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Suzanne Cappelletti versus the Dirty Harry franchise

Over the past few weeks I've taken a trip thru one of my favourite non-horror franchises: Dirty Harry. From Dirty Harry in 1971, Magnum Force in 1973, The Enforcer in 1976, Sudden Impact in 1983 and The Dead Pool in 1988. 

What can I say, 70's era Clint Eastwood is a sight to behold. I have a hard time watching him in anything recent. I grew up watching these movies with my Dad, who never got my love of horror. But we watched the bloody gunfights, fist fights and some wicked car chases together. I'll accept that.

In Dirty Harry we are introduced to Inspector Harry Callahan of the San Francisco PD, I gruff no bullshit cop who will anything to stop the bad guys. If anything like this was made today there would be outrage. I'll admit, the scripts were a little light, but nothing that Clint couldn't carry and make exciting. 

I have two favourites in this series, Magnum Force with David Soul. I blame my Mom for me liking this one so much, she had a thing for Mr. Soul, and we watched it frequently. I liked the vigilante aspect to this one. My second is The Dead Pool. The main reason I love this one is that this came out when I was in high school and it revolved around a horror movie director (Liam Neeson), a very young Jim Carrey as a drug addled rock star and a cameo by Guns and Roses!!!! It was a bit more glitzy than the rest, but still overall a fun movie.

All and all, these are some of the best actioners the 70's and 80's had to offer. This is the Clint Eastwood that's burned into my head. This is how I remember him. I'll even throw in The Gauntlet, 1977. It's not Dirty Harry, but it sure as hell should've been. These movies all have a special place in my heart. 

I think it goes without saying I rate these as Good, if you haven't seen any of them or haven't watched them in awhile, go revisit them. It's almost scary how much times have changed.

You can follow Suzanne at @Flyye01
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