At The Movies: w/c 29 January 2010

There aren't many new releases this week in the UK, beyond a vigilante Mel Gibson and an illiterate teenage girl from Harlem, of course...

"EDGE OF DARKNESS"

Thriller. As homicide detective Thomas Craven investigates the death of his activist daughter, he uncovers not only her secret life, but a corporate cover-up and government collusion that attracts an agent tasked with cleaning up the evidence.

Director: Martin Campbell

Starring: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic, Shawn Roberts, David Aaaron Baker & Jay O. Sanders.

Tomatometer: 57% (Fresh; based on 76 reviews) "For better and for worse, Edge of Darkness offers vintage Mel Gibson, working within the familiar framework of a bloody revenge thriller."


"PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE"

Drama. In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enrol in an alternative school, in the hope her life can take a new direction.

Director: Lee Daniels

Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz & Stephanie Andujar.

Tomatometer: 91% (Fresh; based on 164 reviews) "Precious is a grim yet ultimately triumphant film about abuse and inner-city life, largely bolstered by exceptional performances from its cast."