Action film enthusiasts are being urged not to overlook the underrated 1994 thriller Striking Distance, now streaming on Netflix. The film stars Bruce Willis, best known for his role in Die Hard, as ex-homicide detective Tom Hardy, who finds himself pitted against a serial killer known as the Polish Hill Strangler, according to the Express.
Plot and Cast
Tom suspects that the Polish Hill Strangler may be responsible for his father's murder. The film sees Tom lose both his father and his cousin under tragic circumstances while pursuing a suspect believed to be the serial killer. Consumed by grief, Tom turns to alcoholism and is subsequently demoted. He is then paired with a new partner, Jo Christman (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), as the duo launch an investigation into the serial killer following the emergence of fresh victims.
Alongside Willis and Sex And The City star Parker, Striking Distance also features Dennis Farina from Manhunter and Tom Sizemore, known for Saving Private Ryan and Heat. The film was shot across numerous locations throughout Pittsburgh and was originally titled Three Rivers before being renamed Striking Distance.
Fan and Critical Reception
The movie has garnered impressive reviews on IMDb, with one viewer writing: "Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker were excellent together and the supporting cast was also outstanding." A second reviewer added: "Not Your Ordinary Action Film, Very Underrated."
The reviewer observed: "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." They added: "I would still say that the film is well worth watching when you're in the mood for some escapist fun and action fare."
A third viewer posted: "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."
While another remarked: "I enjoyed it from start to finish. V.good thriller of the 90's with good character personalities working off each other."
Reddit Praise
Others have championed it on Reddit, with one fan writing: "I enjoy watching this movie. Plus, there's an added bonus for me. I don't live very far from where this movie was filmed, so I can visit the places this was filmed." As another hailed it: "Yeah, as a yinzer [a person from Pittsburgh] I loved this growing up. It was like Die Hard goes Pittsburgh." A third pointed out: "Have enjoyed this many times since its release."
Striking Distance is streaming on Netflix now.
