The 1970s action-thriller has been praised by fans as ‘one of the best sequels ever made’ – and it’s free to watch on TV tonight
A Hollywood legend takes the starring role in this gripping film series, with tonight’s offering being the second chapter of this ‘classic’ tale – airing on ITV tonight
Released in 1973, Magnum Force is an American action-thriller featuring none other than Clint Eastwood as the legendary Harry Callahan. The star makes his return to our screens as the hard-nosed copper for a second outing in this picture, building on the triumph of Dirty Harry, which arrived in cinemas two years earlier.
Film night has just become significantly more captivating with this offering from Ted Post, the filmmaker, who had previously collaborated with Eastwood on productions such as Rawhide and Hang ‘Em High. Whilst the franchise continued to produce five pictures, still cherished by action enthusiasts, Magnum Force remains the lengthiest instalment.
One delighted viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: “Magnum Force stands tall as one of the very best entries in the iconic Dirty Harry series. This film is a masterclass in gritty, action-packed cinema that questions the very system it defends. The plot brilliantly exposes a critical flaw in the law: when technicalities and loopholes allow vicious criminals to walk free without punishment.”
The narrative tracks Harry following his recent takedown of the unhinged Scorpio Killer in the inaugural film, and he finds himself baffled by a string of slayings targeting local criminals. He’s swift to spot that all of the killings were carried out using the identical weapon and begins to work out who might be wielding it.
Before long, he develops a hypothesis that the police might actually be the ones eliminating the infamous criminal kingpins and goes to extraordinary measures to expose the reality. However, he has yet to grasp just how extensive this corruption reaches and wonders whether there’s a significant vigilante concealed directly beneath his nose.
Another glowing review says: “An Action Movie Classic. The music is solid, and the acting is really good across the board with a solid gang of memorable villains. The cinematography is filled with really good action scenes, great camerawork, memorable locations, and memorable scenes.
“The pacing is really good as well and ramps up really well the last 20 minutes after being solid the whole way.” Meanwhile, another viewer added that they felt it was “one of the best sequels ever made.”
They added: “While not as legendary, it is considerably better than the first, with a great plot, a more fleshed-out Callahan, great action, exceptional dialogue (from the legend himself, John Milius, including my favourite final line in a movie), and a film more relevant now than ever.”
Admirers of the franchise cannot help but commend Clint Eastwood for his portrayal, though he appears alongside an outstanding ensemble. The picture showcases early roles from the likes of David Soul, Tim Matheson, and Robert Urich, as well as Hal Holbrook.
A review says: “Iconic Clint Eastwood with his trusty big-ass Magnum has not yet failed to entertain me. This is a good example of a sequel done right, for the most part.”
Another admirer of Magnum Force reckons that whilst the storyline may be “relatively slow” compared to today’s more contemporary action flicks, it’s “certainly not bad”. They commented: “It focuses, as ever, on the grittier aspects of city life – pimps, dodgy officials, etc. The violence is quite bloody, of course. The background, incidental music is quite good at adding to the tension.”
The movie will be broadcast without charge on ITV4 this evening, Thursday 27, at 9pm, for an ideal night curled up on the settee.
