Review of Sudden Impact (1983) by Errol D — 11 Jun 2005

Another Clint Eastwood classic from the Dirty Harry series. The theme - maverick cop on his own schedule dealing out his version of justice - is now being done a lot , but in the days of its release , this was one of the pioneering few.

Harry Callahan ( Clint Eastwood ), is a cop belonging to the ole school, where criminals were dealt justice quickly without the modern day delays of the legal system. Everywhere he goes , trouble follows not necessarily of his making but involving him in some way.

This movie deals with his quest for a serial killer with a typical MO. The trail leads him to a small town where he meets the character of Sondra Locke who plays a small time painter , out for revenge on the gang that raped her and her sister a few years ago. She kills them off one by one and is nearing the end of the gang when her path crosses Harry's and a thing ensues between them.

Lots of action , chases , gun battles and the usual dialogue. Seen in todays times , this movie may seem a bit patronising to the hero , but in those days this was a great hit.

Clint Eastwoods direction is of course first class , never letting Harry get away with too much and giving us action that is never over the top.