'Edge Of Darkness'

'Edge Of Darkness' (R) **1/2

Writers: Wliiam Monahan and Andrew Bovall based on TV miniseries by Troy Kennedy Martin
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Huston, Ray Winstone, Bojana Nobakovic

Mel Gibson has not acted since "Signs" in 2002. He has directed two fine films since that time but it is really good to see him back as his old Mad Mel self. I just wish that his comeback movie had a little more grit and tension. This is a nice little thriller that is sort of a riff on those old "B Pictures" of the 40's. Those little revenge thrillers where the protagonist has to get revenge on those that killed a loved one. He also has to race against time because a certain obstacle is put in his way that might cause death. Gibson plays a father who is a Boston cop whose daughter is gunned down and he thinks the bullets were meant for him. The movie then turns into a little conspiracy thriller as he finds out his daughter was up to more than he thought. Mel Gibson is very good at playing the grieving, revengeful father and there are some sudden, good kills and and a slew of bad guys. I liked the acting in particular by Ray Winstone and Danny Huston, who should play a villain in almost every movie. The problem with me is the movie is kind of dull, slow and plodding in the beginning. The movie doesn't gain real tension until half way in. This is not supposed to be a big, sprawling Hitchcockian thriller but should have been like last year's "Taken" with Liam Neeson that was much better at working on our revenge palette. Mel Gibson is really good at this kind of role and I like his weather beaten face that has aged well but the movie was just okay for me. I must say it would be good if you were at home flipping channels and came across this and watched if you couldn't sleep. You would say that you were glad you caught it and that it was pretty good. You wouldn't remember it a few days later though so I think maybe this is a rental on a rainy day, not worth paying $11 for.