Good vehicle for Gibson’s return

He’s back. After a noticeable seven-year absence, Mel Gibson has returned to the big screen. This absence can be explained by a series of less-than-flattering personal outbursts on the part of Mr. Gibson. When will folks realize it is never a good idea to drink heavily and then speak? That said, Gibson picks the perfect vehicle for a redemptive return: “The Edge of Darkness.”

Gibson’s Detective Thomas Craven faces every parent’s nightmare: the loss of a child. This tragedy is made all the more horrifying by the circumstances of his daughter Emma’s (Bojana Novakovic) death. Gunned down on her father’s doorstep by an assassin most likely aiming for him, Craven suffers the associated guilt along with his unbearable grief. What could possibly be a better return role for a disgraced hero? The success of Liam Neeson’s “Taken” a year ago was a clear indicator that nothing stokes the masses quite like a vengeful father. So, it should come as no surprise that a better cast and script would equal a much more complete final product. Where “Taken” scored on a purely emotional level, “Darkness” brought the old brainpan into play as well. Despite a few muddled moments, it scored high on both counts.

Craven soon learns that there may be more to the murder than originally thought. Interviews with Emma’s friends and co-workers show the detective a group of guarded individuals that seem to be hiding a much larger picture, and in some instances, just plain hiding. Subsequent murders, and a visit to Emma’s employer, Jack Bennett (Danny Huston) give Craven a hunch that the picture may be much larger indeed.

His suspicions are confirmed after meeting Jedburgh (Ray Winstone). A secret operative for hire, Jedburgh subtly warns the investigating father away from the government contractor’s that once employed his daughter.

Of course, how does one caution a man with nothing left to lose while he is hunting his daughter’s killer?

This combination proves to be the film’s most pleasant surprise and strength. The inner conflict faced by both men coupled with their characters’ tenacious personalities gives way to several memorable scenes leading to the inevitable climax. Sadly, both characters were never more broadly developed, but it is to be expected in a film classified as action/thriller.

As Craven follows the clues, the pieces slowly fall into place and the true magnitude of the entire enterprise becomes apparent to the bewildered detective. With the clock ticking, and the picture all too clear, all that is left is for Craven to decide how to best settle the score and hopefully find some sliver of peace for his tortured soul.

Despite his glaringly apparent personal faults, Gibson is a tremendous acting and directing talent. And although this film was helmed by Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”), Gibson’s directorial record bears mentioning and would stand alone even without benefit of his acting resume. However, factor in the acting portion of his credits, and he is a legitimate legend.

“Edge of Darkness” does nothing to tarnish this body of work, and it helps to slowly work him back into the public eye. It is a strong thriller that gives moviegoers their money’s worth from beginning to end, and Gibson delivers on all counts. 

Rating:  W W W