Say what you want about Mel Gibson, but he’s a damn fine filmmaker and a great actor. Sure, he’s made his share of goofy films, but let’s not forget that even Clint Eastwood gave you Bronco Billy and Any Which Way You Can. With a career that’s given us Braveheart, Mad Max, Lethal Weapon 1 and 2, and even Payback, he’s certainly got a presence that’s great to watch on screen. Though he’s directed films like the underrated gem Apocalypto and the mega-hit The Passion Of The Christ, he’s been away from the other side of the camera for far too long. Edge of Darkness fixes that with a restrained performance that still has time kick ass and take names, without the typical “I’m going to kill you for doing something horrible to me” trappings.

Edge of Darkness is sort of Alfred Hitchcock meets Deathwish. At the core, it’s a revenge movie, but it’s also a thriller with some decent twists and turns. Gibson plays an almost retired Boston cop named Thomas Craven who’s daughter was shot on his doorstep, seemingly with a bullet meant for him. Of course, as he digs deeper, he finds that may not have been the case.

I really like that you see Mel Gibson with the full effects of his age on display. His hair is gray and has noticeable bald spots. Facial close ups show a highway map of deep wrinkles on his face, and scenes he shares with other actors show that he’s certainly not the tallest guy in Hollywood.

Gibson’s age also shows in the action scenes, in good ways. In one apartment fight, he’s out of breath after the first few punches are thrown. This isn’t Martin Riggs with unlimited revenge energy here. He’s a lonely honest guy who’s just fighting for what’s right in a system that’s stacked against him.

The film is based on a 1985 BBC Mini Series and has been adapted to an American setting without any trouble. The original director Martin Campbell is on hand to direct this version, which is nice.

It’s not a groundbreaking movie, and it’s not going to win any awards. But Edge of Darkness is a great reliable hamburger giving you exactly what you paid for and an enjoyable movie watching experience.