Edge of Darkness

I'm happy to say this is one of those rare cases where I HAVEN'T seen the original British TV series this was based on (same with STATE OF PLAY both in need of viewing) so I can't make all cafe chic and high brow pooh pooh on how badly Martin Campbell fucked it up. Happy because I was able to watch this with clean eyes as it were and I sure as hell liked what I saw. Then again, how could Campell screw it up when there were only six episodes in the series and he directed them all, besides, from CASINO ROYALE to THE MASK OF ZORRO I just love his film making style and I'm anxious to see what he does with the GREEN LANTERN but we're talking about EDGE OF DARKNESS. It's pretty straight forward stuff being cop's daughter is killed and said cop wants revenge. There are a few interesting twists along the way but all in all it's a forum for Mel Gibson to growl and kick the shit out of anything that gets in the way and here in lay the problem. People have got a serious hate on for Mel these days, right or wrong is of no consequence, they do and this I believe is why so many folks didn't twig to this picture. I loved it and I think Mel was just fine, especially the funky vocals he uses in the part. The suspense is good, pacing fine and the action excellent. There is one car scene that will simply knock your socks off! All of it wrapped up with an ending you'll either love or hate (I thought it worked) making this a definate viewing choice.