MAGNUM FORCE (1973)

In this, the second delivery of the Dirty Harry series, Harry uncovers a group of vigilante assassins among the ranks of the SFPD. Although he is known for his unorthodox methods and breaking rules, he does not condone cold blooded murder, even if the targets are known criminals. He then sets out to expose the group for what they are which, of cause, gets him into trouble with his superiors.

In contrast with the first movie where the message was that no criminal should escape justice because of flaws in the system, in this one it is that there remains a line no cop should cross no matter how good the intentions might be.

The interesting thing about this film is that we get to know quite a few actors that later went on to became famous in own right: Hal Holbrook for the Designing Women and Evening Shade TV series; David Soul, of cause, for the hugely successful TV series of Starsky and Hutch as well as Robert Ulrich who starred in Spenser for Hire, another very popular series that aired during the late 1980's.

Like the original, this first sequel is excellent and highly recommended viewing. This too earns 4 out of 5 stars from me. 

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVk8NhLhZMk

Harry's .44 Magnum

DIRTY HARRY (1971)

Besides for the many Westerns he appeared or starred in the name Clint Eastwood is also, of cause, almost synonymous with the character of "Dirty" Harry Callahan. For the next few posts I will be looking at all five movies in this iconic franchise.

Inspector Harry Callahan is a no nonsense San Francisco cop, known for his unorthodox methods of dealing with the bad guys. In this the first delivery in the series he is tasked with bringing to book a serial-killer-sniper who calls himself The Scorpion. Some of the most famous movie lines come from this film. Who can forget Harry's legendary monologue about "the most powerful handgun in the world" ending with "Do you feel lucky, punk? Well do ya?"

This particular movie series introduced a whole new breed of cop to the big (and small) screen. One who is less worried about the rights of criminals than that of the victims; the lone wolf type who will go to any lengths to make sure real justice is done even if it means breaking the rules. Think for instance of Bruce Willis as John Maclean in the later Die Hard series and even the Walker, Texas Ranger TV series with Chuck Norris during the 1990's. So, if you want to see the good guy wins, despite his somewhat bad methods, this one is for you. As a matter of fact, this is one of those movie franchises that belongs in any serious DVD collection. As far as ratings go, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjBNldYiUmg

 Must be a scary sight for any criminal...

THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY (1966)

This is another Western classic. It contains some of the most memorable movie scenes ever. The hilarious bath house scene with Eli Wallach and Lee van Cleef springs to mind. Also, who can forget the cigar chomping, poncho wearing Clint Eastwood as Blondie. And then, of course, there is that famously haunting music score by the great Ennio Morricone.

During the American Civil War, three low-life's (Eastwood, Wallach and Van Cleef) are searching for a stash of Confederate gold believed to be buried in a cemetery somewhere. But each of them has only partial knowledge of the exact spot. So, as much as they hate each others guts, they need to work together in order to find the treasure.

To some this is just another Spaghetti Western but to make it out as being merely that, is to do it a great disservice. As part of the "Dollars" series of movies done by director Sergio Leone, this one definitely earned its place as one of the best in this genre. This makes it a must for any serious movie collector. Therefor I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCN5JJY_wiA

 

  Enough said...

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)

Surely one of the most quintessential westerns ever made was this one where Paul Newman and Robert Redford teamed up for the first time. In 1973 the two of them paired up again for The Sting. Unfortunately for us that was the last time.

Like Young Guns this movie is also based on true historic characters and events. Here the two protagonists head up a band of outlaws known as the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. Soon they became quite notorious but after robbing one train too many they have to flee with the authorities following short on their heels. One of the most memorable scenes from this movie is where Butch (Paul Newman) rides a bicycle around the hut where he and Sundance (Robert Redford) are hiding out to the now famous tune of "Raindrops keep falling on my head" by Burt Bacharach which earned one of the four Oscars this film eventually received.

This is truly one of those iconic movies that should be on everyone's bucket list, regardless if you are a fan of this genre or not. It is highly recommended and rated at 3 out of 5 stars by yours truly. 
 
Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDw6VSSAVg4

Paul Newman and Robert Redford...                 ...and the real Butch and Sundance

YOUNG GUNS (1988)

Like Top Gun this is another 80's movie that not only  achieved almost instant cult status but also propelled its young stars to instant fame. In this case it is the two Sheen brothers, Charlie and Emilio (Estevez), Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips and Dermot Mulroney.

The story is about six young cowboys hired by an ex-pat British nobleman, John Tunstall (Terence Stamp) to protect his ranch and cattle herd from the so called Santa Fe Ring as headed up by the evil Mr Murphy (chillingly played by Jack Palance). But when their boss gets killed in an ambush, the Regulators (as the band of six became known by then) swear an oath of revenge. And under the leadership of William Bonney aka Billy the Kid (Estevez) they start a bloody rampage, killing everyone they believe to be involved in the plot to murder their erstwhile boss and mentor. Soon they are branded as outlaws and are pursued by all and sundry all over the place.

This is quite an interesting take on a piece of well known Old West history. Even though the the filmmakers put a 1980's spin to the plot, language and music score, it still remains relatively true to the actual events it is based on. It is especially a treat to watch the late great Jack Palance in his umpteenth roll as a baddy. The violence, however, is pretty tame by today's standards and therefor its PG rating makes it fun viewing for the whole family. I had no hesitation in giving it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp8hqVS6nq4

 

...in action...