Movie MarauderState of Play
June 17th 2009 12:18
Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams – there are plenty of reasons to go see this movie and you won’t be disappointed. The story revolves around journalist, Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) and a breaking news story that starts as a simple drug hit and escalates to conspiracy and corruption at the highest level. It’s not long until Cal’s college roommate and now congressman, Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) becomes embroiled in the thick of it. Cal is determined to maintain his journalistic integrity and report the real news but struggles against his editor, Cameron (Helen Mirren) who just wants to put something in print. He finds an ally in young up and coming blogger, Della Frye (Rachel McAdams).
A journalist and a politician – now there’s an unlikely friendship! But, it certainly keeps things
interesting. You can never be sure what Cal and Simon are motivated by; friendship, ambition, self preservation? This is one movie where you’ll be wishing you could read minds.
The plot is good, it’s a fast paced, relevant story, drawing on current social and political issues. It’s quite believable.
With such a great cast, its hard to pick a winner, they all do a good job. Mirren is hard-nosed but a soft touch where Cal is concerned, Affleck couldn't be more suited to the role of the politician out to save his country and McAdams is vivacious and holds her own against Crowe. Special mention must be made of Crowe’s luscious locks in this movie, quite outstanding. His singing skills in the opening scene do fall short of the mark, though are, undoubtedly, in character.
My only real criticism of the movie is that the ending felt rushed. You can sense the plot twist coming, speculate where the story will go, hoping for something to excite and stun but in the end it all felt a little hurried. The twist just didn’t pack enough punch to elevate State of Play from a good movie to a great movie.
A journalist and a politician – now there’s an unlikely friendship! But, it certainly keeps things
Simon and Cal share a moment
The plot is good, it’s a fast paced, relevant story, drawing on current social and political issues. It’s quite believable.
With such a great cast, its hard to pick a winner, they all do a good job. Mirren is hard-nosed but a soft touch where Cal is concerned, Affleck couldn't be more suited to the role of the politician out to save his country and McAdams is vivacious and holds her own against Crowe. Special mention must be made of Crowe’s luscious locks in this movie, quite outstanding. His singing skills in the opening scene do fall short of the mark, though are, undoubtedly, in character.
My only real criticism of the movie is that the ending felt rushed. You can sense the plot twist coming, speculate where the story will go, hoping for something to excite and stun but in the end it all felt a little hurried. The twist just didn’t pack enough punch to elevate State of Play from a good movie to a great movie.
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Comment by Will Coley
Films from now and recent past. Reviewed