Review of Magnum Force (1973) by Eric P — 05 Feb 2008

An exception to the rule that sequels never live up to their predecessors, "Magnum Force" is a taunt, tightly paced film that deserves comparison to "Dirty Harry". While not quite the iconic classic that "Dirty Harry" was, "Magnum Force" is nevertheless a very good film, and easily the best of the Dirty Harry sequels. Its only problem is that, since itâ??s a sequel, it doesnâ??t quite pack the punch that "Dirty Harry" did.

One of the ways "Magnum Force" manages to stay fresh, and not just be a rehash of the original film is in itâ??s handling of the Harry Callahan character. In the first movie, Harry was a lone-wolf cop who dispensed justice to criminals in his own way. In "Magnum Force", a group of motorcycle cops are dispensing justice their own way, killing criminals who managed to avoid prison for some reason or other. Harry is opposed to these methods, and tries to bring the criminals down. While it is nice to see a different side to Harry, the movie makes the mistake of never explaining why Harry apparently changes his views about "the system".

Thereâ??s plenty of action as well. An interesting scene towards the beginning of the movie has Harry rescuing a plane full of people that have been taken hostage. Harry accomplishes this feat by posing as the pilot, driving the plane like a maniac all over the runway, then single-handily beating up and shooting the terrorists. Itâ??s a great scene, even though it has nothing whatsoever to do with the rest of the movie (perhaps the filmmakers wanted to copy the James Bond formula by having an exciting action scene towards the beginning of the movie that has nothing to do with the rest of the plot).

Eastwood is terrific as ever, and the supporting cast is good, though there are'â??t any other major actors in the film, the exception being Hal Holbrook and Suzanne Somers in a very small role. Much like the first film, the movie doesnâ??t end on a positive up-beat ending, even though Harry does see justice done. Still, itâ??s rare that Hollywood makes a sequel that can honesty stand side by side with the original film, and in that regard, "Magnum Force" is a very solid sequel.