MovieChat Forums > Sharky's Machine (1981) Discussion > Sharks vs Dirty Harry

Sharks vs Dirty Harry

posted 9 years ago by lmartin-17
7 replies | jump to latest

We all know the Hollywood rumors on IMDB about how Burt Reynolds was friends with Clint Eastwood...
And how Burt told Clint, how he(Burt) would do a Dirty Harry type movie if Clint did a comedy type movie(Every Which Way But Loose).
My question is, knowing this, which do you think is a better movie?
The original Dirty Harry is, I think, the best!
Sharky's Machine is also a great movie!
Their similarities, style, music(jazz), casting, etc.
While they are 10yrs. apart, I still enjoy them both, as a movie and entertainment.
But I have to give the edge to Sharky's Machine!
It should have led to sequels...
But, as a stand alone movie, it was great!
Burt Reynolds directed this movie, and I think the cast worked very well together!
Every time I watch Sharky's Machine, I LOVE IT!
But, every time I watch Dirty Harry, I Love It!
Does that make me a flake?
I've seen Sharky's Machine more times!
Dirty Harry does not have a Zinn scene,like the one between Burt and Bernie Casey!
But now I'm asking you, for your opinions!

[–] Wuchakk 9 years ago

I finally viewed "Sharky's Machine" (SM) last night after two previous attempts years ago where I couldn't get past the 50-minute mark.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no contest. Every one of the Dirty Harry flicks (DH) is better than SM, as well as "The Gauntlet."

While SM has a decent action-filled start it doesn't outdo the beginnings of all or most of the DH flicks. Worse, soon after the first act, SM bogs down in a seemingly never-ending stakeout, which is mostly dull, although there are a couple of good dialogue sequences, like the old guy recounting killing the teen soldier during WWII. While SM gets better it never fully recovers from this long drag. All the DH films by comparison are entertaining from beginning to end, even their 'downtime' sequences. Furthermore, the way one of the two SM villains is scripted (Henry Silva) is sometimes eye-rolling, like the way he's always skulking nearby (e.g. the runover-the-cop scene and the black criminal scene), not to mention the cartoonish Asian martial artists. Why sure! I'm not saying the DH flicks or "Gauntlet" didn't have cartoony elements, but they always pulled 'em off in an entertaining way. In SM they're just dumb.

Still, the cast of SM is great, particularly Sharky's partners, and it's great seeing Burt in a serious flick. I would've liked to see a SM series (like DH) because I think the sequels would've improved upon the solid foundation.

My 150 (or so) favorite movies:
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070122364/

[–] sonoftom 8 years ago

And I thought I was the only one who couldn't get into it, I'm usually into these kind of films but this one just couldnt grasp me for too long. Boring at best, though the start was good, I turned it off around 45 - 50 minutes.

I am the son of a man named Tom.

[–] rascal67 8 years ago

...soon after the first act, SM bogs down in a seemingly never-ending stakeout, which is mostly dull, although there are a couple of good dialogue sequences...
___________

Yes, DIRTY HARRY-71' is miles ahead of SHARKY'S MACHINE-81'. Reynolds was well intentioned and there are some good sequences, but they are few and far between. Like I have mentioned in another post, it lacked a certain snappiness or pizazz to the proceedings, and Reynolds needed to crack the whip more directorially, especially regarding Charles Durning performance. He was like a loose cannon, all over the place and very unpleasant to watch. He was way over the top.

Reynolds was attempting a noirish\voyeuristic approach to his style, yet the main cops just came over as creeps and the film needed more sexiness, in spite of Ward's hot presence. It is quite a dreary film overall, and that is why it doesn't have a bigger following or larger cult reputation over Dirty Harry.

Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩

[–] Wuchakk 8 years ago

Well said. I wasn't aware Reynolds directed the movie until you pointed it out. This was likely part of the problem, but the screenplay needed serious work too. There were too many dull stretches and not enough perks (don't get me wrong, I don't mind long dramatic sequences, as long as they're compelling, like in "Apocalypse Now").

Ward didn't do much for me though; she's pretty, but too slinky for my tastes. I prefer more curvy women; it's just a matter of taste.

As pointed out in my review, I feel all five Dirty Harry movies are eminently more entertaining than "Sharky's Machine" for the reasons you cite, not to mention similar Eastwood flicks, like "The Gauntlet."

My 150 (or so) favorite movies:
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070122364/

[–] rascal67 8 years ago

...the screenplay needed serious work too. There were too many dull stretches and not enough perks ...
_________________

The Gauntlet-77', is my third favorite Eastwood film from the 70's, trailing behind Dirty Harry-71' and Thunderbolt and Lightfoot-74'. He has also undoubtedly proven himself to be a better director than Reynolds too. It is not just the screenplay on Sharky's that needed some more work, but the editing as well. Reynolds wanted to focus on what the stakeout cops were doing and their personalities; but I think this was more about Reynolds and his own ego and narcissism. He thought they would be interesting and compelling for some reason. Of course he has to get the hot chick in the end. I don't want to rag on the film too much; but it is not one that I could just easily sit down to watch without feeling like groaning at some of the proceedings. Unfortunately, it is not a film that is greater than the sum of it's parts.

Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩

[–] Jones70 (6195) 2 years ago

Dirty Harry is a masterpiece!
Sharky’s Machine is just really really good.

[–] Jones70 (6195) 2 years ago

Wish Hollywood made more movies like those nowadays.