State of Play

Eh, this was alright. I mean, look at the poster. It just shows the actors turning their heads in different ways with squinting eyes. It is sad.

It was another political/journalism thriller in the strain of "All the Presidents Men" meets something like "The Pelican Brief", with some great actors but that collapsed under its ego. Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Robin Wright-Penn, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Daniels and Helen Mirren- fantastic cast. All of them were pretty good, except while I really enjoy watching Russell Crowe, I think he could have tried a wee bit harder at playing his character, he was a bit vapid. Ben Affleck, though, fit surprisingly well into the role of sleazy congressman. His face is so oddly chiseled and wax-like that he stepped into that role effortlessly.

Well, I guess I should mention the plot, but then again why should I? The whole movie is about the plot, so telling you anything would ruin a good 10 minutes of action for you. But I must say something. An aide in Affleck's office falls in front of a subway and it turns out they were involved. Crowe is his old college roommate, and a 'seasoned' reporter (in the most cliche way), so he gets involved looking into the event. Things unfold and get twisted and get revealed and then unrevealed the whole time. It looked as though it was going to end nice and tidy, but then they throw a curve ball from the land of stupid that just makes the whole movie worthless. It wasn't a bad ending, it didn't feel wrong, it was just....lame and unnecessary. Like the writer felt the need to throw out one last twist so he opened the book of lame twists and picked one. Rent it, don't go see it. You'll be entertained but then immediately forget most of it. And it was over 2 hours long.

And, for the second time in a week, I've watched a movie with a title that has little to do with anything (the amazing/wonderful "Man From Earth" was the other). State of Play?? Are we living in a nation full of playfulness? Or we are stuck in a permanent state of playground games? No silly screenwriters, you need to pick a better title. Though, to be fair, its the name of the BBC miniseries that its based on, which I've read is much better.