State of Play (State of Play (DVD))

Member Name: goldenbat666

Product:	State of Play (DVD)
Date:	08/06/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The solid, smart plot and the wide range of brilliant actors

Disadvantages: Affleck and Crowe just don't look right

A drug-dealer is shot, so is a pizza delivery boy. This is somehow linked to the mysterious death of a young woman, who is a lead researcher for a U.S. Congressman. As a reporter tries to dig deeper into this complex, deadly political conspiracy, he is putting his career and his life on the line to solve this mystery. The one and only criticism of the film is that Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck just do not look as if they have known each other for a long time and that they are in fact, best friends. They both act well, but this does not stop them from looking slightly awkward. The emotional, touchy-feely sub-plot that exists between the two is slightly tedious and affects the film's overall quality. But apart from this, "State of Play" is a smart, intelligent, gripping thriller that follows an incredibly well-structured conspiracy plot, that throws in twist after twist whenever you think it's all over. It also helps that the range of supporting characters, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels and ESPECIALLY Helen Mirren have been perfectly cast and act together to the highest of standards. Absolutely fantastic.

Summary: A sharp, compelling political thriller