In the first episode of season 11 of the Simpsons, Homer Simpson attends a test screening of the latest Mel Gibson film, a remake of ‘Mr Smith Goes to Washington’. Unhappy with Mel’s drama heavy approach he angrily fills in his comment card which catches Mel’s eye, and confirms the Hollywood stars own major worry about the film, “But I don’t shot anybody” Mel believes everybody else loves him too much to tell him the truth so works with Homer to make what he believes his fans really want to see, an action heavy dramatic piece revolving around the world of governmental cover-ups and political corruption.
The production notes describe Edge of Darkness as an emotionally charged thriller set at the intersection of politics and big business. Perhaps this is the film Homer and Mel would have made.
Unfortunately though it lacks the suspense it desperately wants to create, instead resulting in a slow burning, political thriller without any noteworthy thrills.
The action scenes are, as you’d expected big and impressive, but ultimately fail in making you rise from the cosy little groove you’ve already created in your seat by the time they surface – edge of your seat thriller this isn’t
If you’re looking for a Saturday night popcorn movie that you don’t need to think about then go ahead but It certainly won’t stick in your memory, or affect you even the slightest (after all were very familiar with the concept that the government maybe hiding a few secrets here or there). Yes, as a piece of celluloid escapism it works fine but that’s about a nice as I’m willing to be right now. However sometimes isn’t that all we really want - an escape from the real world, a world where things actually have to make sense and look feasible?
Homer Simpson: Movies aren’t stupid. They fill us with romance and hatred and revenge fantasies. Lethal Weapon showed us that suicide is funny.
Mel Gibson: That really wasn’t my intention.
Homer Simpson: Before Lethal Weapon 2, I never thought there could be a bomb in my toilet, but now I check every time.
Marge Simpson: It’s true. He does.
Mel Gibson: Do movies mean that much to you, Homer?
Homer Simpson: They’re my only escape from the drudgery of work and family.
6/10
