Dirty Harry

The ultimate urban cop classic.

After reviewing some 80's, 90's and 2000's movies it was compelling to go back to the 70's golden era. Today we have the pleasure of reviewing a great police action flick: Dirty Harry.

Don Siegel's Dirty Harry was so influential on the movie industry that it was arguably the start of the serial killer/cop genre inherent in so many mainstream American movies released today. Setting the stage for countless rip-offs, sequels, and even porn parodies. Dirty Harry was one of the true first of its kind--not only in regards to its genre influence but also in terms of its content.(Full frontal nudity, heavy vigilante-style violence and strong language.) It is, in fact, one of the quintessential 1970s films--capturing the very essence of the typical gritty '70s film style we're all familiar with. So, yes this movie helped the exploitation movie scene become a scene in the first place.

"Do I feel lucky punk?"

Harry's way or the highway.

I just love my magnum.

Clint Eastwood delivers one of his finest performances as the titular "Dirty" Harry Callahan. He's got just the right amount of cocky cynacism and inset sense of self-justice and importance to make the character realistic and likable, despite his flaws.By the way, Did you know that the Harry Callahan role was originally intended to be played by Frank Sinatra? fortunately, Sinatra injured himself some time before the filming began so he had to withdraw on the idea, and yes he did it for the sake of humankind because, Clint Eastwood was born to be Harry Callahan.

Scorpio, a total wacko.

Hot looking innocent bystander.

Total Wacko.

Harry's Partner.

Exploitation.

The plot almost seems routine now, but back in '71 it was controversial stuff: Harry is a tough cop trying to track down a mad serial killer in San Francisco, who is murdering victims in an effort to receive ransom money. When he kidnaps a young girl, Harry makes it his mission to disobey direct orders and take on the killer by his own means. 

It's easy to point at this now and say, "I've seen this already." In many cases film classics can only be graded well for nostalgic purposes, because their imitators have somehow improved upon the original material. Not here, dudes, not here. The original Dirty Harry really does still remain as one of the best. Siegel would later follow up "Dirty Harry" with another examination of criminals and cops, and would also team up again with Clint Eastwood. This is probably his best film, which is saying a lot. Its reputation precedes it, but in this case, the strength of the film itself really is deserving of its popularity. The final speech is awesome stuff, in fact I think is one of the greatest speeches ever performed on a movie. Don't believe me?

check it out:

" I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"

Here's the movie trailer:

This film did so well that it had four sequels, and today you can own the entire collection on Blu-Ray HD.

See you!