Review of Magnum Force (1973) by Naomi G — 13 Oct 2015

Second only to The Enforcer in quality, Magnum Force is a sequel in a long series of sequels that is better than the original. Maybe some of the cinematography and lines were better in the original, but the Magnum Force story is far more captivating than the preceding episode.

In Magnum Force, Harry becomes caught up in solving a series of murders committed by a group of cops who, like him, mete out their own personal justice. It's a lot like The Star Chamber, except Eastwood is the star not Michael Douglas, so you can guess what that means. Just in case you can't, it means a glorious victory for Harry not just because he must go on to star in more Dirty Harry movies, but because while the crooked cops are armed with daunting .357 magnums, hence the title, Harry uses the "most powerful hand gun in the world, the Smith & Wesson .44 magnum." I have since learned that the Smith & Wesson .44 magnum was not the most powerful hand gun in the world at the time this movie took place, but it doesn't stop Harry from bragging otherwise. I'm not a gun nut at all but Harry's factoid about his firearm is repeated so many times that it makes one wonder if he might be a spokesman for Smith&Wesson. If you watch all of the Dirty Harry movies,you might just as well cancel your subscription to Guns&Ammo because by that time you'll have learned all you need to know. Literally.