The week's US cinema releases: Mel Gibson’s 'The Edge of Darkness' leads the way

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Two big Hollywood movies due in theaters on January 29 include a dramatic thriller starring Mel Gibson caught up in an intrigue and a classic romantic comedy set in the capital of Italy. Some of the more independent films starting out in a few theaters inlcude a British feature with an impressive cast, which also opens in the UK, and a wacky film with underdog appeal.

The Edge of Darkness
This tense thriller stars Mel Gibson as a homicide detective investigating the murder of his daughter, shot by a bullet he believes was intended for him. His obsession with the case leads him to uncover corporate cover-ups and a shadowy government operative. Director Martin Campbell ( Casino Royale, The Mark of Zorro) is currently working on The Green Lantern with Ryan Reynolds. Gibson's next film is a comedy, The Beaver, directed by Jodie Foster. http://edge-of-darkness.warnerbros.com/

When In Rome
Gossip Girl's Kristen Bell stars in this romantic comedy with Josh Duhamel of the Transformer movies. Set in Rome, the premise of the story is that a young New Yorker takes coins from the fountain of love and then she finds herself ardently pursued by a sausage magnate, street magician, artist and several others, as she seeks to improve her luck with love. Also features Angelica Huston and Danny DeVito. http://touchstone.movies.go.com/wheninrome/

44 Inch Chest
A provocative British film about a man who seeks revenge for his wife's infidelity by kidnapping her lover with the assistance of his friends, only complicated by a muddle of mixed emotions. Features a notable cast including Ray Winstone ( The Departed, Sweeney Todd), Ian McShane ( Deadwood, Coraline), John Hurt ( Harry Potter), and Tom Wilkinson ( Michael Clayton, Duplicity). Opening in select cities.
http://www.44inchchestfilm.com/

Saint John of Las Vegas

Indie film favorite Steve Buscemi ( The Big Lebowski, Fargo, The Sopranos) and comedian Sarah Silverman ( The School of Rock) are featured in this wild comedic romp about an ex-gambler tempted back into the game by an insurance-fraud investigator, but his luck takes a turn in unexpected ways. Opening in New York and Los Angeles.
http://saintjohnmovie.com/

RC