The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar | 104 minutes | action, comedy, adventure | Actors: Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Jessica Simpson, Burt Reynolds, Willie Nelson, MC Gainey, Alice Greczyn, Steve Lemme, Michael Weston, Michael Roof, James Roday

‘The Dukes of Hazzard’, a new film adaptation of the successful TV series from the 1970s. But as is the case with many film adaptations of earlier series, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ is also disappointing.

Seann William Scott and Johnny Knoxville are cast as brothers Bo and Luke Duke. Knoxville is absolutely not disappointing, this ex-stuntman can act well. Scott, however, is sometimes overdone and sometimes throws flat slapstick humor at it. Probably because he’s used to acting like this in his other movies, but it doesn’t do much for this movie. Jessica Simpson takes on the role of Daisy Duke. Daisy is best known for her very short hotpants and sexy image. Simpson does play nicely, although it’s nothing special. Oddly enough, she comes across as more intelligent in this role than in real life. The role isn’t particularly big, but big enough for her, she couldn’t have taken more picture time.

Burt Reynolds portrays the evil Boss Hogg and is therefore an actor who raises the quality of the film. The immaculate white cowboy suit fits just right and is perfectly suited to the role. No wonder the creators had their eye on him for a long time.

The story itself is actually the most disappointing. After a short introduction about who was who, the adventure begins. Unfortunately, the story isn’t very strong and is mainly focused on the fast spectacular car chases that General Lee doesn’t always get off well. Of course, it’s all very nicely done and it looks beautiful, but to fill an entire movie with that is too much of a good thing. A little less racing and more story could have used this movie. It’s more like a long episode now, with the additional minutes mostly made up of wild chases. But not only that: encountering cell phones and other tech gadgets in Hazzard County, it’s still weird. That modern hassle does not fit at all in the atmosphere that is created at the beginning. Too bad, this misplacement brings the film down.

Positive for the film is the background music, which stands out because it fits very well, it ‘finishes’ the film as far as possible and creates a good atmosphere.

These boots are made for walking, the accompanying title song sung by Jessica Simpson and The Dukes of Hazzard are comparable. Both are nice, but definitely not more than that. Both are nowhere near the original. It will undoubtedly be more fun for the people who are not familiar with it than for the people who are familiar with it. But to say Yeeeee Haaaaawwww!!! what a great movie… no.