Review: Edge of Darkness (with trailer)

ACCLAIMED British TV dramas are providing food for thought across the pond in Hollywood.

Last year, Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams headlined an accomplished distillation of the BAFTA award-winning 2003 mini-series State Of Play.

Now, we have more political intrigue and corporate skull-duggery in Martin Campbell's reduction of the 1985 BBC mini-series, Edge Of Darkness.

Adapted for the big screen by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell, the film version of Edge Of Darkness condenses six episodes of edge-of-seat suspense into two hours, transplanting the cat-and-mouse thrills to Boston.

More about this movie

Campbell directed the original television series and has subsequently proved his mettle with big-budget blockbusters including The Mask Of Zorro and Casino Royale.

Homicide detective Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) is a veteran of the Boston Police Department who is looking forward to a visit from his 24-year-old daughter, Emma.

A happy reunion turns to tragedy when a masked assassin guns down Emma on the steps of the family home, taking a bullet that many believe was meant for her old man.

Consumed with grief, Thomas shuns support from fellow detective Whitehouse, preferring to investigate his daughter's murder on his own terms.

Anguish turns to incredulity as the cop uncovers his daughter's secret life as an activist.

EDGE OF DARKNESS

CERTIFICATE: 15

RUNNING TIME: 116 mins

STARTS: Today at the Showcase, Odeon and Cinema De Lux in Derby; Cineworld in Burton; Cinebowl in Uttoxeter.

RATING: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■