St. Petersburg Times Film Critic Steve Persall reviews "The Dukes of Hazzard."

By STEVE PERSALL, Times Film CriticPublished August 4, 2005They're just good ol' boys, in a so-so new movie.What else could be expected of a movie version of The Dukes of Hazzard, a corn pone TV comedy that even CBS eventually decided was too dumb to keep on the air? Despite loud protests from fans, the network opted for more "sophisticated" programming that will probably be made into movies someday.The Dukes of Hazzard was, and still is in its new form, nothing but yahoo entertainment built upon fast cars, rebel yells and precariously cut-off jeans sported by a statuesque woman. It's the realization of every Yankees' nightmare of what life in the Deep South is like, except the short shorts, of course. Cheesecake is a preferred taste in any region of the country.There aren't many servings that look tastier than Jessica Simpson squeezed into those Daisy Dukes as, well, Daisy Duke, the purtiest little filly in Hazzard County, Ga. Simpson makes her movie debut here with the acting depth previously displayed in her music videos, in total screen time that doesn't last much longer than two or three of those videos. Her role calls only for sultry prances toward the camera, a killer smile here and there, and poses for provocative camera angles. That's not asking much, and Simpson barely provides it.The best body in The Dukes of Hazzard, however, still belongs to General Lee, the souped-up Dodge Charger plowing down - sometimes over - dirt roads with police cars in hot pursuit. During the TV show's six-year run, General Lee received as much fan mail as the human stars, which says as much about them as the car. The best reason to see the movie version is the vehicular mayhem, staged with admirable energy by director Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers, Club Dread).Stepping into Luke and Bo Duke's boots are Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott, respectively, if not respectfully. The show's older fans may be shocked by the raunchier touches added to the characters, including profanity and a horny factor the TV show never dared, plus a bit of marijuana smoking. Such updates are a downgrade. Knoxville mostly whoops and hollers, faking a few Jackass-style stunts. Scott fares better, making Bo an appealing retread of his Steve Stifler role in the American Pie trilogy.Notice there hasn't been any mention of a plot, which is more the screenwriter's omission than mine. It basically deals with Boss Hogg (Burt Reynolds, preening too much) stealing the Dukes' farm for a profiteering scheme, with the help of Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane (M.C. Gainey). Meanwhile, Bo plans to win the annual Hazzard County road race. One subplot depends upon the other, and both are drowned out by collisions and an occasionally inappropriate musical score.Sometimes Chandrasekhar's movie is unavoidably fun, such as city folks' reactions to the Confederate flag painted on the Dukes' car - hey, it isn't their idea to display it now - and any time the General Lee gets revved up for action. More often, the filmmakers expose their shallow knowledge of the South; that Bo would use an Indy car driver for inspiration rather than a NASCAR star is unforgivably off the mark. Even Herbie the love bug knew better.Even so, The Dukes of Hazzard is the kind of dumb, loud and disposable entertainment this overly somber summer movie season has lacked. Moviegoers may flock to it simply as a sanctuary of mindlessness. Simpson's considerable fan base will help, but nobody really loves her for her mind, either.The Dukes of Hazzard Grade: CDirector: Jay ChandrasekharCast: Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, Jessica Simpson, Willie Nelson, Burt Reynolds, M.C. Gainey, Joe Don BakerScreenplay: John O'Brien, based on the 1970s television seriesRating: PG-13; profanity, sexual situations, drug references, action violenceRunning time: 106 min.