Reviewed by Johnny McNair

 

Warner Home Entertainment – 117 minutes – 2010 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.40:1 – DTS HD Master 5.1 Audio Mix – Digital Copy

 

 

The last time we saw Mel Gibson starring in a movie was in 1992’s Signs, because he’s been focusing his talents behind the camera as a director with such films as The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto. Gibson may have some personal issues with his private life, but when it comes to movies, he always delivers the goods. He’s also knows he’s no longer the young long haired pretty boy from the Lethal Weapon films anymore, and seems to be comfortable now playing an older man who can no longer hang off of the top of a car and say one liners. Edge of Darknesss is in no way another Lethal Weapon film, and that’s a good thing. Though this film is paced differently from what we expect from Gibson’s usual action movies, Edge of Darkness is worth a look now that it’s available on Blu-ray from Warner Bros.

 

THE MOVIE

 

Gibson plays Thomas Craven, a widowed Boston police detective who is trying to bond with his daughter Emma (Bojana Novakovic), who seems to have some hidden issues. Tragedy occurs when gunmen surround his home and murder his daughter. Craven thinks the bullet was meant for him by something seeking revenge for something he did in the past, but after diving into the case to find the killer, he learns that his daughter was targeted for execution because she knew vital information that could cripple a major corporation if it was revealed. Craven seeks revenge on his daughter’s killers, hunting them down one by one and breaking every law in his path, but even he realizes that this thing is so big that it has snowballed.

 

Edge of Darkness is based on a British TV series, and being that I have never seen the series I can not make any comparisons, and have to just accept the film for what it is. Anyone expecting tons of action, explosions, and Mel Gibson doing a Mad Max will instantly be disappointed. Yes, there are violent moments and periods of Mel gunning down the bad guys, but this film goes for more of a dramatic tone where characters are highlighted over action. So there is more talk than bullets flying, but if you have the patience, it’s very effective.

 

The film was directed by Martin Campbell, who is no stranger action films with movies like Casino Royal and The Mask of Zorro under his belt. Unlike those films Campbell focuses on making the characters three dimensional, so you feel for Gibson as he loses his only child and is desperate to know why this happened. One of the best standout characters is a mystery man named Jedburgh played by veteran actor Ray Winstone, who you’re never really sure what side he works for, but he always appears when he’s needed.

 

Edge of Darkness works better just as long as you watch it with no expectation, which is hard, because with Mel Gibson attached you’re always looking for a certain type of action film. But just keep in mind that Gibson is now an old balding man, so just like Clint Eastwood his style of being an action character must also change so that he can be taken seriously on screen. Some will welcome this, but others will desire for him to go into Martin Riggs or Max Rockatansky mode and destroy everything in sight.

 

VIDEO

 

Offering a full 1080p image in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Edge of Darkness looks good on Blu-ray. The film’s tone is dark and drab and this is seen on screen with muted colors and characters hidden in the shadows. Details are very strong, so you can see every wrinkle on Mel Gibson’s gruff face, and the skin tones are solid. This is s well done transfer that matches the mood of the film.

 

AUDIO

 

This is s heavy dialogue film, so the provided DTS Master Audio 5.1 sound mix does a good job at making sure every line is heard clearly Even though Gibson’s Boston accent is up and down. Ambience sounds smooth pulling you into scenes that go from subtle to completely chaotic. There’s nothing that jumps out at you about the sound, but it does the job.

 

EXTRAS

 

There’s some quick under five minute segments and deleted scenes included with the bonus features, but nothing that will hold your attention. In addition a second disc is included with a Digital Copy of the film.

 

‘Mel’s Back’ is a smooch segment about how Mel Gibson is a screen legend, and no one else could play this role but him., etc.

 

‘Director Profile Martin Cambell’ allows the casts to talk about how they enjoyed working with the director. It’s basically what you always see and hear from these types of segments.

 

‘Thomas Craven’s War of Attrition’ allows Mel Gibson himself to explain his character in the film. This one is quick but interesting.

 

‘Adapting the Edge of Darkness Miniseries’ is a way too short look at how the British TV show was converting into a big screen movie. This one should have been longer with more meat for those curious about the original show.

 

‘Boston as a Character” is self explanatory looking at how the film used the city as a location.

 

‘Making a Ghost Character Real” highlights how Emma Craven’s character, though dead, plays a major role throughout the film.

 

A sporadic collection of deleted scenes are also included, totaling six minutes, nothing here adds anything new to the film and its obvious why most of the scenes were cut.

 

A second disc includes a Digital Copy for viewers on the go.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

The Edge of Darkness is a well done film with solid moments, but it may not be what most Mel Gibson fans would expect from him. Also, being that the film was marketed like a similar film, ‘Taken’, with Liam Neeson, viewers may be looking for more bullets and heads being cracked over talk. The Blu-ray offers a solid picture and decent sound, but the bonus features are nothing special. This is a film that may grow on you, but you may want to rent it first to see if it’s for you.

 

SCORES (out of 5):

 

The Movie:      3.5

Video:             4.0

Sound:             4.0

Extras:             2.5

Bottom Line:   3.0