Review of Striking Distance (1993) by Stuart K — 16 Jan 2012

Written and directed by Rowdy Herrington, who did Road House (1989), this is a by-the-numbers cop chasing a serial killer murder film. It's an excuse to give it's star the chance to mug around, shooting baddies up and give a wisecrack or two, although most of this is set on a river.

It begins in 1991, where Pittsburgh Police Detective Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) is chasing a serial killer known as the Polish Hill Stranger who has been going around killing women, after a chase of the killer, it ends in a high speed crash where his father Vince (John Mahoney), also a police officer, is killed.

After Tom gives evidence against his cousin Sergeant Jimmy Detillo (Robert Pastorelli) for using excessive force against a suspect, Jimmy supposedly commits suicide, and his body is never found. 2 years later, and Tom is now working with the Pittsburgh PD River Rescue, and he's just been assigned a new partner with Jo Christman (Sarah Jessica Parker), who is tough and determined.

But, the serial killings start all over again, and the deaths come over a little too close to home for Tom. It's a very silly action film, quite derivative as well. But, it does have moments, but it has a good supporting cast including Dennis Farina and Tom Sizemore.

Sadly, Brucie hates the film, and publically apologised for it. Oh, well. :P.