Edison (2005) Movie Review
A Gritty Look at Corruption in the City of Edison
Title: Edison
Director: David J. Burke
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, Dylan McDermott
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release Date: July 29, 2005
Runtime: 99 minutes
Synopsis:
“Edison” follows the story of an idealistic journalist, Joshua Pollack (Justin Timberlake), who uncovers deep-rooted corruption within the Edison police force’s elite unit, FRAT (First Response Assault and Tactical). As he delves deeper into the case, he teams up with veteran reporter Moses Ashford (Morgan Freeman) and a determined district attorney, Wallace (Kevin Spacey). Together, they face off against the corrupt cops led by the ruthless Sgt. Lazerov (Dylan McDermott) and FRAT member Deed (LL Cool J).
Review
Performances:
The film boasts a star-studded cast, but the performances are a mixed bag. Justin Timberlake, in one of his early film roles, gives a commendable effort as the rookie journalist. Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey, both seasoned actors, bring gravitas to their roles, providing the film with a sense of credibility. LL Cool J delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as a conflicted cop, adding depth to the character of Deed. Dylan McDermott effectively portrays the menacing Sgt. Lazerov, though his character tends to veer into cliché territory.
Direction and Cinematography:
David J. Burke’s direction is competent, if not particularly innovative. The film’s pacing is steady, maintaining tension throughout its runtime. The cinematography by Francis Kenny captures the gritty atmosphere of the city, emphasizing the dark and dangerous world of Edison. However, the visual style, while appropriate, doesn’t particularly stand out or offer anything new to the genre.
Script and Storytelling:
The screenplay, written by David J. Burke, tackles themes of corruption, justice, and morality. While the story is engaging, it follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, with many of the twists and turns feeling formulaic. The dialogue is functional but lacks the punch and sharpness needed to elevate the film. The character development is sufficient to keep the audience invested, but the film doesn’t delve as deeply into the complexities of its themes as it could have.
Themes and Execution:
“Edison” explores the familiar theme of institutional corruption, presenting a city where the line between law enforcement and criminal activity is blurred. The film attempts to shine a light on the challenges of bringing justice to a corrupt system. Despite its noble intentions, the execution falls short of delivering a truly compelling or original take on the subject. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters are intriguing but not fully fleshed out, leaving the film feeling somewhat superficial.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
For viewers in the United States, “Edison” is available on several platforms:
- Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available with a subscription.
- Tubi: Available for free with ads.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase digitally.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Edison” is a crime thriller that boasts a strong cast and explores important themes, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The film’s predictable plot and lack of depth prevent it from standing out in a crowded genre. However, the performances, particularly those of Freeman and Spacey, provide enough entertainment value to make it worth a watch for fans of crime dramas. If you’re interested in a film that tackles corruption within the police force, “Edison” offers a serviceable, if not particularly memorable, experience.
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