Edge of Darkness – Review
by john on Mar.28, 2011, under Reviews
Despite Charlie Sheen’s efforts to make every other actor appear normal, we all know Mel Gibson’s gravy leaves a few biscuits uncovered. But as an actor, I still like the guy. When he’s angry, he can get this crazy look in his eyes that says, “I don’t know what I’m gonna do to you, but I’m gonna like it.” Basically a foreshadow that something awesome is about to happen.
America loves a good redemption story. Those take time, however. During the seasons before that happy ending, actors who act like idiots do time in smaller films. Those that don’t take this path must wait on Tarantino. Edge of Darkness is film #1 (of many, I’m sure) in Mel’s recovery. Sometimes, these small-budget thrillers can produce real gems. I can’t think of an example just now, so obviously most are crap. Or at least forgettable. But I like the genre, so I make room for them in my cinematic diet.
Now a good thriller requires a certain amount of intelligence to write. Capable writers will be snatched up by the bigger films and those left can create exciting scenes for Crazy-Eyes Mel. Great. But villains tend to be stupid with the entire story hinging on that fact. When I finished Edge of Darkness, I liked it. There are some great scenes (maybe even memorable, *gasp), but given some thought, the less it holds up. There were too many moments when characters should not have made the decisions they did. Had they been smarter, there wouldn’t have been a movie.
Edge of Darkness will survive a single rental.
Grade: C+
