State of Play (DVD)

State of Play is one of those rare Hollywood films which treats the reader with some respect, assuming that they have the intelligence to follow complex ideas without needing to see stuff explode. In a film landscape dominated by by-the-numbers blockbusters and mindless pap, it makes a refreshing change. It begins with two seemingly unconnected murders - one a small time thief and drug addict, the other the lead researcher to a US Senator who is heading up a congressional enquiry into a private security company. Investigating theses stories, reporter Cal McAffrey starts to uncover some sordid political secrets, something complicated by the fact he is old ...  Read the complete review

Last week I managed to get hold of two tickets to a free preview screening of State of Play at my local cinema. Even though it was on a Sunday morning at the very early time of 11.00am (early for a Sunday!) I managed to drag myself out of bed in time to take advantage of the free tickets. Prior to seeing the film I'd seen a couple of billboard posters advertising it and who it starred but apart from that I didn't know a thing. The film is due to be released in the UK this coming Friday, the 24th April 2009. It was released in America on the 17th April while certain countries such as France and Portugal won't see it until the end of June bizarrely enough. It's rated in ...  Read the complete review

I have been watching a few DVDs recently, mainly because blockbusters are having a bit of a good deal on at the moment, although not as good as the deal they had on over the school summer holidays. Anyway, one of the ones I rented was called 'State of Play' starring a few well known faces, and coming highly recommended by the short bald guy behind the counter, plus the outstanding claims on the DVD box itself... 'Unmissable' stated the Daily Mirror... 'Scorching' claim the Daily Mail... 'An outstanding thriller' shouted the Telegraph... 'Electrifying' gasped James King of Radio 1 (who?) So, with all this good press, and the ...  Read the complete review

At times, you'll find yourself thinking that this is a brilliant thriller. However, the fact that it lasts for quite a while and that the suspenseful moments can be a bit too drawn out means that it's not quite the brilliant film it could be. Adapted from a British 6 part TV series, State of Play is americanised and set in Washington, where a string of events, including a couple of murders, end up reuniting congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) and reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), friends since their college days. When a researcher working for Collins is murdered, it is linked to another murder and Cal sets about working the story, much to the ...  Read the complete review

I thought this was a fairly average political conspiracy themed film - perfectly watchable, pretty entertaining, good acting, but nothing special or particularly original. ***** The Plot ***** The film centres around the death of Sonia Baker, a young lady whose is working on a research project in congressman Stephen Collins' team. When he hears of her death and has to announce it publicly, the devastation on his face is evident and his relationship with her is put under question, especially as he is a married man. As a congressman who is so constantly in the limelight this speculation could be disastrous for his public image, and so he gets ...  Read the complete review