In the new action / thriller "Edge of Darkness".... Mel Gibson returns to the big screen with a vengence in more ways than one.  Gibson plays Thomas Craven, a homicide detective for the Boston Police department... who's welcoming a visit from his grown up daughter.... when suddenly his daughter is viciously gunned down and murdered in front of Craven at the detective's very doorstep.

     At first, the murder is seen as a botched attempt on Craven's own life... but as Craven digs deeper into various leads... he soon discovers his daughter was unwittingly involved in a web of corporate corruption... government intrigue... and dangerous stakes at the highest levels involving dark military secrets.

    As Craven searches for his daughter's killer... he encounters a diverse group of shady characters... and frightened friends... each of whom hold a piece of the puzzle... to the reason behind her brutal demise.  Among those who may hold the answer to Craven's daughters fate is a shady CIA operative sent to cover up the murder... skillfully played with suave malevolence by Ray Winstone.

    "Edge of Darkness" is an effective adaptation of a popular BBC miniseries... and it also marks Mel Gibson's long awaited return to the big screen in a key acting role... after being absent since 2002.  

    In this film, Gibson shows he still has the ability to deliver in a role that demands both tough guy strength and grit... coupled with the tenderness of a father grieving the loss of his only child.  The action in this film is suspensful and sometimes unexpectedly brutal ... yet compelling.  

   Now... the plotline does have some holes in it... that occasionally strains credibility... but overall the film manages to hold your attention - thanks in large part to the performances of Gibson...  Winstone.... and a violent yet admittedly satisfying final act that's full of straightforward and unexpected - justice of sorts.

   "Edge of Darkness" is a mildly flawed... but entertaining thriller that's definitely worth checking out.