Edge of Darkness

Mel Gibson’s so-called comeback vehicle, Edge of Darkness follows grizzled Boston cop Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) as he unravels a far-reaching conspiracy after launching an investigation into the brutal murder of his activist daughter (Bojana Novakovic’s Emma). Director Martin Campbell has infused Edge of Darkness with an almost aggressively deliberate sensibility that effectively holds the viewer at arm’s length from start to finish, with the less-than-engrossing vibe exacerbated by a central mystery that’s rarely as enthralling as one imagines it’s meant to be. The inclusion of a few admittedly stirring action sequences elevates the proceedings on an all-too-infrequent basis, while Gibson’s expectedly sturdy performance – his questionable Boston accent notwithstanding – ensures that Edge of Darkness remains watchable even in the face of some seriously lackluster encounters and interludes. And although the supporting cast has been peppered with such noted scene-stealers as Danny Huston, Denis O’Hare, and Ray Winstone, there’s simply never a point at which Campbell is able to convincingly cultivate the atmosphere of gritty authenticity demanded by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell’s convoluted screenplay. The final result is a passable yet wholly underwhelming piece of work that’s hardly the fast-paced thriller promised by its promotional materials, with the lack of elements designed to capture (and hold) the viewer’s interest ultimately rendering its positive attributes moot.

** out of ****