Movie Review: “Edge of Darkness”

Seen on: January 26, 2010

The players: Director: Martin Campbell, Writers: William Monahan, Andrew Bovell, Cast: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic

Facts of interest: Remake of a British TV mini-series.

The plot: Mel Gibson plays a detective who goes totally nuts after his daughter is murdered right in front of him.

Our thoughts: Mel Gibson returns to action on the big screen in Martin Campbell’s new thriller “Edge of Darkness,” and while he’s undoubtedly in great shape, the movie itself could do with a little more spice. That said, “Darkness” still qualifies as an entertaining viewing experience I had no trouble enjoying throughout.

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Trailer for Gibson's 'Edge of Darkness' debuts

Mel Gibson is the guy with nothing to lose in Martin Campbell's upcoming thriller "Edge of Darkness," a film I'm quite excited about now that I've seen its first intense trailer. See it after the jump; it delivers!

In the film, Gibson plays a homicide detective who discovers his daughter’s (Bojana Novakovic) secret life after she’s murdered on the steps of his house. He will stop at nothing to find out the truth and the killer.

Also starring are Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Shawn Roberts and Bojana Novakovic. William Monahan and Andrew Bovel wrote the script. Campbell recrently directed "Casino Royale."

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Daily news dose: Three more join 'London Boulevard;' Gary Daniels boards 'Expendables'

Here's your dose of film news for April 13, 2009:

• Ray Winstone, David Thewlis and Anna Friel are joining Keira Knightley and Colin Farrell in William Monahan's big-screen adaptation of Ken Bruen's novel "London Boulevard." Farrell plays a London criminal who gets involved with an actress (Knightley). (Variety)

• Gary Daniels, whose credits include "Spoiler" and the upcoming action flick "Tekken," has joined Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham and Mickey Rourke in Sly's "The Expendables," a flick about a group of mercenaries trying to bring down a dictator. Daniels plays one of the film's villains. (Moviehole)

• Alex Tse, co-screenwriter of "Watchmen," will adapt Paul Pope's upcoming graphic novel "Battling Boy." The story centers on the son of a god who embarks on a mission to battle ruthless beats that have invaded the giant city of Monstropolis. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Elisabeth Shue, whose credits include "Hamlet 2," "Cocktail" and "Leaving Las Vegas," is in talks to join Alexandre Aja's upcoming "Piranha 3-D." Says Moviehole, "Shue is playing the role of Sherrif Julie Forester, a take-charge authority figure in the community of Lake Victoria - where the action/ankle-biting takes place."

Winstone joins Soderbergh's 'Cleo' musical

Ray Winstone is set to play Julius Caesar in Steven Soderbergh's upcoming rock 'n' roll musical about Cleopatra, according to MTV.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is already on board as the lead actress, with Hugh Jackman in final negotiations to star as Marc Antony.

Rock band Guided by Voices wrote the music, with James Greer penning the script for the film, which is reportedly budgeted at $30 million.

So what else did Soderbergh say about this extravagant project? “I’ve always wanted to do a musical. All the ones that were coming along just weren’t for me. I wanted to do a real rock n roll musical like ‘Tommy.'"

Well, that sounds interesting alright, and I'm eager to see how the whole thing will look like eventually. With Zeta-Jones in the lead, chances are good it'll be a feast for the eyes.

Soberbergh’s next film to open in theaters is the two-part project “Che,” which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. He also recently wrapped “The Informant” with Matt Damon.

Currently, Soderbergh is working on the low-budget “The Girlfriend Experience,” a film about prostitution told from the perspective of a call girl.

Winstone, Liotta to join ’13 Tzameti’ remake

Ray Winstone and Ray Liotta are set to star in Géla Babluani’s remake of his 2005 French thriller “13 Tzameti,” according to Variety.

Mickey Rourke, 50 Cent, Jason Statham and Sam Riley are already on board of the project, which the trade says begins production later this month.

Written and directed by Babluani, the film follows a man who gets a hold of a mysterious package with a set of instructions leading to a fortune.

Endeavor holds the North American distribution rights for the remake, which is titled “13.”

Winstone recently appeared in “Fool’s Gold” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” He’s currently filming “Edge of Darkness” for Martin Campbell.

As for Liotta, he was last seen in “Battle in Seattle.” Upcoming projects include “Observe and Report” and “Youth in Revolt.”

Ray Winstone plunges into 'Darkness'

Ray Winstone is set to replace Robert De Niro in Martin Campbell's upcoming thriller "Edge of Darkness," according to Variety.

Last week, De Niro dropped out of the project because of what his spokesperson called creative differences. Principal photography has been under way since August. 

Winstone will take over the role of an operative sent to clean up evidence in the murder of  a young woman. Mel Gibson stars as the girl's father, who discovers her secret life after he death.

Also starring are Danny Huston, Shawn Roberts and Bojana Novakovic. Campbell is directing a script by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell.

Winstone recently starred in "Beowulf" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." His upcoming projects include "The Cup" and "The Sweeney."