Striking Distance (1993) User Reviews

Give It A Chance

[refinedsugar · 7/10 · 21 June 2001]

I'd be lying if I didn't admit this is yet another patterned Bruce Willis flick. The kind where he plays the hard boiled cop with a colorful past, but I gave it a chance. This one finds Willis as Tom Hardy. A cop from a family of cops and things aren't going too well. First off, he's just ratted out his violent partner (Robert Pastorelli) at an official police inquiry and that doesn't win him any fans in the department. All of the while there's this killer on the loose and when he lets it be known he thinks the killer is a cop - suddenly he's reassigned to River Patrol.

This movie succeeds on a basic level -- it's entertaining. Sure the story is loose and the film's surprises are somewhat stale, but it's all in good fun. Willis gets to look aptly serious and hunt for the killer on the waters and there's just enough suspense to sustain interest and the story moves at a good pace. Meanwhile the rounded supporting cast keeps things lively and keeps the viewer going, "Where have I seen him before?" or "Hey that's such and such".

I've read on here how people think this is stupid, dumb and lacks any suspense or thrills. Like any of the Die Hard movies had exceptionally smart stories or you didn't know what was gonna happen next. Of course not. For a entry level Bruce Willis flick, this one satisfies. Now if I can only get that 'Little Red Riding Hood' song out of my mind!

I rather enjoyed this.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 5 August 2021]

I believe 'Striking Distance' deserved better credit than that given by critics. Once again, this is a movie where I disagree with critics.

Firstly, the action sequences are fantastic! Even if the film were to fail on other levels, you have to give it credit for the action sequences. However, I enjoyed every aspect of the film. Just like in 'Die Hard', I thought Bruce Willis delivered and made a credible protagonist, whom I rooted for every step of the way.

'Striking Distance' is an action-packed thrill-a-minute roller coaster ride I thoroughly enjoyed. Yes, there is a romance interest that got in the way of the action at times, but in general this was exciting and entertaining, regardless of what critics might think.

Sit back, relax, don't take it too seriously and I guarantee you'll have a good time with 'Striking Distance', as I did. This is a good film with an interesting reveal.

Would I watch it again? Yes.

Comic book cop thriller in Pittsburgh with Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker

[Wuchakk · 6/10 · 13 July 2014]

RELEASED IN 1993 and written/directed by Rowdy Herrington, "Striking Distance" stars Bruce Willis as Tom Hardy, a Pittsburgh detective who's demoted to river rescue. A serial killer returns after a two-year absence and bodies of beautiful women start turning up in the river, all women whom Hardy used to date! Sarah Jessica Parker is on hand as Hardy's partner on the river, Jo Christman.

The movie has a bad reputation. Roger Ebert tore it to pieces, basically saying it was too derivative and by-the-numbers, and Willis himself said he hated it. I can understand criticism to a point. The story has a melodramatic comic-book vibe, which is obvious in the opening act, almost like a TV production except with a superior cast and action scenes. But, and this is an important "but," I found myself drawn into the story & the characters and greatly enjoyed the rare Pittsburgh locations, as well as the (melo)drama and thrills. In other words, the movie is entertaining and entertainment is the name of the game.

This is a cop thriller in the manner of the Dirty Harry series, especially "The Dead Pool" (1988), except it's more comic booky and taking place in Pittsburgh rather than San Francisco. It's also reminiscent of films like "The General's Daughter" (1999). Although not technically as good as the Dirty Harry movies or "The General's Daughter" due to its cartoonish-ness, "Striking Distance" nevertheless pulled me into the lives of the characters and, for the most part, furnished the requisite thrills.

The generically-named movie (also akin to the Dirty Harry franchise) was originally called "Three Rivers," a much better title simply because it's more specific, but was changed at the last minute because the marketing department feared people would think it was a sports movie due to Three Rivers Stadium, so they switched it to "Striking Distance." Why "Striking Distance"? The first hint is at the beginning of the movie when the title card shows two electrical bolts coming out from either side of the title. Later we observe the mysterious killer using a stun gun before killing his victims and, with a stun gun, you must of course be within... striking distance!

Speaking of the killer, one element of the plot I haven't mentioned is that this is a whodunit. Someone is charged with being the killer early on but Hardy knows it's the wrong guy; he and others are sure it's a cop or ex-cop doing the killings. There are a few suspects, including Hardy himself, but I honestly was unable to guess the right person. There's another twist late in the story that also took me by surprise.

"Striking Distance" may not be exceptional and is marred by cartoonish exaggeration, but it entertains as a cop thriller and that's what's most important when it comes to these types of flicks. Plus it was shot in Pittsburgh, a refreshing change.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 42 minutes. ADDITIONAL WRITER: Martin Kaplan.

GRADE: C+/B-

Nice and suspenseful

[millennia-2 · 16 August 1999]

I caught this one on TV at about midnight, and I wasn't planning to see more than five minutes of it. I did (why would I write this comment if I didn't) and it kept my interest through the whole film. Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker were excellent together and the supporting cast was also outstanding.

Director Rowdy Herrington also brought us the awful A Murder of Crows (1999), but he didn't ruin this one, even if it did get a little far-fetched in places. An interesting plot line, and Willis is believable in his role.

+ (GOOD THINGS) 1.) Direction 2.) Chemistry between Willis and Parker 3.) Ending (unlike everyone else, I didn't see it coming) 4.) Length 5.) The score 6.) John Mahoney's performance

• (BAD THINGS) 1.) Believability 2.) The script (uneven in places)

TOTAL: 7/10

At the end of the day it's entertaining

[RyeDough · 7/10 · 2 August 2014]

I'm not going to say it's original, because it isn't. I'm not going to say it's unpredictable, because it isn't. I am going to say that it was enjoyable.

Sure the whole maverick, womanising cop with a bit of an alcohol problem thing is fairly worn out, but still, it works.

Truth be told I actually guessed who the killer was before the end- it was a little obvious. The only real shock was when it was revealed that Sarah Jessica Parker was actually working undercover to 'spy on' Bruce Willis (there was certainly a lot to spy on in some scenes, if you know what I'm saying).

I did say that it wasn't very original. It is in fact stereotypical Bruce Willis. At the same time, however, there is a certain timelessness to stereotypical Bruce Willis films. The one-liners never get annoying, the action is never not exciting, the swearing is never nonexistent and the nudity is always manageable but yet somewhat awkward for a teenager such as myself. It was well-acted, well-shot and a perfectly enjoyable action film.

Starts off okay then heads straight downhill

[Dr.X · 3/10 · 30 July 2000]

I took a chance on this one on a slow night and wish I hadn't bothered. It started off with some promise and atmosphere, and includes a pretty good car chase early on. However, it then starts throwing bad cliches that you've already seen 100 times in all over the place. The troubled cop is haunted by a past incident and is now a detached loner who drinks far too much. Gee, how many times have we seen that before? Making matters worse, the final 30 minutes become so implausible, ridiculous, and insulting to the audience's intelligence, I found myself yelling insults at the director and producer for their complete and utter lack of imagination.

In short, do yourself a favor and pass on this one. There's bound to be something better to do or watch even on the slowest of nights. If you are tempted to take a peek due to the presence of Bruce Willis or because you like serial killer films in general, do so at your own risk, but don't say you weren't warned!

cool movie Bruce!

[windypoplar · 6/10 · 28 August 2007]

Actually watched this on a bus ride home. Found myself entertained for once! Bruce Willis plays good cop Tom Hardy, who's convinced the police killed his dad and framed some poor sap. He opens his big mouth too often and they demote him to river duty! Tom is still on the job and now he's partnered with sexy diver Jo (Sarah Jessica Parker). They keep finding dead women and Tom realizes the killer is toying with him!

Tom and Jo hook up, and I actually found their romance quite charming, has SJP ever been bad in anything? She's a really good actress and looks great in this, and try to actually solve the murders, which angers his uncle, played by the underrated Dennis Farina. Even the chief, a ogre of a cop played by the terrific late character actor Brion James, just wants Tom to stay quiet. His cousin Jimmy, I couldn't believe that was Robert Pastorelli, the guy from "Murphy Brown" he was totally dissolved into the part, just seems like a wise-ass, but watch him.

The film is well paced and nicely shot, I liked that the Ohio river seemed smelly like in real life. Willis actually bothers to act here, though I understand he didn't like the film, and you won't see the killer coming.

Striking Distance is a good action flick, with an excellent cast. Its rated "R" for profanity and violence.

What? No Oscar nominations?

[jrcorb · 1/10 · 1 October 2007]

This film is to art as Joseph Mengela is to medicine. What could be sexier than boat cops in Pittsburg? Even God was against this film being made since it was overcast in nearly all the boating scenes. Parker and Willis are at their absolute worst, but they shine compared to the screenwriter. Andre Brauer once again lends a Shakepearean tone to his part as an Internal Affairs investigator. Who knew Othello was a cop in Pittsburg? Timothy Busfield hits his one note with great aplomb. And the supporting cast all seem to know what everyone else in this waste of petroleum based celluloid knows; we're making a really bad movie. It is awesomely awful. If university profs use Chinatown and The Sting as shining examples of writing excellence, then Striking Distance must appear on the opposite end of their spectrum. I'm poring through my film books to see if there is a cliché that didn't make it into Striking "KEEP YOUR" Distance.

Two key cast members make this movie

[musacha · 7/10 · 17 November 2007]

Great support cast. Dialogue between Farina & Willis is as real as it gets. Irish vs Italian is always interesting. Needed more of those scenes. Some cliché movie lines but storyline hides the cheese. Location, Location, Location. All things being equal, I'd rather be in Philadelphia (right: Willis from Die Hard). I prefer Philly movies, but Pittsburgh is a great setting. Not NY. Not LA. I'll take it and it works. Every other profession has been glammed up by Hollywood so river police was a refreshing change.

Getting back to the cast, most of them are interchangeable with other actors. But there is no substitute for Dennis Farina as tough cop. He ad libs in his own way as well as Hackman & Matthau. If he's a non-smoker in real life, he should have won an Oscar for this role. This is one of those movies where the pre-quels would be just as action packed. Yeah I know the Episode IV thing has been done before in a galaxy far far away. But these characters would be interesting in their younger years.

Wait, there is more!

[trixter-2 · 2/10 · 23 December 2001]

Bruce Willis is playing - what else - a burned out and psychologically bruised cop. And the whole world is against him. But then. against all odds....and reason....he will be - guess what?....Victorious!

There is sex in it! Abducted love interest! Corrupt cops! Car chases! Boat chases! Fist-fights! Spectacular shootouts! Sexy single mom longing for her child she had to leave behind to fulfill her duties! Deception and forgiveness! Crazed murderer! Insane moral dilemmas! But wait, there is more! Or is there? Can you think of more clichés?

......who am I kidding? Five minutes after I finished watching it, I already forgot the title. I had to look it up in the TV guide. It is THAT forgettable. If you want to watch crap, it's OK. Just find some better crap than this one. There is plenty out there.

Not Your Ordinary Action Film, Very Underrated

[Scot6 · 8/10 · 20 February 2000]

More than any film I can remember in a long time, I have never understood why this film hasn't gotten higher ratings than it has. The plot, while not ingenious (and even somewhat predictable) is still exciting and will keep you engrossed.

The film's creators get a lot of points in my book for locale creativity. Instead of setting the film in some predictable location such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami or San Francisco they set it in Pittsburgh, PA, definitely not your ordinary movie location. It's one that adds a wonderful freshness to the movie however.

The location shooting is outstanding. The scenery is different and excellent, the photography is great, even spectacular in places and the action is on a par with some of the best action films ever, including Bullitt. Who would normally think to expect extensive boating and water action in a state as synonymous with mountains as Pennsylvania is? That alone is worth taking a look at this movie.

I do not usually care much for Bruce Willis. I thought he was very well cast in this movie however and Sara Jessica Parker added extra special chemistry. The cast is much better than average overall and includes such outstanding actors as Andre Braugher, of the outstanding tv series "Homicide". I thought that the casting in general, as well as the photography, location and action very adequately made up for any possible deficiencies in the plot itself.

I would warn that there is extensive foul language in this film, more than is necessary even for a film of this genre in my opinion and probably it's biggest drawback. I would still say that the film is well worth watching when your in the mood for some escapist fun and action fare. As I said earlier, I think the film deserves higher ratings than it's gotten so far. I've watched it twice now (it was just as good the second time, in fact even better) and that definitely won't be the last time I watch it.

Decent cop thriller... but not as good as The Last Boy Scout

[Roby78 · 6/10 · 15 January 2006]

Although this film is not a classic, you'll love this if you enjoyed Bruce in The Last Boy Scout, Hudson Hawk or the Die Hard Movies as he basically plays the same character. A down on his luck cop who kicks ass as hard as he hits the bottle.

Bruce stars as Tom Hardy, a Pittsburgh city cop who gets busted down to working on a police pursuit boat as he testified against his partner. His ex girlfriends keep getting murdered and dumped in the river - he knows that someone is doing this to frame him but who? This movie has an excellent car chase and some cool lines from Bruce plus some very good set piece action scenes. There are also some very good supporting performances from Tom Sizemore and a very crazy Robert Pastorelli.

I picked this up on DVD from ebay and was surprised by how good it looked on a large widescreen TV - I was only a kid when this was released so never saw it at the cinema. Good cinematography of the rushing river and the bridge. Definitely worth checking out.

"Who's the best cop now Jimmy??"

Another candidate for worst movie ever...

[benoit-3 · 1/10 · 28 August 2008]

One of these days, someone will write a honest history of American movies and it won't be Martin Scorsese. This history will show that US movies died in the late sixties and were replaced by what seemed at first a "more personal cinema" that quickly degenerated into the glorification of the criminal lifestyle ("Bonnie and Clyde", "The Godfather") and raising the violent content every year. "Personal" became "formula" and the formula was = sadistic violence + unidimensional action anti-hero + comic book plot with extremely well delineated villains who commit repulsive crimes + kaboom! + possibility of a sequel. "Striking Distance" is the epitome of that formula, except for the fact that it was so bad on every level and the clichés were so transparent no one ever considered making a sequel. If you take into account the number of plot clichés in the film, it can already be considered a sequel to a thousand other films, one that is so degenerate they didn't even bother to give it the name of the preceding piece of trash. The funny thing is this was considered mainstream film-making in the 90's and all the actors are, if not brilliant, at least famous and expensive. On an appearance in May 2004 on "On the Record with Bob Costas" (2001), Bruce Willis actually apologized to the movie-going public for this film, saying that "it sucked". He might as well have apologized for most of the American films of the 70's, 80's and 90's.

A good movie

[moviecollector · 2 March 2000]

I liked this movie. Its not his best action movie but its still worth having. Willis must stop a killer with the help of Sarah Jessica Parker. It may be kind of predictible but its still a cool movie. Its got the usual action adventure from a Willis movie. Its worth seeing.

Predictable suspense-thriller has its moments but overall it's entertaining.

[hu675 · 7/10 · 8 December 2007]

Detective Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) grows up in the family of cops. Hardy turns against his uncle Captain Nick Detillo (Dennis Farina), since he believes that he's protecting somewhere who's corrupted and fighting him since the death of his dedicated Lt. Vince Hardy (John Mahoney). When Hardy's cousin Jimmy (The late Robert Pastorelli) committed suicide from jumping off a bridge. Since Hardy knew there was something wrong with his cousin. Since Hardy's get fired from his job believing that a cop has murder womens in the streets of Pittsburgh but he can't prove it. Months has passed, now Hardy works for the boat patrol for the city. He's forced to work with a young by the book officer Jo (Sarah Jessica Parker) as his new partner. Which Hardy prefers to be alone. When Hardy is called on the crime scene to the river to discover that the latest murders are woman, which Hardy knew before. Now the killer calls Hardy from his phone and he wants to play of Cat & Mouse with him. He has to find the next victim before it's too late, while the local police especially his uncle thinks that Hardy isn't right in the head.

Directed by Rowdy Herrington (Road House) made an watchable-thriller that tries to be suspenseful but overall the script is quite predictable sadly. The identity of the villain is too easy to guess for most viewers. Since Willis' was quiet disappointed with his experiencing working this forgotten thriller. But it is not boring, thanks to a strong cast that includes Tom Sizemore, The late Brion James, Andre Braugher and more that keeps this far from being boring. Willis tries to do something different with his role. But his scenes with the character Jo slows the movie down, especially when they start a romance. It is quite unintentionally funny at times and way over the top towards the conclusion. Herrington's previous picture "Road House" was much more fun to watch than this failed effort. "Striking Distance" is one of those films that certainly plays better on TV and fans of Willis' work might enjoy this movie much more than others. Check your brain out the door before watching it. (***/*****).

Insultingly contrived dialogue is tolerated by fun

[lwhalen-18184 · 7/10 · 17 August 2020]

Fun, watchable movie. The dialogue is predictable and would probably fit into an action movie parody better than this film.

Bruce Willis' character is cool. There are so.e nice twists. I sort of new who the killer was going to be early in the second half after a pivotal scene.

I gave this movie a solid 7. Not great film making, yet the cinematography and Pittsburgh setting adds to the positives.

Just take the hour and a half to watch this movie. You wo t be disappointed.

overwrought police thriller

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 6 August 2015]

Pittsburgh police homicide detective Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) is an outcast after testifying that his partner and cousin Jimmy Detillo (Robert Pastorelli) used excessive force. His uncle Capt. Nick Detillo (Dennis Farina) and cousin Danny Detillo (Tom Sizemore) are both fellow officers. Tom and his father chase after the serial killer Polish Hill strangler. His father is killed. He suspects the strangler is a police officer. The police make an arrest based on a questionable witness. Jimmy jumps off a bridge to escape prison time and presumed dead. Two years later, Tom has become a drunk and transferred to River Rescue. Jo Christman (Sarah Jessica Parker) is his new diver. The killings start up again and this time, the killer is directly taunting him.

This is an overwrought unreal police thriller. The opening car chase is crazy. It's borderline joyous fun and I'm willing to go with it. However that's not where this movie is going. When Jimmy jumps off the bridge, all of a sudden the heaven opens up and rain pours down. The movie keeps pushing everything over the top. Dennis Farina and Tom Sizemore never stop yelling or talking intensely. Sarah Jessica Parker is playing a hottie in this one. There are some unbelievable things going on that feel unrealistic. This movie could use a little simplification and a lot more believability.

I quite liked it, not a classic but entertaining enough.

[poolandrews · 6/10 · 18 April 2011]

Striking Distance is set in Pittsburgh where Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) has just had to testify against his partner & cousin Jimmy Detillo (Robert Pastorelli), on his way to a policeman's ball with his father Vincent (John Mahoney) they get a call to say that a wanted murderer is being pursued. The two Hardy's decide to help out & give chase but end up crashing their car, when Tom regains consciousness he finds the murder suspect gone & his father dead. Two years later & Tom has been forced to take a job as a river patrol man as he has become an alcoholic loser, suddenly dead bodies begin to be found in the rivers around Pittsburgh that Tom patrol. Tom is convinced the killer is back but discovers that officially the new murders have no connection to the earlier ones, Tom is sure that a big cover-up is going on & that the killer is targeting him personally...

Written & directed by Rowdy Herrington there doesn't seem to be much love for this much maligned action thriller with even star Bruce Willis saying 'it sucked' while on a chat-show in 2004, hey Bruce I have news for you Striking Distance is nowhere near the worst film you have appeared in. Hudson Hawk (1991), Color of Night (1994) & Cop Out (2010) anyone? Anyway, Striking Distance was known under the title Three Rivers during production & is a decent enough action thriller. One suspects that maybe Willis was trying to star in another Die Hard (1988) but his character here is much less likable or quotable. The script is nothing more than a string of cop film clichés stringed together around a fairly basic murder mystery plot & every so often there's a big action set-piece. As it is I quite liked Striking Distance, there are a few decent one-liners, the character's although clichéd are given life by a good cast or pro's & there's enough action here to satisfy most. There's a particularly good car chase at the start. As I said the clichés come thick & fast, a disgraced alcoholic cop, a cover-up, a killer who taunts the cops, feelings of guilt & remorse & loss, honour & family connections. At just under 100 minutes maybe it's a little long but there's enough going on to keep ones interest even if the murder mystery may be a little easy to figure out & a bit too improbable to take seriously. Also the ending features a little overkill when it comes to the villain dying as he comes back from apparently being dead at least four times in ten minutes!

There are some good action set-pieces here including a great car chase with one of my personal favourite moments from any chase from any film when the cars start jumping over those humps & shoot up in the air one behind the other. There are boat chases, shoot-outs, fights & a bit of suspense as a mystery killer stalks & kills a few people too. Nicely enough shot there's not much style here but it looks alright.

With a supposed budget of about $30,000,000 this has the usual glossy Hollywood production values & is well made. There's a very good cast here including Bruce Willis, Dennis Farina, Tom Sizemore, Brion James & Tom Atkins with the only weak link the ever awful Sarah Jessica Parker in an early role.

Striking Distance is a pretty good action thriller, it has a reasonable murder mystery, some clichéd cop drama & some good action scenes. It's certainly no worse than a lot of routine Hollywood action thrillers, you could do a lot worse.

This is Hardy, go at the beep.

[hitchcockthelegend · 3/10 · 18 April 2010]

That's the answer phone greeting of Bruce Willis' bitter and troubled river cop Tom Hardy. Well I'm telling you all that this is John Chard and you all should go as far away from this movie at the opening credits. It's truly awful and probably stands up as a candidate for biggest collective waste of actors in the 1990s.

Directed by Rowdy Herrington (Road House), who also co-wrote it with Marty Kaplan (The Distinguished Gentleman), it's not unfair to say that expectation isn't set too high with that collaboration. But the cast on the other hand does suggest we are in for a popcorn thriller of some note. Oh how wrong that suggestion proves to be. Although Bruce Willis was at the time on a run of poorly received film's {Pulp Fiction and a career invigoration was a year away}, he still had two Die Hard movies behind him and a cult favourite in The Last Boy Scout. He was still an action star of some credibility and a draw card. Joining him in the cast are Dennis Farina, Brion James, Tom Sizemore, Andre Braugher, John Mahoney and Tom Atkins. Oh and Sarah Jessica Parker (the sarcasm is intentional). What transpires with this collection of thesps is just over 100 minutes of cliché riddled rubbish devoid of suspense and tension.

It's a pity the film is so bad because an action/cop film set on and around a river should have made for a refreshing change. Lots of boaty action mixing with a serial killer plot seemed like a good idea, but they didn't get a decent writer or director in did they? From the off all eventualities are sign posted. The killer is obvious, and this in spite of myself trying desperately not to notice the obviousness of it. I actually thought to myself that surely the makers wouldn't take the viewers for being that stupid? Even the staple requirement of a red herring jumps up and hits you on the head with a dull thud. Parker is awful, tho in fairness her character serves only to be a token bit of totty lining up to do all the same things every other badly written female cop has done in prior movies. Then there is the performance of the actor playing the villain for the film's finale. So laughable you will be forgiven for checking the DVD case to see if you picked up a Laurel & Hardy movie by mistake. The one saving grace for action junkies is a tidily constructed car chase sequence in the first quarter, but from there on in it goes downhill in quality. For the big key section set in and around a log cabin, you may find yourself stifling the laughter; such is the bad quality of the action and execution of the scenes. This is a film containing men who before this film had been in Die Hard, Midnight Run, True Romance, Red Heat, Beverly Hills Cop II & Lethal Weapon. Making the biggest crime of all involving this movie? That not one of those guys stood up during the rushes and said this is a bad action movie, lets start again. 3/10

A solid, if unsurprising, mystery-/action-thriller

[dee.reid · 6/10 · 16 July 2022]

In "Road House" director Rowdy Herrington's 1993 action-thriller "Striking Distance," Pittsburgh homicide detective Sergeant Thomas "Tom" Hardy (Bruce Willis) is on the trail of the "Polish Hill Strangler," a sadistic serial killer who taunts the police with the song "Little Red Riding Hood" just before he executes his latest victim, usually young, attractive, blonde-haired women.

This would make for an effective thriller all by itself, but co-screenwriters Herrington and Martin Kaplan throw in a twist or two in what is otherwise a solid, if unsurprising action film.

Hardy is a fifth-generation Pittsburgh cop, as his father Vincent "Vince" Hardy (the late John Mahoney) is the chief of the homicide division. After he is killed by the escaping Polish Hill Strangler following a rather thrilling car chase through the Pittsburg city streets, Tom's uncle Nick (the late Dennis Farina) and Vince's brother becomes the new homicide chief.

Tom's cousins (and his Uncle Nick's sons) Jimmy (the late Robert Pastorelli) and Danny (Tom Sizemore) are also cops. Tom has just testified against Jimmy, who is also his partner, in a police brutality trial that not only results in his conviction, but his suicide, as well. And because Tom testified against his late, disgraced cousin, he has become an outcast from his fellow officers; fellow detective Eddie Eiler (the late Brion James) harbors particular personal animosity toward him. Further complicating the situation, Hardy has also been insisting all along that the Polish Hill Strangler is actually a cop, who remains at large.

Because of Tom's latter claims about the potential true identity of the Polish Hill Strangler being a fellow police officer - based on clues that almost everyone else seems entirely unwilling to believe, and the fact that another man has already been caught, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for the Polish Hill Strangler killings and the murder of his father - Tom is demoted to the Pittsburgh Police Department's River Rescue Squad, where he has been working for the past two years following the deaths of his father and cousin Jimmy.

Tom is given a new partner, Jo Christman (a pre-"Sex and the City" Sarah Jessica Parker), who eventually becomes his only real friend (and later, his love interest) as the pair embark on an unauthorized investigation into a new string of serial murders that Tom believes are the work of the Polish Hill Strangler, who appears to be back after a two-year period of inactivity. The difference, this time, is that the killer is specifically targeting women with a personal connection to Hardy, and he himself later comes under suspicion for the crimes - which doesn't look good for him since he is already estranged from most of his fellow officers, family, and friends.

"Striking Distance" reportedly endured a difficult production, which included multiple re-shoots, star Bruce Willis's ego-run-amok, his poor treatment of Herrington, frequent script changes, and a few awkwardly acted dramatic moments. None of this is really apparent in the final version of the film, which is actually quite solid and entertaining - if ultimately it's nothing special and you can spot some of the twists coming if you're astute enough. Willis, even if he was reportedly quite difficult to work with (as was his reputation at the time, and even earlier, for being a smart-aleck who didn't like to take directions), delivers an engaging performance as a good honest cop who remains true to his convictions even if in the end it's cost him several close personal relationships.

"Striking Distance" also has a nice pace, and a few genuinely thrilling moments, including the opening car chase and the mystery surrounding Hardy and Jo's investigation into the current string of Polish Hill Strangler murders.

"Striking Distance" does deliver what it promises - Bruce Willis as a maverick cop, and an interesting, if standard, by-the-numbers and unsurprising mystery-thriller plot. It doesn't offer anything more than that, and sometimes that's a good thing.

6/10.

No surprises here.

[rmax304823 · 5/10 · 16 September 2005]

Location: Pittsburgh, unfamiliar. River policeman. Boats as well as cars. Chases. Mismatched partners: Sarah Jessica Parker and Bruce Willis. Start off at odds with one another. Meet in the moonlight. Next scene: the beast with two backs. No tedious "falling in love" nonsense. Willis's father has been killed: Revenge. Willis obsesses over case after case is supposedly closed. Calls for suspension in most movies. Here: demotion to the River Police. No ritual placing of gun and badge on lieutenant's desk. Missed it badly. Like going to church and finding the mass has been called off. Like finishing gigantic jigsaw puzzle and finding last 3 pieces missing. Hollow emptiness inside, instead of usual full emptiness.

First chase -- cars. In "Bullett" two cars bump up and down on hills. Here, five cars. Worth doing at all? Then worth doing to excess. Next chase, boat follows car. Willis shoots flare at car. Car catches fire, crashes and blows up. Next chase: boat vs. boat. No hills to bump over in river, small waterfall is poor substitute.

On top of revenge motive, serial killer. Somebody killing all the pretty blond gals that Willis ever knew. Frame up. Willis cannot reveal he knew victims or he'd be blamed. Trusts only Parker. Parker: nice bust, skinny legs. Pretty blond, too.

Serial killer turns out to be old partner of Willis who jumped from bridge two years ago and thought to be dead. Not dead. Kidnaps Willis and Parker and third guy. Struts around in old cop's uniform while explaining motive. Presses muzzle of pistol against all the captured heads, one at a time, before pulling away and laughing. Definite fruitcake.

Triple murder interrupted impolitely. Murderer is shot by intruder, falls dead to floor. Murderer is wearing bullet proof vest, comes back to life and shoots intruder. Murderer crashes through window. Bruce chases him still handcuffed. Murderer steals boat, Willis ditto. Long chase.

Boats crump up on river shore. Chase on foot. Railroad tracks on bridge. Willis and murderer wrestle while train approaches blowing whistle. Willis doing very well with handcuffs still on. Rolls away at last minute as train runs over villain? No! Villain rolled away on OTHER side of train and charges Willis. Both go into river. Murderer defeated in underwater struggle and drowns. Willis eats handcuffs for breakfast.

Best thing in film: usually dead body comes back to life only once. Here dead body comes back to life total of three times. Wretched excess? No. Happens every day in my experience.

Recommendation: don't miss it if you can.

A good Bruce Willis movie

[BroadswordCallinDannyBoy · 8/10 · 1 June 2004]

I don't understand why this film is so over-looked. It has pretty everything fans of Bruce Willis would want. He is a cop, not liked by his fellow officers, and he is on a murder case where no one believes what he has to say. There is action, swearing, one liners, and even some sex. Bruce doesn't usually have that in his films, maybe that is what threw people off. Just Kidding.

By all means, this is no masterpiece, but it is an entertaining mystery with an AWESOME car chase. One of the best. Bruce Willis fans should definitely check this movie out. It is pure Bruce and without him the "lone cop" story wouldn't work as well nor be as credible as it is because of him. 8/10

Rated R: violence and profanity

Good

[dworldeater · 7/10 · 10 September 2020]

Striking Distance is a somewhat flawed but ultimately enjoyable Bruce Willis vehicle. Directed by Rowdy Herrington of Road House fame, this film while also action packed is much different than Road House. Striking Distance at its core story is more of a thriller, but because of the casting choice of Bruce Willis it more or less became an action movie. Not that is bad, but it doesn't feel like that was the movie that maybe was originally intended. However, from a commercial standpoint it makes sense, as this was pre Sixth Sense and Williis had not proven himself as a valuable commodity as a dramatic actor yet. His previous hits were the Die Hard movies and The Last Boyscout. However, Bruce Willis does a good job acting as well as doing his normal action hero stuff. The movie as a whole is pretty good, but some of the action in the movie definitely dates the film and is a bit overdone. Especially, the chase scenes and the 10 car pile up early in the film, which would have been over the top even for The Dukes Of Hazzard. Even with that in mind, I like this film and has a good cast with Tom Size more, Dennis Farina and an early appearance from Sarah Jessica Parker. Bruce Willis plays it tough, but is still vulnerable. His performance here probably got him some more diverse acting gigs, but obviously Bruce could always go back to doing the action hero thing as he does that on a level of success only a few others have achieved.

Action thriller with no thrills and little action

[Groverdox · 4/10 · 27 June 2016]

"Striking Distance" is an action-thriller with little action and no thrills. It's another movie where reportedly Willis took over production, and apparently, not for the better.

It's also another movie where he plays a cop with a tragic past; the typical lone wolf outcast who ends up redeeming himself and saving the day. Of course, he's paired with a sexy young chick he doesn't get along with at first, but ends up bedding.

As a big budget action flick, of course it has dependable character actors, such as Tom Sizemore, Dennis Farina and Brion James.

It also has a bunch of dependable clichés, such as Willis's cop being demoted after failing to solve a murder case he is obsessed with, and then finding that the murders seem to follow him to his new station.

The problem with all this is that it is so badly done it fails to generate any tension, thrills, or interest from the viewer. Willis reportedly also took over the filming of "The Last Boy Scout", and I'm not saying that was a great movie, but it was much more entertaining than this.

Bruce Willis as a fifth-generation cop

[blanche-2 · 6/10 · 7 May 2015]

I like Rowdy Herrington, and he assembled a good cast for this 1993 film - Bruce Willis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dennis Farina, Tome Sizemore, Robert Pastorelli, John Mahoney, Timothy Busfield, and Andre Braugher.

Willis is Tom Hardy, who spoke out against his crazy partner (Pastorelli) and for this reason is shunned by other officers.

There is a serial killer on the loose, and he's killing all of Tom's ex-girlfriends. Tom knows the killer is a cop, targeting him. He's let go from homicide and all that's available to him is river rescue.

Two years later, his views haven't changed. The killer is back in full swing, but the police thinks it's a copycat. Tom knows better.

The first eight minutes of this consist of a police car - obviously a computer graphic, which was a little off-putting, it was so obvious. This is the type of film that was made for the movie theater - it's loud, it has car chases galore, shootings, crashes - non-stop action.

Willis is very good; the rest of the actors are good, too, but they're from television - Willis is the only true movie star. He and the special effects got all the money.

Pretty good and entertaining, too, with a mini-twist.