State of Play (2009)

Ben affleck, when given a chance can act with the best of them, Russell Crowe and Rachael mcadams were also superb, and a cameo by Jason Bateman was a showstopper, however, the story was thin, it has been done so many times with a different name and less plot holes. Absolute power, gene hackman, Cher in suspicion, and Julia Roberts in the pelican brief to name but a few that were similar enough without the directors gaffes, like the two main characters talking at the tops of their lungs in public, or all the character loose ends such as the informant leave you feeling a bit insulted. The love triangle was nonsenseical and when you have all characters leading to the bad guy there's not too much of a mystery. All in all it's a good cable, rainy Sunday afternoon movie, one that you will find mildly entertaining, but won't feel compelled to rewind if you doze off.

This movie is remake of British TV series with same name. The British TV series far far better than this movie. Heavy casting but a complete garbage. I am expecting better performance from Ben. The movie was trying to separate from movie but they just lost the plot and thrill of a suspense drama. British screenplay was smarter with sense of humour Russell Crow is not fit to a journalist character and the British counter part is far better. The editor's character was a significant in the story but in the movie that role spoiled the whole character. I suggest you to watch TV series instead this bad handled movie. Though the raise American biggest problem war against false terror. The try to shorten the story but added some unnecessary scene like cal chased by assassin.

The base premise is just one notch above any average scandal and conspiracy story. But I must admit the later twists are great. The look like they are downplays but they are not. The characters are not so deeply developed, though. And the focus is not so deep on the rest of the characters beside Cal and Stephen. I personally like the stable fast pace of how the mystery unfolded.Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck did a great job here, while McAdams provided just enough for her character. Helen Mirren was able to give this movie some added toughness, even from a not so significant character, which is nice. A 7 out of 10 is solid from me.

State of Play. Nothing thrills like a good thriller but it can be ruined if you do not sum it up perfectly in the end. Same happens here. When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington D.C. journalist played by Russel Crowe starts investigating the case involving the congressman, his old college friend Ben Affleck. As plot uncovers himself, you watch keenly and then brace yourself for a thrilling finale. In fact it arrives but then it gets twisted and turn into a convoluted ending. Not all the good work is ruined because you had your fun during the journey. Like any slick thriller that Hollywood produces on mass scale, this one also has good script, a well known cast, apt back ground score, good performances, detailed scenes, subtle references, delicious dialogues and being a political thriller it gives you some insight into the darkness of politics, corporate culture and military. So watch it if you are craving for a good thriller and keep your expectations low for the surprising finale.