"Edge of Darkness"

Rated R
1 hour 45 minutes

Starring: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Jay O. Sanders

(WWLP) - When will the villains finally learn never to get Mel Gibson good and angry? As they do in "Edge of Darkness" Gibson's furious over his daughter's execution style murder. This Boston Detective will stop at nothing to uncover the conspiracy behind her death. But too frequently, this man on a mission thriller has a very familiar ring.

The conspirator's henchmen quickly discover they're not dealing with just another grieving father. They're up against a guy who by his own admission at this point has nothing to lose.

Danny Huston's fast becoming one of the screens most hateful villains. A slimy character with a highly polished exterior. By now you know, a small part of the film was shot in Western Massachusetts. And the scene overlooking the Connecticut river valley makes you feel right at home.

Gibson goes right on discovering corruption in high places. Not even a U.S. Senator's immune from Gibson's bullying tactics. But it's the British actor, Ray Winstone, who gives "Edge of Darkness" It's most mysterious edge. Winstone excels as a shadowy government agent who actually gives Gibson cause for concern.

It's a wise moviegoer who overlooks the vengeance thriller cliché's. Just enjoy "Edge of Darkness" as a stylish guilty pleasure. I did, and I came away giving "Edge of Darkness" three stars. I'm only disappointed the picture didn't give us enough to see of  western Massachusetts.