Edison (film)

Infobox Film
name =Edison


imdb_id =0389957
writer =David J. Burke
starring =Kevin Spacey
Morgan Freeman
LL Cool J
Justin Timberlake
director =David J. Burke
producer =Randall Emmett
distributor =Nu Image Films
Sony Pictures (DVD)
released =March 12, 2006 (Netherlands)
July 18, 2006 (DVD)
runtime = 97 min.
language =English
budget = $25,150,000

"Edison" (known as "Edison Force" in the United States) is a 2005 movie written and directed by David J. Burke.

Promotional materials use the tagline "In this city, only the cops are above the law.", and summarise the film thus: "Upon discovering a den of corrupt policemen, a fresh-faced journalist makes a shaky alliance in a jaded reporter and investigator for a powerful district attorney."

Edison, New Jersey

While the film was in production, some people speculated based upon the title of the film and the limited story details with corrupt officers that the film was based upon the New Jersey township of Edison, since the township's recent (as of that time) controversy involving its police force that has been covered by "60 Minutes". During production, the director denied that claim. Writer and film director David Burke has claimed that the name "Edison" was derived from its common association with the inventor and business leader Thomas Edison, which led to thoughts of "electricity, power and industry." [http://www.writingstudio.co.za/page1156.html] Even after its release to theaters outside of the United States, and relatively quiet DVD release within the United States, people still believed it was based upon the New Jersey city, since very little information regarding the film has been available. However, to any New Jersey native, the dissimilarity is apparent as the township of Edison has no "downtown" as portrayed in the movie, but a blend of suburban and industrial aspects. The movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Release

The film was originally supposed to see a US release in the spring of 2005, however due to its universal panning from critics after its screening at the Toronto Film Festival, its release to cinemas in the US and most other countries was cancelled. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the film, originally titled "Edison", as "Edison Force" directly-to-DVD on July 18, 2006. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FI8MPM] The movie was released to movie theaters in the Netherlands on March 12, 2006. Interestingly, in South Korea, the film was released as "에디슨 시티" (Edison City) [http://www.cine21.com/Movies/Mov_Movie/movie_detail.php?id=8547] to distinguish the film from the inventor.

In 2007, Spike TV obtained the TV rights to the movie and is using it to help launch a hopeful new string of "guy movies".

Critical response

Adding to lack of a U.S.-release, the film was poorly received by critics. Most opinions mentioned the disappointing performances of the A-list cast and the cliché story involving corrupt officers.

Cast

* Justin Timberlake: Joshua Pollack
* Morgan Freeman: Moses Ashford
* LL Cool J: Off. Raphael Deed
* Dylan McDermott: Sgt. Francis Lazerov
* John Heard: Capt. Brian Tilman
* Kevin Spacey: Det. Levon Wallace
* Cary Elwes: Dist. Atty. Jack Reigert
* Damien Wayans: Isaiah Charles
* Roselyn Sanchez: Maria
* Piper Perabo: Willow Summerfield
* Françoise Yip: Crow

Visual Effects by

*Shero Rauf – digital effects artist

External links

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