THE ENFORCER [1976] review

The third installment in the Dirty Harry series is randomly named THE ENFORCER.  Instead of just giving us more of what works in the original film, i.e. Harry acting like a badass gimmick free, we are saddled with one of the oldest (but maybe in 1976 not so overdone yet) gimmicks in action films, teaming an ornery man with a woman partner.  Tyne Daly, like her character, seems a bit out of her element throughout most of the film.  This does not help bring the viewer in one bit.    

The plot is better than in the first sequel, MAGNUM FORCE, which was just ludicrous, but the villains are not given much fleshing out so I had little interest in them.  

THE ENFORCER does have the funniest dialogue of any Dirty Harry movie so far.  I will just say when you hear talk of Harry being reassigned to personnel, make sure you don’t have food in your mouth, if your sense of humor is similar to mine.

The ending of the movie is quite moving actually.  In 1976 you can end movies like you cannot today.  Maybe all movies from the 1970s ended grimly and bittersweet.  I always forget that, so I am still always surprised when hardcore things happen.  I am too used to the sugar coating.

 

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