It looks like Mel Gibson’s return to the big screen is going to be a lukewarm affair. The actor’s new film, Edge of Darkness, is receiving mixed reception from critics, with a mediocre 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The plot, which many say lacks cohesion, revolves around a father seeking revenge for his daughter’s death, government and corporate cover-ups, nuclear espionage, and “forces that threaten life on earth.” It’s based on a very successful 80′s BBC television series of the same name — though critics find the movie nothing compared to the ‘thrill’ of the original. Here are some recent review highlights:
“The screenwriters William Monahan and Andrew Bovell have performed on Troy Kennedy Martin’s superb labyrinthine eco-thriller the equivalent of the junkyard machine that takes a car and crushes it into a sorry-looking metal cube.” — The Independent
“This poorly tailored post-9/11 update tries to stuff the Byzantine plot of the series into two hours, leaving all sorts of dangling threads. What was a textured tale on the telly has become a coarse and unsatisfying revenge tragedy on the big screen.” — CBC News
…and on the positive side:
“Not only is Edge of Darkness Gibson’s best work in a decade — a big improvement over such drivel as What Women Want — it is a well-crafted thriller.” — USA Today
“If Payback and Ransom dated and had a child it would be called Edge of Darkness. Gibson and Winstone shine in this revenge film with a purpose.” – BDK Reviews
Categories: Film/TV
Tags: mel gibson.
Photo: Warner Bros.
About Michael dEstries
Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.View all posts by Michael dEstries →
