In 1988’s The Dead Pool, after yet more conflicts with criminals and plenty of property damage too, Inspector Harry Callahan is assigned a(nother) new partner in the shape of Al Quan. The pair are then sent off on a new case, to investigate the fatal overdose of rock star, Johnny Squares, who may have died under suspicious circumstances.
At first it appears as if this is a one-off death, but when Callahan and Quan interrupt a robbery which ends with multiple fatalities, they discover a piece of paper with a list of names on it. The list is part of a game called the ‘dead pool’ and amongst the names on the list is Johnny Squares.
The dead pool is supposed to be an innocent game, whereby people jokingly suggest the names of celebrities they believe are close to death due to natural causes. But with Squares’ dead at an early age, it would suggest something more sinister is taking place.
And to make matters worse, Callahan’s name is also on the list. So, if someone is taking the game seriously, and the dead pool is a hit list, then Callahan could soon be in the firing line.
Directed by Buddy Van Horn, The Dead Pool is the fifth and final entry in the Dirty Harry movie series, following Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer, and Sudden Impact. The movie sees Clint Eastwood reprise the role of Callahan for one last time, alongside a supporting cast which includes Evan C. Kim, Liam Neeson, Patricia Clarkson, and Jim Carrey.
Fun in places, and certainly quite enjoyable, The Dead Pool is a likeable, if not particularly remarkable entry in the series. Eastwood remains top drawer entertainment, and the film is brimming with great lines, but it doesn’t quite pack a punch.
After 17 years, and five films, Harry Callahan has pretty much done everything and with The Dead Pool it feels as if the writing is on the wall. The edge has gone, the end is near, and what remains (while perfectly serviceable) is not exceptional.
In terms of the its place in the series, The Dead Pool sits closely to The Enforcer. It operates in mostly safe, middle-of-the-road territory, which is fine, but it’s no longer hitting the high bar.
When The Dead Pool is at its best is when Callahan is delivering his usual no-nonsense approach to crime. This remains a fun element of the film and a shoot-out in a Chinese restaurant, as well as a showdown with a harpoon gun, are particular highlights.
As for the stand out scene? Well, that goes to a rather inventive car chase through the streets of San Francisco, with Callahan and Quan being pursued by a remote controlled car containing an explosive.
The sequence is a fairly simple one, but it is executed effectively and it makes for exciting stuff. Although The Dead Pool largely runs on autopilot, the car chase shows signs that efforts are being made to keep things ticking along and this is a memorable part of the film.
The Dead Pool isn’t a strong entry in the Dirty Harry movie series, but it’s also not a complete dud. With a swift running time (88 minutes), the film never outstays its welcome and allows Callahan and Eastwood the opportunity to bow out without the rot setting in.
If you wish to watch The Dead Pool, the movie is available to buy through all major digital platforms. The Dead Pool is also available on DVD and Blu-ray as part of the Dirty Harry boxset collection which is available via Amazon US and Amazon UK.
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