"State of Play" Movie Review

This week we'll be taking a look at the investigative reporter/political thriller, State of Play (PG-13). Russel Crowe stars as an investigative newspaper reporter who along with gossip blogger Rachel McAdams attempt to piece together the mystery surrounding the tragic death of a Washington aide. Ben Affleck, Robin Wright Penn, Hellen Mirren and Jason Bateman round out the cast. Kevin Macdonald directs.

Ryan: State of Play harkens back to the those investigative journalist movies of the '70's where the protagonist(s) attempt to unravel a vast conspiracy that threatens some part of the American fabric. Viewed in that context State of Play succeeds as a modern day political thriller. It's a relatively smart film that's well-acted and well-paced. The movie doesn't attempt to say more than it should and that helps it in being a plausible film.

Andy: I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to. The film takes what seems like it is going to be a ridiculous and messy conspiracy piece but makes it just believable enough to keep the audience involved. It remains character-driven enough to seem realistic, but does not skimp on scenes of suspense and intrigue. Director Kevin Macdonald deserves much of the credit for holding the movie together. This should not be too much of a surprise, as Macdonald previously honed his craft directing 2006’s “The Last King of Scotland.”

Ryan: State of Play follows the pattern of journalistic thrillers in that the story is constantly twisting and turning and there are plenty of curve balls thrown in to keep the audience guessing. The strategy works to a point but also undermines the film's narrative. Don't get me wrong, the movie does not unravel but it comes awfully close to teetering over the edge into ludicrousness. What helps to ground the movie, for the most part, is the film's well-regarded cast. Leading the way is Crowe. As opposed to some of his other movies it actually looks like he is having a good time with this one and that's refreshing.

Andy: I thought the plot held itself up fairly well until the end. The screenwriters got a little greedy and threw in perhaps one twist too many. The result is that the movie that was otherwise solid leaves a bit of a bad taste in the audience’s mouth. Fortunately, as Ryan mentioned, the cast is so strong that it is able to overcome most of the other shortcomings. Crowe is the star here, but Affleck carries his star-power well, and McAdams is adequately charming in the female lead. And when you can have Academy Award winner Helen Mirren in a small role and nominee Viola Davis is a bit part, you know you have a solid cast. Also worth mentioning is Jason Bateman, who appears to be having a blast in his cameo.

Ryan: There's a subplot in State of Play where the (fictional) newspaper that Crowe is employed at is being purchased by a global multi-media corporation. There are several snippets of dialogue—mainly between Crowe and Mirren—on the state of the newspaper industry. Not surprisingly the take in the film reflects the current decline of the newspaper industry in the United States. There's no doubt that the movie is arguing that if the newspaper business becomes extinct (or less relevant) then we as a society will lose an important cog in our democratic process. In a lot of ways the film plays as a swan song to the significance of the newspaper business.

Andy: The newspaper aspect of the story gives the movie a balance from the corporate conspiracy that helps keep it afloat as well. The dichotomy between Crowe’s grizzled reporter and McAdams’s bright-eyed blogger works well, allowing the film to comment on several social issues without seeming awkward.

State of Play is a more than adequate thriller that is able to overcome some of its shortcomings to earn a B.