The Enforcer (1976)

Review by All Movie Guide
The third entry in the Dirty Harry action film series is one of the most underrated. The script by Stirling Silliphant and Dean Riesner leans a bit too heavily on verbal humor at times, but delivers its surprisingly complex scenario in an easily followed style punctuated by plenty of action. Director James Fargo gives the film a steady pace that allows the dramatic moments room to breathe, but keeps the story moving forward an energetic pace. He also shows considerable kinetic flair in the action scenes; highlights include Callahan busting up a hostage situation with his police car and an exciting rooftop chase that climaxes with a hair-raising plunge through a skylight. The Enforcer is also notable for humanizing Harry Callahan through his dealings with his female partner, Kate Moore. His transition from grudging respect to true acceptance of his partner adds an unexpected element of touching emotion to the proceedings. Eastwood handles this transition in a skillful low-key fashion that makes the softening of his gruff character believable, and Tyne Daly handles her role as Moore with a deft combination of wit and nervous charm. Other memorable performances include Bradford Dillman as Harry's perpetually enraged superior officer and Albert Popwell's moody turn as radical leader (and unexpected Callahan ally) Big Ed Mustapha. The one real problem with The Enforcer is that it lacks a singular villain worthy of its formidable hero. The film's hippie villains, inspired by the Symbionese Liberation Army, lack the strength or depth to pose a memorable threat to the hero. Despite this problem, The Enforcer remains a brisk action programmer that is worth the time for Clint Eastwood fans. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide