don't mean any disrespect towards Mr. Buford Pusser, but maybe there are slightly too many tales revolving around the Real American Hero from McNairy County, Tennessee? The first "Walking Tall" movie was great, but perhaps they shouldn't even have started with the second movie, considering Pusser passed away a mere days after he sealed a deal for starring as himself.

Chronologically, the first "Walking Tall" deals with Pusser's time as Sheriff between 1964 and the tragic death of his wife in 1967. Part two picks up immediately after that, and this final chapter supposedly starts exactly one year after the fatal accident, and abruptly ends with Pusser's own suspicious death in a car accident in 1974.

Part III isn't boring but it's not exactly very exciting, neither. You know there's something wrong when one of the most intense and action-packed moments of the entire two-hour film is the Sheriff chasing three rebellious teenagers because they stole his car. Besides that, Buford Pusser bulldozes an illegal gambling/prostitution house just outside of his jurisdiction, and he unexpectedly loses the re-election for Sheriff. The last half hour is very interesting, though, because it closes the circle and covers how the first film came into existence. It's somewhat paradoxical, and I like that.

"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.