Reviews of Dirty Harry (1971) and related work

Dirty Harry (1971Moving picture, 102 minutes)

moving picture fiction

Magnum Force (1973Moving picture, 124 minutes)

Probably the franchise’s best underlying concept, but the ideological conflict is a wasted opportunity to craft a more interesting philosophy for Harry. Without such underpinnings, the whole thing is doomed to stay at the level of (enjoyable) unfocused gun-nut badassery, unwilling even to go the distance into Hard-Boiled (1992) territory.

moving picture sequel fiction

The Enforcer (1976Moving picture, 96 minutes)

Some great facial expressions on Harry. Alas, the showdown is moronically explosive. There’s a surprisingly good bummer ending after that; society folds easily and the good die young. Classic conservative fears.

moving picture sequel fiction

Sudden Impact (1983Moving picture, 117 minutes)

moving picture sequel fiction

The Dead Pool (1988Moving picture, 91 minutes)

moving picture sequel fiction