Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Reviews

Edge of Darkness is an action-suspense movie which succeeds in presenting information in such a way that plot twists are not spoon-fed to the audience, although it may not keep viewers guessing until the very end.

The movie features a bereaved detective, a witty Englishman, a corrupt senator, and an egregious CEO, who find themselves in a complex plot of secrecy and murder.

Edge of Darkness stars Mel Gibson as Detective Craven of Boston P.D., a man who witnesses his daughter be violently murdered on his porch. The film chronicles his pursuing investigation to understand and avenge his daughter's death, which leads him to discover the corrupt workings and government-sanctioned illegalities of NorthMoor, the company his late daughter worked for.

While most films of this nature feature huge explosions and an excess of bloody violence, Edge of Darkness toned down both the explosions and the violence, providing it with a sense of reality not present in most action movies. Some common action-movie elements requiring suspension of disbelief still make it into the movie; for instance, bodies fly through the air when shot with handguns.

However, Gibson is able to overcome the failings of the film through his persona and demeanor alone, a feat that too few actors can accomplish in similar movies. Although Gibson has been directing films for the past few years, he hasn't been seen on the silver screen for many years. Whether or not Edge of Darkness' primary goal was to get Mel Gibson back into acting, it offers a refreshing break from the continuous stream of action movies staring Gerard Butler or Jason Statham.

Edge of Darkness is not the best action film of recent times, nor is the concept unique, but it does offer nearly two hours of worthwhile entertainment, along with an end to the series of post-apocalyptic features that have been plaguing theaters for the past few months. Some scenes will make you laugh, a couple will make you jump in your seat, and most others will satisfy your desire for action.

Want to have a say in what movie gets reviewed next? Email your picks to [prnews@erau.edu].

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