Although not nearly as cartoonish as later Dirty Harry movies, Magnum Force is still a lot more of a comic book thrill-ride than its moody, downbeat predecessor. But it's still a terrific thriller, with an evocative, gritty urban atmosphere, strong performances, another fantastic score from Lalo Schifrin and some knock-out action sequences.

Excellent follow up to Dirty Harry. This time he's investigating vigilante murders that might just be the work of a rogue traffic cop, but as he digs deeper he finds something even worse.

Tense action sequences, the plane takedown in particular, with a great chase at the finale in the docklands.

"Tell you something. If the rest of you could shoot like them, I wouldn't care if the whole damn department was queer."

Still a solid sequel in most respects. Clint is still a risk-taking badass, the plot is more mysterious, San Francisco is still glowed in that inviting sunny haze, Hal Holbrook is in it, the body count quadruples and you get vigilante cops picking off victims like faceless serial killers. It's still that reserved style of action, heavily focused on suits, sunglasses and gun shot wounds, and all devoid of camp. What's not to like?

Harry fights wave after wave of awful '70s hair and fashion in this overlong but still enjoyable sequel. Ted Post is certainly no Don Siegel as evidenced by the languid pace here compared to the stripped-down propulsion of the original, but there are some well done shots here especially as the killer police motorcycles follow their victims. There are several scenes that really could have been cut: Harry taking out terrorists on a plane, Harry's meetings with the wife of a cop friend and a really odd sexual encounter with his Japanese neighbour, who standing about two foot smaller than Eastwood looks like a child next to him. Also, none of the villains here are remotely as good as Scorpio from the original. Hal Holbrook co-stars as the Police Lt. busting Harry's balls for being a loose canon.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Serviceable Dirty Harry sequel, though it lacks Siegel's zing. Great concept but a little loose and flabby, with a somewhat silly ending which ignores the intriguing moral angles brought up in favour of daft action.

Fand ich persönlich besser als Teil 1, die Schurken hier waren um einiges cooler als Scorpio.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

While the original Dirty Harry was a masterpiece of mood and direction, Magnum Force is a sloppy and cheap attempt to cash in on that film. Tonally it is the same, but it is miles away from the first film in quality. It is boring, and generally thrill less, and even Eastwood's presence can't save it fom mediocrity. At no point was I ever interested in any part of the plot whatsoever.

It is sad to say, but perhaps the Dirty Harry franchise climaxed at the first film. Ah well, perhaps Harry Callahan can go ahead and make my day once more, but it definitely did not happen with this film.

It's better than the first film and yet sadly not remembered as much, but holy hell this is Clint Eastwood doing what he does best.

Clint takes on loads of salty dudes