The Enforcer

Director: James Fargo
Writer: Stirling Silliphant, Dean Riesner
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Tyne Daly, DeVeren Bookwalter

When a terrorists group calling itself The People’s Revolutionary Strike Force kidnaps the mayor of San Francisco and threatens to kill him unless their ransom demands are met it’s up to Inspector Harry Callahan to take matters into his own hands.  Saddled with an inexperienced newly promoted partner this could prove to be Callahan’s toughest assignment yet.  Determined to take down the terrorists in a style all his own, Callahan once again proves why he has earned the name ‘Dirty Harry’. 

Long before the cowboy quoting cop in the exploding high rise or the partnership between a young homicidal cop and a veteran cop ready to retire or even the Texas Ranger who knocked out a criminals front teeth with a snap kick there was the legendary bad ass cop who started it all, ‘Dirty’ Harry Callahan. 

The third film in a series that totals five, The Enforcer falls in line perfectly.  The script is well written and contains a good mix of dry humor and in your face tough guy attitude that when delivered by Clint Eastwood creates the perfect mood for each scene. Also thrown into the mix are the expected disrespectful but justifiable comments and remarks Harry throws at anyone who irritates him. 

Harry: Here's a seven-point suppository, Captain.
Capt. McKay: What did you say?
Harry: I said stick it in your ass.

(In reference to Harry handing over his badge to Capt. McKay)

Sarcastic, threatening and at times humorous these comments and one liners became a trademark of the character and add a perfect layer to Harry's personality. 

The action sequences throughout the film are well paced and never allow for a moment of boredom to set in.  From the moment the beginning credits end Harry and his partners Smith & Wesson are manhandling any situation which presents itself.  From receiving a call about a restaurant patron having a heart attack to the explosive finale the movie doesn’t stop.  In my opinion The Enforcer has the best ending of any movie in the series.

What more can or needs to be said about casting Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry?  Possessing an incredible ability to create a screen presence that without a doubt hits the mark every time, Eastwood incorporates the ideal amounts of tough guy attitude, sarcasm and biting humor into the role.  Combine those qualities with his often intimidating or intense appearance and strong physicality Eastwood has created a character icon. 

Playing the role of the newly appointed Inspector Kate Moore is Tyne Daly.  When Daly makes her first appearance it’s made obvious that there is going to be instant friction between Kate and Harry.  Working on this angle Daly does a nice job showing that what her character lacks in field experience she makes up for with intelligence.  Another side of the character which comes into play is the lack of hardness which Daly shows in her reactions to certain situations as well as her naïve attitude when dealing with shady individuals.  The role gradually evolves nicely to the point where Moore begins to be an asset to Harry as he tracks down the terrorists.  Unlike its two predecessors this movie made use of the partnership angle a bit more which had a bigger impact on the movies climax.

Returning in the roles of Capt. McKay and Lt. Bressler are Bradford Dillman and Harry Guardino and making his appearance as Bobby Maxwell, a Vietnam vet and leader of The People’s Revolutionary Strike Force is DeVeren Bookwalter.

Although this movie could be viewed as a standalone I recommend watching the entire series which spans over seventeen years of Clint Eastwood’s acting career.

Rating: 3 Reels