Campbell’s reworking of his much-praised 1985 BBC mini-series of the same title marks Mel Gibson’s return to a starring role after an eight-year absence. The narrative is not surprisingly streamlined and simplified, shifting away from the complex Thatcherite environmental/anti-nuke politics of the original and focusing instead on the kind of primal, paternal rage for which Gibson is so uniquely suited. Despite his off-putting off-screen snafus in recent years, Gibson still knows how to command a screen. With furrowed brow and flinty eyes, he does righteous anger better than just about any living actor, and the film thrives best when he’s pushed to the limit. (Starplex 16, Waco, TX)