The Dead Pool (1988)

Could be worse..
The fifth and last Dirty Harry movie never really grabs your attention. It isn't bad but its not a patch on the original, or even some of the earlier sequels. Eastwood is suitably laconic and there are moments when, just as in the original film, you completely side with Harry's heavy-handed tactics. Especially when he removes the camera from a heartless film-crew, filming a bereaved girlfriend, and throws a lot of dollars onto the concrete 10 yards away.

The problem with this film is that Harry has changed from being a believable anti-establishment cop who frequently took a beating for his trouble, to an invincible Superman who can survive machine gun attacks and explosions. Also this was made in the late 1980's and the music soundtrack and era have dated badly!

It still has some nice touches though. Noteably a couple of nice comedy moments where Harry over-reacts to what he perceives as a threat, but actually isn't a threat at all.

Please don't buy this if you're of a younger generation and you haven't seen the first Dirty Harry movie which is a classic. Seeing this first would spoil what is a superb film. However whilst this isn't anywhere near a classic, it still has Clint Eastwood, who is always watchable, and still in great shape for a man of 58 when the film was made. Liam Neeson also makes up a good cast.

Only buy if you're a die-hard Clint Eastwood fan, otherwise I'd recommend renting JIC.

Probably the "second best" Dirty Harry movie.
"The Dead Pool" was the last, and probably the "second best" Dirty Harry movie made by Clint Eastwood. The story line, plot, and action are as good as those of the original "Dirty Harry", and the now-older Inspector Callahan is quite believable.
The implied love interest, played by Patricia Clarkson, adds an interesting dimension to the story, and sets up the climax of the film in a tense, but satisfying way.

Finally, Harry's Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver is featured as his primary weapon, and the shoot-outs and gun fire are nostalgically reminiscent of the original "Dirty Harry". I highly recommend this film to anyone who is a Clint Eastwood fan.

Hang Around for Awhile

The Dead Pool DVD


The Dead Pool starring Clint Eastwood is the fifth Dirty Harry movie.

This time someone is killing celebrities, and Harry's name is on the list. Great action movie. Helped to put Clint Eastwood on the map.

Recommended for fans of Dirty Harry and Clint Eastwood.

Gunner December, 2007