Parents' Guide to

Magnum Force

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

'70s cop sequel has lots of violence, sex, profanity.

Movie R 1973 123 minutes
Magnum Force Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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Is It Any Good?

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Kids say (1):

Don't expect subtlety in this unambiguously tough-talking, violent, anti-criminal drama. MAGNUM FORCE is a good example of law-and-order movies that served as 1970s media antidotes to the villainous representation of cops who broke up peaceful civil rights demonstrations and shot war-protesting students in the 1960s. The veins in Eastwood's manly forehead stand out as if to emphasize the righteousness of the cause of good cops. Harry is meant to epitomize the no-nonsense law-and-order enforcer as an icon and upholder of social balance. Compared to the cops he discovers executing criminals without benefit of judge or jury, Harry seems downright moderate. Maybe he doesn't wait for the permission of his superiors before he makes a move, but at least he isn't out there killing people just because he doesn't like them.

Given the violence, sex, and profanity, this movie is best for older teens and adults only.

Movie Details

  • In theaters: August 29, 1973
  • On DVD or streaming: June 3, 2008
  • Cast: Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Felton Perry, David Soul
  • Director: Ted Post
  • Inclusion Information: Black actors
  • Studio: Warner Home Video
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 123 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: for strong brutal violence including a sexual assault, sexuality/nudity, language and drug use
  • Last updated: June 3, 2023

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