The murky waters of Pittsburgh’s three rivers hold more than just industrial runoff and forgotten histories; they hold secrets, grudges, and the cold reflection of a city simmering with tension. Dive into those waters with 1993’s Striking Distance, a film that feels like it was dredged up from the very specific depths of early 90s action-thriller filmmaking, starring a peak-era Bruce Willis doing what he did best: playing the defiant outsider against impossible odds.
Down By the River
We’re plunged immediately into the gritty world of Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis), a fifth-generation Pittsburgh cop whose life unravels when he dares to testify against his own partner, implicating him in excessive force. This act of integrity makes him a pariah within the force, including his own family, notably his uncle Captain Nick Detillo (the always reliable Dennis Farina). Simultaneously, the city is haunted by the "Polish Hill Strangler," a serial killer whose pursuit leads to a tragic chase, the death of Hardy’s father (another cop, naturally), and Hardy’s subsequent demotion to the River Rescue Squad. It’s a setup thick with betrayal and brooding atmosphere, promising a dark journey through corruption and obsession.
Willis Against the World
This is prime Willis territory. Not quite the wise-cracking John McClane of Die Hard (1988), but a more embittered, world-weary version. Hardy is stubborn, haunted, and carries the weight of his past actions heavily. Willis sells this internal conflict well enough, even when the script occasionally falters. You believe his isolation, his simmering rage barely contained beneath a veneer of weary professionalism as he patrols the rivers he once chased criminals across. It's a performance that anchors the film, even when the plot mechanics start to creak. I remember renting this one specifically because it was Willis, hoping for that Die Hard magic. Did you feel that same pull back then, drawn in by his star power alone?
River Rats and Red Herrings
Two years after his disgrace, the killings start again, mirroring the Strangler's MO, but now the victims are women Hardy has known. The suspicion, inevitably, falls on him. Partnered with the initially skeptical Jo Christman (Sarah Jessica Parker, in a role far removed from her later iconic work, and reportedly not the first choice for the part), Hardy must navigate the treacherous waters of the investigation while simultaneously trying to clear his own name. Parker holds her own, creating a believable dynamic with Willis, moving from suspicion to tentative trust. Their banter provides some lighter moments, a necessary counterpoint to the grim central mystery.
The plot itself, cooked up by director/writer Rowdy Herrington (who previously directed Road House (1989)) and Martin Kaplan, throws plenty of suspects and twists into the mix. It's engaging in that classic 90s thriller way, full of dramatic reveals and near-misses, though modern eyes might spot some of the contrivances a mile off. Doesn't that climactic reveal still feel a tad convenient, looking back?
That Glorious Boat Chase
Let's be honest, though: the real star here might just be the action, specifically the boat chases. Staging complex action sequences on water is notoriously difficult and expensive, and Striking Distance really leans into its river setting. The main chase sequence is genuinely impressive for its time, full of practical stunts, near-collisions, and a sense of kinetic energy that feels visceral. Shot on location in Pittsburgh, the film makes great use of the city’s distinctive bridges and waterways, lending it an authentic sense of place often missing from studio-bound thrillers. You can almost smell the river damp and exhaust fumes. Rumor has it the film, originally titled Three Rivers, had a somewhat troubled production, with reports of friction between Willis and Herrington, and its $30 million budget yielded only around $24 million at the box office, making it a financial disappointment. Perhaps some of that tension fueled the on-screen grittiness?
VHS Verdict: Flawed but Fondly Remembered
Striking Distance is undeniably a product of its time. The dialogue can be clunky, the plot relies on a few too many coincidences, and some elements feel dated. Yet, there's an undeniable charm to it, a B-movie energy wrapped in A-list packaging. It delivers exactly what it promised on the video store shelf: a moody Bruce Willis thriller with solid action and a decent mystery. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it spins it with confidence and a certain blue-collar grit. The Pittsburgh setting is used effectively, adding a layer of character the film desperately needs, and the practical action, especially on the water, still holds up surprisingly well.
Rating: 6/10
This score reflects a film that achieves its modest goals as a piece of 90s action entertainment. It's carried by Willis's star power, elevated by its practical stunts and atmospheric setting, but held back by a sometimes predictable script and a few too many thriller clichés. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s the kind of solid, enjoyable programmer that defined a trip to Blockbuster on a Friday night.
For fans of Willis, 90s thrillers, or movies that make excellent use of a specific city location, Striking Distance remains a worthwhile watch, a familiar echo from the banks of the VHS era. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even a flawed journey downriver can be a compelling ride.