Action movie fans can’t afford to miss out on the overlooked thriller streaming on Netflix now. Striking Distance, released in 1994, stars Bruce Willis as ex-homicide detective Tom Hardy, who faces off against a serial killer called the Polish Hill Strangler. The film, directed by Rowdy Herrington, has garnered a cult following and is being hailed by viewers as the 'most underrated movie of all time.'
Plot and Cast
Tom Hardy believes the Polish Hill Strangler may have murdered his father. The tragedy leads Tom to lose his father and his cousin while they chased a suspect, pushing him into alcoholism and a demotion. He is then assigned a new partner, Jo Christman (Sarah Jessica Parker), as they investigate the serial killer after new victims appear. Alongside Willis and Parker, the film stars Dennis Farina and Tom Sizemore. The movie was filmed in Pittsburgh and originally titled Three Rivers before being changed to Striking Distance.
Fan and Critical Reception
On IMDb, one reviewer wrote: 'Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker were excellent together and the supporting cast was also outstanding.' Another said: 'Not Your Ordinary Action Film, Very Underrated.' A third noted: '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 concluded: '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 fourth reviewer commented: '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.' Another added: 'I enjoyed it from start to finish. V.good thriller of the 90's with good character personalities working off each other.'
Reddit Praise
On Reddit, fans have also praised the film. One wrote: '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.' 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 noted: 'Have enjoyed this many times since its release.'
Striking Distance is streaming on Netflix now.
