Edge of Darkness
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: January 29, 2010
6.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 135 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
76
Mixed:
46
Negative:
13
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
moviefreak12Nov 21, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. edge of darkness is worth watching, even though the plot of the story has been used many times before this movie it stills delivers with some good acting (execpt the accents) and some timely plot twists. The only thing that bothered me was the flashbacks of his daughter and hearing her voice through out the movie some of it didnt make sense to me and the ending could have been better.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Tss5078Feb 22, 2013
Edge of Darkness is a dark and gritty crime thriller, based on a 1986 British Mini-series of the same name. The story was actually pretty good, filled with twists, turns, crosses, and double crosses, but the problem was that it was all tooEdge of Darkness is a dark and gritty crime thriller, based on a 1986 British Mini-series of the same name. The story was actually pretty good, filled with twists, turns, crosses, and double crosses, but the problem was that it was all too familiar. Murdered daughter, angry father looking for justice, Mel Gibson on a crazy rampage....and why are these things always in Boston? Does Hollywood have some secret underground bet about who will have the worst accent? That being said, Gibson, (minus the accent), was terrific. Say what you will about him as a person, but when it comes to a dark, action thriller, there is still no one better than Mel Gibson. His character was very reminiscent of Porter in Payback, intense, strong, and smart as a whip. As I said before, this is a good story, made even better by Gibson, but it's a familiar story that's been done to death! Edge of Darkness is very entertaining and has some nice twists, but ultimately it's not much different from a dozen other films with a similar tagline.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
LeifDec 16, 2012
You realize how much as an audience we have missed the volatile intensity of Gibson and his ability to elevate over-plotted genre material into something genuinely engaging. Assisted by a privately amused Ray Winstone who works as a detachedYou realize how much as an audience we have missed the volatile intensity of Gibson and his ability to elevate over-plotted genre material into something genuinely engaging. Assisted by a privately amused Ray Winstone who works as a detached counterpart to Gibson's grief stricken Boston cop.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
NavAApr 17, 2010
Mel Gibson is a gifted actor and director. Forget the biased reviews from critics with a political axe to grind regarding Mel. The movie is excellent entertainment. Highly recommended.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
MaryLFeb 9, 2010
I like it alot. Sure it was cliched and it was like watching mel Gibson all over again in the Patriot adn Braveheart, but for a good, enjoyable move, if you didn't think about it too much, it was great! But one question, can anyone tell I like it alot. Sure it was cliched and it was like watching mel Gibson all over again in the Patriot adn Braveheart, but for a good, enjoyable move, if you didn't think about it too much, it was great! But one question, can anyone tell me how Mel Gibson's character got the radiation?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KkevinW.Jan 30, 2010
Great movie....Mel in his element.. A bit chatty at one point but that was the only speed bump. Great ending....IF you a Mel fan you will not be disappointed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LyndaF.Jan 30, 2010
Slow start, but well worth the wait. Craven donning a Columbo raincoat uncovers clues leading to the truth of his daughter's murder. Passionate dad, Mel, won't give up and the resemblance to "Taken" flickers throughout until the Slow start, but well worth the wait. Craven donning a Columbo raincoat uncovers clues leading to the truth of his daughter's murder. Passionate dad, Mel, won't give up and the resemblance to "Taken" flickers throughout until the end. Ah the joy of revenge! A must see.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
PeteFeb 3, 2010
Enjoyed the whole movie, great action through out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BillyOMar 5, 2010
Although the the theme of revenging your child, or stopping at nothing to make sure your daughter/son is safe has been used in many films such as Taken. I feel this movie presented a different look. It portrayed a believable character that Although the the theme of revenging your child, or stopping at nothing to make sure your daughter/son is safe has been used in many films such as Taken. I feel this movie presented a different look. It portrayed a believable character that would stop at nothing to find who killed his daughter without killing everyone, or fighting 5-6 guys at a time and winning. The way mel gibson's character solved his daughters murder using common police tactics and only spilling blood once he knew for certain who killed his daughter all while keeping the pace of the movie far from stagnate was really impressive. Overall I enjoyed this movie, good job Mel.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RobertI.Jan 30, 2010
Astringent drama, a dry tonic to all the treacle out there, this hyperbolic tale of loss and vengeance brings a bracing tang to the well-worn genre. Kudos for an entertainment cocktail with a dash of bitters..
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EdL.Jan 30, 2010
Excellent thriller,with an emotional aspect not often seen in a shoot em up movie. Has the ability to choke you up at times. I loved it!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LesleyM.Jan 30, 2010
Very suspenseful. But more than that it was a scary look at back room world politics at work with US companies manufacturing nuclear weapons for third world countries. What if it's true? Are senators also involved? It follows the theme Very suspenseful. But more than that it was a scary look at back room world politics at work with US companies manufacturing nuclear weapons for third world countries. What if it's true? Are senators also involved? It follows the theme if Bourne series. highlighting IS corruption.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TonyJan 30, 2010
Good movie- i thought it was goin to be more action personally but - as is it was a good movie. Mel does look like he's aging hence the lack of action.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RichardK.Feb 2, 2010
An excellent film with wonderful dialogue and many genuine surprises. I loved it!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
SeanismynameFeb 3, 2010
Mel is back. I appreciated that this film respected the audience's intelligence enough to avoid the traditional Hollywood BS happy ending. It made the rest of the standard Hollywood action more tolerable. The story line provided Mel is back. I appreciated that this film respected the audience's intelligence enough to avoid the traditional Hollywood BS happy ending. It made the rest of the standard Hollywood action more tolerable. The story line provided substance, thrills and suspense in equal measure.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JustinP.Feb 7, 2010
when I heard about this movie I knew critics would oh so predictally do everything in their power to find its flaw... but this movie punches you in the gut repeated times until awarding you with a somewhat happy ending.... girlier critics when I heard about this movie I knew critics would oh so predictally do everything in their power to find its flaw... but this movie punches you in the gut repeated times until awarding you with a somewhat happy ending.... girlier critics are bashing this movie because in the end it turns into a die hard kind of thing... maybe they were expecting a big romantic moment where mel gibson kisses the bad guy in the end??… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JacksonJun 13, 2010
Mel Gibson is a great actor in this heart pounding thriller.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AaronPJun 3, 2010
Was really happy with this movie. Intelligent, coherent plot. Slightly predictable mystery, but the way it plays itself out is expertly handled. Great performances, excellent conclusion. Critics had the fix in on this one from the start.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BibliotechaS.Jan 30, 2010
Excellent film! I'd say it's THE best film of the first decade of the 21st century. The obvious assassination attempts on Gibson's real life personal character, or maybe even life, are obvious in the snide reviews by so-called Excellent film! I'd say it's THE best film of the first decade of the 21st century. The obvious assassination attempts on Gibson's real life personal character, or maybe even life, are obvious in the snide reviews by so-called "critics" who, I believe, really didn't even sit down and Watch the movie. This was reminiscent of, and dare I say, quite better than, The Departed, which won numerous Oscars. Come Oscar time, this excellent movie will not get recognition, because you-know-who controls who wins, who gets nominated, and who gets shunned, i.e. anyone who is FREE and speaks the truth about the evil that pervades our world, and country.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ChadS.Jan 30, 2010
Got masochism? This film has got Mel Gibson, so the question is largely a rhetorical one. But just for the record, of course, "The Edge of Darkness" has got it. Prostrated again, the torture that greets Thomas Craven can't compete with Got masochism? This film has got Mel Gibson, so the question is largely a rhetorical one. But just for the record, of course, "The Edge of Darkness" has got it. Prostrated again, the torture that greets Thomas Craven can't compete with the crucifixtion rehearsal in "Braveheart", or the damage to the toe that a sledgehammer can cause in Brian Helgeland's "Payback", but being handcuffed to a metal stretcher while suffering, both from acute radiation poisoning, and the memory of his daughter being gunned down in cold blood, is more than a little torturous; is no picnic, and is quintessential Mel, who specializes in self-righteous rampages following in the wake of his own victimization. Emma(Bojana Novakovic), cut down in a drive-by shooting, never gets the chance to die slowly from radiation poisoning. Nobody shares the torture spotlight with this controversial actor(a good one)/filmmaker(a great one); he's no Jane Alexander. His character's testament to Emma, a show of vengeance against her killers, seems more like an act of self-love than parental love, since the moviegoer has seen this song and dance before. The daughter's bloodied body serves as a platform, an excuse, in which Thomas can play vigilante with the full endorsement of the moviegoer. Rendered in grisly detail(there's also a violently horrific car on pedestrian incident involving a female victim), all that spilled blood and exposed guts demands that the wronged police detective serve such obvious monsters their comeuppance. "The Edge of Darkness" makes judicious use of the flashback(the filmmaker is complicit), in which Thomas' memories of Emma are limited to her childhood, the period when his grown daughter needed daddy's protection. As the moviegoer finally gets a fleeting glimpse of her real life(on video), we're shocked, because Emma is not the same woman we met before the fatal shooting. The button-down, middle class she projects is for daddy's eyes only. That's because the father never truly respected the woman that Emma had become, so in effect, his vigilantism has an overbearing aspect which reeks of condescension. But hey, Gibson's misogyny rocks!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AaronN.Jan 30, 2010
Just got back from the theater. Critics are really bashing this a bit hard. It's a fun enjoyable detective-thriller. Maybe not for everyone, but definitely for me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RobRFeb 13, 2010
I never really fully believed in the bad guys, but I was never really bored either.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LynnFeb 15, 2010
I quite liked it! It was a thinking movie with enough suspense to keep me interested. I'd see it again.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JamesH.Feb 16, 2010
The theme of the movie (man seeks revenge) has been done countless times (Clint Eastwood movies even Law Abiding Citizen from this year and many more) but this one is done well. There are a few eye-rolling unbelievable moments but overall The theme of the movie (man seeks revenge) has been done countless times (Clint Eastwood movies even Law Abiding Citizen from this year and many more) but this one is done well. There are a few eye-rolling unbelievable moments but overall very entertaining.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TomC.Feb 16, 2010
Very stylish and intelligent film, slow in parts but will keep you hooked.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JamesDFeb 18, 2010
A surprising flick with some surprising action sequences but it overuns quite a lot.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
bobrFeb 22, 2010
Excellent movie that keep you on the edge of your seat. Great twist and turns! Would recommend to most.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ZeeZeeMFeb 3, 2010
Agree critics are being harsh on this one, - maybe because of Mel. i enjoyed it and so did the crowd i watched it with!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GavinGJan 31, 2010
Great film! Loved the twist of the dying CIA operative.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
Lopez17Aug 11, 2010
Mel Gibson is a fantastic director, actor and producer he is uncompromising when it comes to his films such as" Gallipoli"(1981), " Lethal Weapon"(1987), "Ransom" (1996),or his Academy award winning film " Braveheart"(1991). Gibson hasMel Gibson is a fantastic director, actor and producer he is uncompromising when it comes to his films such as" Gallipoli"(1981), " Lethal Weapon"(1987), "Ransom" (1996),or his Academy award winning film " Braveheart"(1991). Gibson has proved repeatedly why he is one of Hollywood's best and most powerhouse actors, after having a career that spans almost thirty years Mel Gibson had seemed to slip into obscurity after making his two last films. One of them being the massive box-office success "Signs" the other the Vietnam ward drama "We Were Soldiers" both coming out in 2002. It seemed like Gibson had had his finally hour as a Hollywood leading man. Until it was announcer back in mid 2009 that Mel Gibson would be heading a new film called "Edge of Darknessâ… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
FLOPAD180Sep 12, 2010
I just recently saw this movie, and although it is has alot of character dicussion in it, it helps to build up the excitement when something finally happens. The scenes wer life like unlike alot of cop movies these days. Not wuite as good asI just recently saw this movie, and although it is has alot of character dicussion in it, it helps to build up the excitement when something finally happens. The scenes wer life like unlike alot of cop movies these days. Not wuite as good as the Departed, but a great movie… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Keymaster1Oct 6, 2010
Mel Gibson was fantastic in this drama thriller. When his daughter is shot dead on his front porch by a masked gunman, A personal search begins to unveil the killer as well as the reason behind the murder of his daughter. An intricateMel Gibson was fantastic in this drama thriller. When his daughter is shot dead on his front porch by a masked gunman, A personal search begins to unveil the killer as well as the reason behind the murder of his daughter. An intricate conspiracy begins to unravel as Mel finds clue after clue leading to the truth. Gibson's acting and his Boston accent were both very authentic. He really held the movie together well. The movie overall was similar to 'Taken' in many ways. I think i slightly prefered Taken a bit more, just because of the level of action compared to 'Edge'. "Edge" was a bit more realistic, but i liked how badass they made Liam Neeson in Taken. Mel was pretty hard, but he also shows signs of fatigue and wear as an older detective. The story plays out nicely and never shows to be too predictable. Overall an interesting and tense movie. It's good to see Mel Gibson still doing roles like this. Ray Winstone (Beowulf, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) plays a sleek "Organizer" fellow who assists Gibson along the way. The movie was nicely directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Goldeneye) who properly films the realistic crime thriller in Boston, Massachussetts.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
LoRevisorJan 15, 2015
Com uma super atuação de Mel Gibson,de volta Mel chega arrasando com seu talento,o filme não é incrível na ação,sem explosões nem muito tiroteio,porém é inteligente e bem executado. Com um final satisfatório para o telespectador
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
shiftworkerNov 30, 2016
Crime and conspiracy. The plot develops at a steady pace, keeping you guessing. Mel Gibson combines his vengeful Dad & moral cop routines with plenty of tugging at your heartstrings. The violent scenes left me wanting a more uplifting ending.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is quite a dark film, both in terms of the themes contained and the plotline and in terms of the lighting. I was almost glad of that when it came to the key action scenes, given it meant some of the more gory scenes didn't show all the literal ins and outs of the results from the gunfire(!). I remember thinking that it somehow reminded me of an adult graphic novel or comic strip for some reason, perhaps a bit like Sin City or something similar. The tone is quite mean and moody, thanks to the musical score and certainly the whole revenge theme is heavily played on throughout.

Given Mel Gibsons role in the Lethal Weapon film franchise, this role certainly doesn't have him treading any new (or new at the time this was released, back in 2010) ground but for the role he plays, he came across as quite believable, I think it can be said, no matter what you think of his rather (in my eyes) distasteful personal opinions that have got him in trouble in the past, as an actor he's not too bad. More generally, the film I found to be quite engrossing - I liked the plot pace and thought it seemed at least somewhat plausible in terms of what happened, helping to keep me intrigued to see what the final outcome would be, while the action scenes are quite realistic, rather gritty at times. The only downside, I'd say, was at the very end, where the sentimentality that had only been lightly hinted at via Cravens hallucinations/flashbacks of his daughter as a child, became a bit too saccharine sweet perhaps, as it seemed to fly in the face of the tone of the film prior to then, for the most part but then I suppose some viewers may have complained if things were depicted differently and I imagine this is a point of personal taste but it can't be denied that its quite Hollywood, in general really as of course the basic plotline, a man seeking revenge after his loved one, his own flesh and blood is killed, is hardly original but the plot beyond that is intriguing nevertheless.

The special effects are done well, it had me second guessing what we'd find out next about the secret corporation his daughter Emma had found herself involved with and it kept me on the edge of my seat during faster action scenes which took me by surprise, so overall I'd say this was a good film, one for fans of action films but moreso particularly thrillers.

Yes, I'm happy to recommend this film as I felt it was quite engrossing and entertaining, with numerous plot twists and a good amount of action scenes. It features a good cast with a good use of musical score and some good camerawork.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ubactivity106Jun 18, 2022
I am agree with that the BBC series is better. However this movie is also good if you prefer to watch as feature length movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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