DVD Review: Edge of Darkness

Edge of Darkness

(Warner Home Video, 128 minutes)

http://edge-of-darkness.warnerbros.com

When Mel Gibson as hardened cop Thomas Craven utters the words “I’ve got nothing left to lose,” he couldn’t have been more on point. After an eight year hiatus from a starring role in films, Gibson had something to prove Hollywood and himself. Despite achieving critical success from the Passion of the Christ, Gibson made headlines when his marriage disintegrated. Compounding matters further, with so many young stars and starlets on the rise, the once dominant actor was is in the unenviable position of proving that he still has what it takes to bring in the big bucks at the box office.

This perhaps explains why Edge of Darkness, a remake of a classic BBC series, strays from its quasi sci-fi roots and devolves into a simple revenge tale. In many ways it’s a smart move, as many of the ideas presented in the 1985 series would come off as hokey and confusing to today’s cinema goers. Gibson needed a role that allowed him to put a bit of himself into the role, for better or for worse because let’s face it; if you’ve followed the news in the last eight years, no one goes postal quite like Mel Gibson.

Staring as Thomas Craven, Gibson assumes the role once helmed by Bob Peck, a grizzled cop out for revenge against the men behind his daughter’s murder. While there is some conspiracy to be had, the film reveals the people responsible rather early, giving Gibson to go through the motions of reaffirming himself as an action star. While the original tended to lean more toward the inner workings of the government, filling each episode with political intrigue, the remake discards all that in favor of shoot outs and brutal brawls.

In truth, where Edge of Darkness lacks in story, Gibson more than makes up for it in his performance. Every scene he’s in, his agony is palpable as he homicidally blows through one suspect to another in his personal vendetta to avenge his daughter. Of course this means more emphasis on blood and action but there are enough heartfelt sequences of Craven reminiscing on happier times with his daughter peppered throughout to give the audience a breather in between kills.

Whether Edge of Darkness provides Gibson the vehicle needed to get back on track is still up in the air. Depending on who you ask, the answer varies. In any case, it can’t be denied that this is a return to form for the actor as he proves he’s still got the chops to be a leading man if Hollywood will let him.

Edge of Darkness - C+

Manga Quick Hits: Biomega, Black Lagoon, Fullmetal Alchemist

Biomega Volume 1
Story and Art: Tsutomu Nihei
Rating: Mature

In the year 3005, humanity has finally accomplished its first manned expedition to Mars. As the crew sifts through what appears to be remnants of a civilization, they find an odd looking woman standing before them without the aid of a suit. Skipping back six months earlier, a black-clad motorcyclist named Zouichi races through the streets of a zombie infected Earth searching for a girl named Eon Green, a mysterious girl who may hold the cure to stopping the virus ravishing the human race.

As is common for a series by Nihei, art takes precedence over story. Word bubbles are few and far between, allowing the art to tell the story. This is where Nihei excels as he fills each panel with nightmarish landscapes and twisted figures that would inspire fear in anyone.

While the story might not be all that original, Nihei does his best to make up for it by adding as many off the wall concepts as he can. With a motorcycle that can talk to a grizzly bear battling zombies with a shot-gun, Nihei jams everything he can into the series. In truth, if it weren’t for his visual style, it would be almost impossible to take any of this seriously.

Biomega is a blend of science fiction and horror from one of the industry’s most underrated artists. It is cyberpunk and zombies all rolled into one. If you are looking for a thought provoking story with depth, you won’t find it here; However if cinematic composition and gravity defying action is your thing, then crack open a volume and enjoy.

Biomega Volume 1 - B+





















Black Lagoon Volume 6
Story and Art: Rei Hiroe
Rating: Mature

Coming on the heels of Rock and Revy’s return from Japan, the Lagoon Company once again finds itself in the thick of things as a clueless money counterfeiter on the lam stumbles into the church of violence for help. As it happens, the girl, aptly referred to as Greenback Jane, once worked for the cartel who have since grown impatient with her. After stumbling through the church’s doors, who should she find but Revy and Eda and from there all hell breaks loose. Naturally the Lagoon crew are more than ready to “take care” of Jane for a price, prompting the cartel to seek out every major assassin Roanapur has to offer.

Familiar faces such as Shenhua return while new characters like the gothic chainsaw wielding Sawyer and the flashy Lotton the Wizard join the eccentric cast. Whereas the last arc carried a solemn feel with it, this one is all about the action and explosions. There is one major reveal about Eda that is shocking to say the least and hopefully comes into play later on.

The second half of the book deals with the Lovelace family and the return of a certain killer maid. As it turns out, Roberta is back in town seeking those who assassinated her master putting all of Roanapur on alert. Unfortunately for Revy and the crew, thanks to their past encounters with Roberta, most of the mafia believes they are responsible. Even more surprising is when another maid arrives with her own lethal skill set, with orders from the Lovelace family to bring Rock to them.

Black Lagoon continues to get better as it goes. Volume six raises the bar in both action and story. Returning characters make this a memorable entry that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Black Lagoon Volume 6 - A





















Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 21 and 22
Story and Art: Hiromu Arakawa
Rating: Teen

Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best manga on the shelves right now. It’s steady rise in popularity is well deserving thanks to likeable characters and an engaging story that successfully melds triumph and tragedy along with humor and despair. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, the manga strives to be more than just the typical shonen tale.

The story revolves around the brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they travel the world seeking a way to restore what they have lost. The backstory of the two is a grisly one; having lost their mother to an unexplained illness, the two boys resort to the only way they know to bring her back: Alchemy.

Unfortunately, the use of Alchemy carries a price and Ed and Al’s failed attempt is a costly one. The results are less than kind as Ed’s arm and leg are ripped away from him literally while Al’s entire body is taken from him, leaving his soul attached to an empty suit of armor. Resolved to set things right, they set out in search of the Philosopher’s stone, the ultimate tool in alchemy, with both willingly signing their lives over to the military in exchange for information and the means to obtaining the stone.

22 volumes in and the series finally enters its final stretch. Ed and Al are finally reunited, though not in the way they expected and Mustang’s group finally makes its move, kidnapping King Bradley’s wife. Elsewhere, the King finds himself the victim of an assassination plot, leaving the military wide open for a coup.

The bulk of Volume 21 deals with Ed and his group combating Pride whose terrifying powers make him more than a threat, but a force of nature. Pride’ power is so immense that it can shake the confidence of even the usually self assured Greed. Towards the volume’s end, Pride is given a power boost that effectively squashes the brother’s best efforts.

The fight spills over into the next volume where, thanks to the arrival of Hohenheim and some quick thinking from Al, Pride is finally neutralized. Meanwhile, back at Central Olivier Armstrong decides to seize her chance and take down high command. Unfortunately for her, Sloth is waiting as well as an army of mutated Homunculi. With the heroes’ backs against the wall, things become even more dire when both Envy and Pride are set free.

At this point Arakawa has become a true master of her craft. The dramatic tension soars with all the key players locked in an all-or-nothing battle for the fate of the country. Arakawa has shown before that she isn’t afraid to take chances, leaving several characters fates up in the air. Suspense permeates every page makes It hard to believe this series can get any better.

Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 21 - A+
Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 22 - A+

DVD Review: Edge of Darkness: the Original BBC Mini-Series

Edge of Darkness: the Original BBC Mini-Series

314 Minutes

www.BBCAmerica.com

By Chris Zimmerman

With the theatrical film starring Mel Gibson looming near, BBC America has taken the opportunity to release the original classic series on DVD. Spinning out of the cold war era, Edge of Darkness captured the viewer’s imagination with its political intrigue and dynamic storyline.

The series follows Ronnie Craven, a highly respected inspector for the British police, and his investigation into the murder of his daughter Emma. As he delves further into the facts surrounding her demise, he uncovers more than he ever imagined, unearthing government conspiracies that threaten national intelligence.

Troy Kennedy Martin wrote the script with the goal of providing his audience with a show that dealt with nuclear debate going on at the time. It is apparent from the outset that Martin poured everything into his script, knowing full well it stood little chance of being produced. This gives way to many memorable moments that still hold up today. Of course partial credit belongs to the cast whose performance humanizes the story. Bob Peck plays Craven with a hard edge which occasionally drops when remembering his daughter. His emptiness is palpable and remarkably believable.

Other characters such as Emma, Harcourt, and Pendleton are responsible for the exposition and allow the plot to move forward allowing the viewer to better acquaint themselves with the cast.

One criticism of the series is that it moves to slow. While this holds true, it allows the characters and their stories more time to develop and build. Especially important is that we are able to understand the relationship between Craven and his daughter which is told in flashbacks due to the character dying within minutes of the first episode.

In addition, Edge of Darkness isn’t just about the dangers of nuclear power but also the heartbreak of losing someone close to you. Anyone who has lost a friend or relative will instantly empathize with Craven as he recognizes that though his daughter is dead, her spirit lingers.

Overall, it’s easy to see why Edge of Darkness is considered a triumph. The tension hooks the viewer and continues to grow the longer you watch. The layers of conspiracy may prove difficult for today’s audience but others may find that underneath it all is quality writing and acting that served to prove why some television can sometimes be considered art.

Edge of Darkness – A

Alternate Ending to the Final Episode

Music Only Audio Option to isolate the Eric Clapton/Michael

Kamen BAFTA-winning Score

Magnox - The Secrets of Edge of Darkness featuring interviews with the cast and crew

"Did You See" featuring reviews of the original BBC broadcast

Interview with Bob Peck from the BBC's Breakfast Time morning program

Highlights from the BAFTA awards and Broadcasting Press Guild

Awards including interviews with Bob Peck, Jon Don Baker and producer Michael Wearing

Photo Gallery