Edge of Darkness Review

The first month of 2010 is in it’s last few days. During these past few weeks, there really hasn’t been anything to be thrilled about. The most notable releases have been a bomb starring Michael Cera, and an absolutely horrible film named Legion. Rightfully so, Avatar has been the only movie gathering attention this January, topping the box office for over six weeks in a row. However, two films (When in Rome & Edge of Darkness) managed to slip their way in as a last gasp for the first thirty-one days of the new year.


As the month of January came to a close last year, audiences were introduced to a man with a “particular set of skills.” With them, he fought through the streets of Paris in order to get back the only thing he cared about; his daughter. Of course, this man we’re talking about is CIA operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) in Taken.


Nearly one year to the release of that film, here we are with another man who’s only priority in the world is his daughter. Except this time, instead of a kidnapping, his daughter is murdered right before his eyes. Detective Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) roams around Massachusetts to uncover the secrets and lies his daughter worked to protect. Does Edge of Darkness measure up to Taken?


Before answered, it’s important to state that Mel Gibson has noticeably stepped away from acting for the past few years. His iconic performance in Braveheart is enough to make anyone a fan of him, and after The Passion of The Christ, he’s financially set for life. Fortunately, the answer to the question is yes. This film presented a touching role for Gibson to get back in front of the camera.


However, there are some flaws/bumps in the road for this movie. The main storyline is about what his daughter was trying to cover up, and it does make sense, but it can feel like you’re getting the same information going from scene to scene. A conversation between two other characters can sound nearly word-for-word with what was just being said ten minutes ago.


Taken set the bar for mixing emotion and action into one film. This movie takes those two elements, but leans a lot more towards the emotional side, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Edge of Darkness is worth buying a ticket to see. This is the type of film you’ll see on one of the major networks in the next few years. The only thing is, although it’s enjoyable, you’ll find that it’s easily forgettable.