Striking Distance still holds up as a surprisingly engaging and entertaining action thriller. Bruce Willis, fresh off the success of action hits Die Hard 2 and The Last Boy Scout delivers a compelling performance as Sgt. Tom Hardy, a disgraced homicide detective now working on the river rescue squad on Pittsburgh’s famed Three Rivers.
Hardy is alienated by his fellow officers after testifying against his partner (and cousin) Jimmy Detillo (Robert Pastorelli) for using excessive force. He is also haunted by the death of his father while they were involved in investigating a serial killer involved in the Polish Hill murders and is met with opposition by his uncle (Dennis Farina), who is next in line to become chief of police.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast, with Sarah Jessica Parker adding a touch of unexpected charm as Hardy’s resourceful new partner.
Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker in Striking Distance (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Tom Sizemore, John Mahoney, Brion James, Timothy Busfield and Andre Braugher provide solid support, lending credibility to the gritty atmosphere of the film.
The film was directed by Rowdy Herrington, known for helming the popular Road House starring Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Ben Gazzara, Marshall Teague and Sam Elliott and Jack’s Back starring James Spader and Cynthia Gibb.
Striking Distance benefits from a brisk pace, well-executed action sequences, and a surprisingly effective blend of humor and suspense. The film effectively captures the atmosphere of the city of Pittsburgh, utilizing its unique riverfront setting to create some memorable and visually striking scenes.
Reception for Striking Distance
Striking Distance opened No. 1 at the box office, grossing $8.7 million, knocking The Fugitive ($7.1 million) starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones out of the top spot after seven weeks of release.
The following week, Striking Distance grossed $5 million and dropped to No. 4 behind The Good Son ($12.5 million) starring Macauley Culkin, The Program ($6.8 million) starring James Caan, Omar Epps and Halle Berry and The Fugitive ($5.2 million).
The film would eventually gross $24.1 million in its domestic theatrical release and $77 million worldwide.
Legacy
Striking Distance is a fun and entertaining ride that deserves another look and is a reminder of Willis’s star power and a solid example of a well-crafted action thriller that can still deliver thrills today.
