Review of The Enforcer (1976) by Adam S — 08 Aug 2014

It's a big call, I know, but sometimes I struggle to choose between "The Enforcer" and "Dirty Harry" itself as my favourite cinema outing for Clint Eastwood's iconic renegade cop.

In the third installment to the series, Inspector Harry Callahan begins investigating the actions of a terrorist group who pull off numerous murders and heists including the acquisition of military weapons and kidnapping the mayor. Meanwhile, the police department seem set to weed out the era of macho cops like Callahan, and partner Harry with his worst nightmare - a female inspector. Adding an odd couple angle to the classic Dirty Harry plotline, this makes the film seem fresher and animates Callahan a lot more.

Eastwood again stars as Harry, alongside a supporting cast of Tyne Daly, Harry Guardino, Bradford Dillman and John Mitchum. The cast do their job, but it is Eastwood who is once again allowed to shine.

Overall, this is a very fun entry into the franchise, and definitely the most watchable (lacking "Dirty Harry"'s pacing issues - although losing some of the iconic angle of the original in the process).

4 stars.