Walking Tall 2004

Army Special Forces veteran Chris Vaughn returns to his hometown in Kitsap County, Washington, seeking a chance to reconnect with his family and find employment. After several years apart, his family is excited to see him, especially his nephew, Pete, who has grown significantly in his absence. Upon reuniting, Chris is invited by his old friend Ray to a football game with some high school buddies, including Jay Hamilton, whose family was once one of the richest in the area thanks to their timber mill. The game takes a turn when one of Jay’s acquaintances, Booth, makes a cheap shot at Chris’ already injured knee, but the event concludes on a positive note.

During the game, Chris spots Pete mingling with others who are smoking marijuana. Concerned, he warns his nephew to steer clear of these influences, but Pete dismisses his advice. That evening, Chris is invited to the town’s new casino owned by Jay, who had shut down his family’s timber business to pursue this venture, leaving many former workers without jobs. Despite his reservations, Chris agrees to join them for a seemingly innocent celebration.

As festivities unfold at the casino, Chris is unexpectedly taken to a private booth where he spots his former girlfriend Deni performing as a dancer. Upset by her new profession, he steps out onto the gambling floor and becomes suspicious when he notices a dealer using loaded dice. When he protests, Jay’s security team intervenes, and Chris finds himself badly beaten and left for dead. After a hospital stay, he returns home to recuperate, with Ray by his side.

Determined to seek justice, Chris approaches Sheriff Watkins, only to learn that no action can be taken against Jay’s men due to lack of evidence. Frustrated by the sheriff’s nonchalant attitude, he decides to let it go—for now. However, when he discovers that Pete has suffered an overdose, Chris learns that the casino’s security guards are dealing drugs. Enraged, he returns home, grabs a shotgun, but ultimately leaves it behind, choosing instead to confront the casino with a two-by-four. He wreaks havoc on the slot machines, physically challenging Jay’s goons in the process. When the police arrive, Chris willingly awaits arrest for his actions.

At court, Jay parades witnesses to paint Chris as a violent individual. In a bold move, Chris fires his attorney and addresses the jury, passionately recalling the pride of his hometown and condemning the casino’s corrupt practices. He vows to run for sheriff, promising to root out the corruption plaguing the community. Chris wins the election and begins his first day in office confronted by Sheriff Watkins, who insinuates that Chris should keep the current deputies. Unfazed, Chris refuses, asserting his authority and delivering a clear warning to Jay, who taunts him but attempts to bribe him instead. Chris retaliates by smashing Jay’s car taillight.

Determined to dismantle the drug operation, Chris hires Ray as his first deputy. Although Ray is hesitant due to his history with addiction, he agrees to assist Chris in their mission. They begin by targeting Booth, laboriously disassembling his customized truck before sending him to jail. Meanwhile, Chris rekindles his romance with Deni, who visits him at her home while Ray stands guard.

The next day, chaos erupts when armed men raid the sheriff’s office, led by none other than Watkins. Chris and Deni manage to defend themselves, but Booth meets a grim fate during the assault. In the aftermath, Chris returns home only to find Ray fending off yet another wave of attackers. Together, they successfully repel the assailants.

Fueled by determination, Chris heads to the abandoned lumber mill, seeking out Jay. The pair engage in a fierce battle that spills into the surrounding woods. Ultimately, Chris corners Jay and puts an end to his reign of terror by delivering a decisive blow to his knee before making an arrest.