Tom Scholte Movies

A man fights to bring decency and the rule of law back to his hometown in this action drama. Chris Vaughn (The Rock) left his home in Washington State's timber country to join the Army, where he distinguished himself as a member of the Special Forces. When his hitch is over, Vaughn decides to return home to help run the family business, a sawmill, but he soon makes the unpleasant discovery that things aren't what they once were. Vaughn learns that the town's lumber industry has all but dried up, and an old high school buddy, Jay Hamilton (Neal McDonough), has turned the city into a den of vice, running a large gambling casino and strip club while selling drugs and women on the side. Angry at this turn of events, and frustrated by local law enforcement officials who are willing to ignore Hamilton's crimes in exchange for kickbacks, Vaughn decides to run for sheriff, and with the help of another old friend, Ray Templeton (Johnny Knoxville), he wins the election. But Hamilton doesn't take kindly to Vaughn's attempts to clean up the town, and Vaughn discovers Hamilton's henchmen are willing to target his friends, his family, and the woman he loves (Ashley Scott) in order to have their way. Walking Tall was based on Phil Karlson's 1973 action hit of the same name, which was in turn inspired by the true story of Buford Pusser, who was sheriff of Tennessee's McNairy County between 1964 and 1970 and gained fame for his tough tactics against the local criminal element. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

A writer who was dumped at the alter attempts to impress his flaky ex-fiancee by helping her father movie in this dialogue-driven comedy from Canadian writer/director/actor Benjamin Ratner. Gene Maxwell (Ratner) was preparing to exchange his wedding vows when his fiancée Liz (Elizabeth Berkley) vanished without a trace. Three years later, Gene has published a best-selling novel entitled "Fear Knot." Gene lives at home with his dysfunctional parents and autistic sister, and when Liz appears on his doorstep the broken-hearted writer can't help but hope that the flame will be rekindled. But all Liz wants is for Gene to help her elderly father Malcolm (John Neville) move while she jets off to Prague to act in a low-budget sci-fi flick. But while any hope of continuing his romance with Liz proves less likely with each long-distance telephone call he receives, Gene does manage to form a warm bond with Malcolm over the course of the move. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

An ensemble piece that revolves around a group of thirty-something Vancouverites just beginning to confront adulthood, No More Monkeys Jumpin' on the Bed takes its name, appropriately enough, from a children's bedtime story. It's the kind of story that Claire (Nancy Sivak, a children's librarian, reads to her young patrons; when she's not working, Claire deals with the fact that she is growing apart from her live-in boyfriend Lyle (Cam Cronin). As his girlfriend becomes more receptive to the attentions of a male friend, Lyle expresses his frustrations at his unfulfilling job in a copy shop. Meanwhile, alcoholic Susan (Sophie Yendole), another troubled young professional, sells her furniture to pay for booze. Premiering at the 2000 Vancouver International Film Festival, No More Monkeys Jumpin' on the Bed won the festival's Best Western Canadian Director prize for first-time helmer Ross Weber. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

A 23-year-old slacker tries find his way amidst the oppressive suburban environment where he was raised in this Canadian comedy-drama. Amiable Trevor McIntosh faces two major problems. He wants to get away from his overbearing mom, philandering father and his older brother; and he wants to lose his virginity. Trevor tries hard at the latter, but can't seem to connect with the young women who interest him. Then he meets Charlotte Peacock, an artist in her '60s. She accepts Trevor and encourages him. They start out as friends, but gradually become much more. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi