Sudden Impact
Seen it?1983 | 117 min | Thriller, Crime, Action
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 7 times its budget, but middling reviews (51% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and action fans. If you loved Cape Fear or Monkey Man, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 57 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
When a young rape victim takes justice into her own hands and becomes a serial killer, it's up to Dirty Harry Callahan, on suspension from the SFPD, to bring her to justice.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
51% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$150 million worldwide on a $22 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 164K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Dead Pool Weeknight WatchFrom the same Dirty Harry series, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Equalizer 2 Weeknight WatchAnother revenge crime thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Cape Fear
Saturday SpecialAnother revenge crime thriller, and a Saturday Special.
Ms .45
Sunday Safe BetAnother revenge crime thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Monkey Man Saturday SpecialAnother revenge crime thriller, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Clint Eastwood
- Clint EastwoodInsp. Harry Callahan
- Sondra LockeJennifer Spencer
- Pat HingleChief Jannings
- Bradford DillmanCaptain Briggs
- Paul DrakeMick
- Audrie NeenanRay Parkins
- Jack ThibeauKruger
- Michael CurrieLt. Donnelly
- Albert PopwellHorace King
- Mark KeylounOfficer Bennett