Review: State of Play
by Guy Benson
I caught a media screening of the new Russell Crowe flick, State of Play, in Chicago this week. It did not disappoint. The film’s trailers promise a taut, political thriller with a number of dramatic plot twists–and the movie delivers a pretty solid pay-off. I’ll admit in advance that I was predisposed to enjoy this film, so take my analysis with a few grains of salt:
1. I love this genre, and since many of these types of movies end up being terribly disappointing, a fairly well-executed thriller with a decent plot is more than enough to satisfy this customer.
2. I got to screen a movie for free that I was planning to plunk down $10 for. Did that win the movie some points in my book before it even began? Sure. Should it have? Probably not, but whatever…I’m 24. I’ll happily take the freebie.
3. The cast contained a number of my favorites, and remaining stars got the job done.
Crowe, despite being a reputed Class-A jerk, is a phenomenal actor. His portrayal of a gritty, old-school investigative journalist was very well done. As a journalism school grad, I still have a soft spot for characters like this, and he nailed it. The tense garage scene may have been an homage to All The Presidents Men.
Rachel McAdams did a nice job as an up-and-coming blogger who stumbles on a massive story. Her performance didn’t overwhelm, but she pulled of her role nicely. Plus, she’s really cute.
Helen Mirren captures perfectly the conflicted role of a news veteran trying to balance her new bosses’ demands for profits with her ingrained sense of responsible news-gathering. One of the film’s minor themes is the modern decline of newspapers, addressing the desperation in trying to stay relevant–and afloat.
Jason Bateman’s character–a public relations playboy–provides some comic relief that cuts the otherwise nonstop tension. He’s not just a funnyman, though. It’s still difficult for me to see Bateman and not think, “Michael Bluth,” which isn’t a bad thing.
Ben Affleck did a serviceable job as a young Congressman making his way through DC, contending with outside adversaries, personal failings, party politics, and quite a few secrets. Despite being a featured player in the film, Affleck didn’t ruin it. (Can you tell I’m not an admirer?)
Jeff Daniels channeled the role of hack politician to a T. It was almost as if he spent some time in DC prepping for the role.
Conservatives will certainly have a few gripes with the film, especially the fact that one of its main villains is a big, bad defense contractor run amok. (Did State of Play’s producers exchange notes with the 24 guys at some point? They might as well have called the evil company “Starkwood”). Some may also bristle at the heroic portrayal of the journalists, who at least appear to be the only moral players in the plot.
Despite these quibbles, I’d still recommend seeing the movie. It didn’t have too many edge-of-your-seat moments, but a few developments drew gasps from the crowd. The plot was clever enough, and it lacked the tedious predictability from which many similar films suffer.
I’d give it a solid B.
State of Play opens nationwide Friday.
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55 Comments
Will this be the last newspaper film not done as a period piece?
Russell Crowe is still my favorite actor, so I'll be seeing this anyway.
I do hope his hair was long just for that character, cause he looks much better with it short.
It's a shame Crowe seems to be stuck with the 'jerk' label- it is our understanding that he's actually a great guy.
When he came into Chicago with his band 30 Odd Ft of Grunts he was considered an affable, even genial sort with the folks who met/worked with him. No doubt the perfectionist, we know of other actors with FAR better reputations who are total jerks…
Suffice to say if Crowe is in it it's most likely worth watching…
Oh I don't know. I would tend to agree, but Crowe in Master and Commander was just TOOOOO HOT, and his hair was shoulder length.
It didn't hurt that it was a fabulous movie and perfectly acted. I wish they'd make a sequel, I'd camp out in front of the theater to get tickets.
I like Crowe, and I haven't been particularly influenced by his bad press. He and Guy Pearce both acted circles around the creepy Kevin Spacecase in "L. A. Confidential." I'll have much more trouble getting around the noxious Ben Affleck, who couldn't act if Obama's life depended on it. I always have trouble not picturing his life partner Matt Damon lurking in the background. The more weight he gains, and the more rumpled he looks, the better Jeff Daniels gets, so that's a plus. I'll probably wait for the DVD on this one.
There were certainly enough books written in the series that there is enough sequel material there. "Master and Commander" was one of the few movies I enjoyed more than the book(s) as a matter of fact, they were just too technically nautical at times for me.
I like Crowe. I think he's one of the best actors going right now. He's actually got range and he's believable in what he does.
Affleck is a hack wannabe. I really don't like Bateman either.
"LA Confidential" was freaking brilliant, I even liked Spacey in it which is a pretty mean feat.
Couldn't agree more with you on Affleck too.
I liked Bateman in "The Kingdom" and "Starsky and Hutch" but honestly that's the only 2 things I've seen him in since forever. I never watched that "Arrested Development" because if I wanted to watch a disfunctional, neurotic family, I'd come visit mine more often.
Though I have to say "Dogma" is one of my favorite movies and I usually can't stand the Affleck/Damon union…
Apropos of absolutely nothing, did we offend the ratings gods? You've been stuck at 101 for almost a week, and I've been stuck at 95 for three days. Even CogntDssdnt or whatever has been stuck at -1 for some time. I know this isn't a popularity contest, but it does seem a little strange, no?
You know, as a conservative, I don't really take offense when the bad guy is a defense contractor. I just don't see that as a conservative issue. In fact, ideologically, I have no love or hate for any corporation that does business with the government, unless that corporation is (1) cheating the government/taxpayer or (2) using its relationship with the government to screw the rest of us (I'm looking at you AIG/Chris Dodd). And if that's the case, then I'm opposed to the corporation. Otherwise, who cares.
That said, making a defense contractor the bad guy is usually lazy writing, and that does offend me.
You liked Husky and Starch? I guess even friends can have serious disagreements.
I've been wondering that myself, not for myself, but why the hell CogntDssdnt is still just at -1. There's something wrong methinks.
That movie had a strange effect on me. Either I was yelling at the screen in annoyance, or laughing until I ran out of breath. I still preferred "Jay and Silent Bob." Jason Mewes is probably the most obnoxious and hilariously funny guy in movies today.
I always suspected you were a secret lefty labor lawyer.
I liked "Dogma" too, but I'm a card carrying heretic anyhow.
Kevin Smith movies are the only ones where Affleck and/or Damon don't make me want to go postal. I especially liked Affleck in "Mallrats" although I'm not so sure playing a sleezeball is technically acting for him. Just sayin'…
I watched Arrested Development, but I didn't like it. Normally, something like that would be up my alley, but it just seemed too forced for me. I'm not sure what it is I don't like about Bateman, but he rubs me wrong.
Lawyers of the world unite!
I'm not really worried about the ratings, but being stuck at 101 keeps making want to listen to a Depeche Mode album I have.
I´d be there! One of my all time favorites. Peter Weir´s love for the material is evident in every shot. Sadly, it didn´t make enough money to warrant a sequel.
I like Russell Crowe, but I just can't drag myself to see this. Personally, I can only take Affleck in comedies (Shakespeare in Love, Chasing Amy). He just doesn't have the gravitas for drama.
Careful. They'll find out we're all just in it for the money. Never mind, they already know.
I'm in it for the love.
'Fess up. You just like Affleck's adorable Mr. Ed smile. I want to do a production with Affleck in it. Every time he appears, a big white goose shows up behind him and quacks very loudly "Affleck. A-f-f-l-e-c-k !"
And I keep humming "I can't drive———95."
They already have the love doctor. So I guess that makes you the love lawyer. I'll be the love Indian Chief.
Hey I mentioned a good long while back that I loved some really bad movies. I'm still waiting for Ishtar to come out on DVD too…
I think that every time I hear his name too. Oh look, it's Ben A-f-f-l-a-c-k.
Starsky and Hutch – my sisters were visiting and made me watch it on DVD. I literally wet myself laughing. Seriously, I had to pause the movie so I could change my clothes.
The Love Lawyer. . . I can't imagine.
"Bill, when you allegedly gave the requisite gift of flowers to this proposed romantic interest, did you obtain a waiver of satisfaction on the evening?"
That will go over like a lead ballon. . .
I noticed that too. Sent a message to the webmaster about it too.
I'll pass.
1. I'm a Crowe fan, but a film has to be really something to make me sit through Affleck.
2. Political films coming out of Hollywood might as well have been put out by the DNC. No thanks. I don't plunk down hard earned bucks to be indoctrinated and have my intelligence insulted.
3. Where's the suspense? A journalist digging into a defense contractor's secrets. Wow! What a concept.
Now a journalist digging into Democratic corruption, THAT would be something unusual.
I'm feeling better about thinking "Master and Commander" was a nearly-perfect movie. Most reviewers didn't much care for it, but I've watched it at least five times.
PS: I got your note about the ratings. It's partially vanity on my part, I admit, but mostly it's nice to know if my fellow conservatives think something we're saying is just plain nuts (I don't count the trolls in that group).
I think it would probably be more accurate to say that he probably doesn't suffer fools gladly. And in his business there are a lot of fools to suffer.
I am THE ultimate Crowe fan. I stood in blazing heat for 6 hours to see Crowe performe with his band TOFOG (Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts) in San Francisco. Twice! I have all his posters, movies, clippings, etc. Yep, I'm certified.
I'm not watching this stupid film. If that trailer is anything like the movie, this film is simply a hack piece of lazy, suck-up writing. If I put a blindfold on and whacked at a keyboard, I could have come up with better dialogue and plot than the hackneyed stuff I saw in this trailer. Trust me. This is simply a tired, warmed over excuse of a film that breaks NO ground and is the epitome of Hollywood hypocrisy – i.e., professing 'courage' when in fact it is really cowardly sniveling to the same tired old cliches.
Now – if this were a film about the courage of that Danish cartoonist with Mohammed, well, then THAT would be a true film of courage.
I am THE ultimate Crowe fan. I stood in blazing heat for 6 hours to see Crowe performe with his band TOFOG (Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts) in San Francisco. Twice! I have all his posters, movies, clippings, etc. Yep, I'm certified.
I'm not watching this stupid film. If that trailer is anything like the movie, this film is simply a hack piece of lazy, suck-up writing. If I put a blindfold on and whacked at a keyboard, I could have come up with better dialogue and plot than the hackneyed stuff I saw in this trailer. Trust me. This is simply a tired, warmed over excuse of a film that breaks NO ground and is the epitome of Hollywood hypocrisy – i.e., professing 'courage' when in fact it is really cowardly sniveling to the same tired old cliches.
Now – if this were a film about the courage of that Danish cartoonist with Mohammed, well, then THAT would be a true film of courage.
Remember, Michael, there is always money in the banana stand.
It's sold as a set with Plan9 From Outer Space. OK, it isn't. But it should be.
Russell Crowe!
'Nuff said.
"My own brother. Michael. My own selfish brother. Michael. Selfish Michael."
"I will grind whatever grist the mill requires in order to fulfill my duty."
"Whatever the cost?"
"Whatever the cost."
Glorious movie, and — I don't say this lightly — one of the best movies made in my lifetime. A movie I'm quite happily giving my grandfather, a WWII vet who finally got a DVD player, and one of the few movies of the last thirty years that I suspect (and devoutly hope) will stand the test of time.
More than most, folks here should love this movie for its context: the defense — spirited without being shrill — of classically liberal Western civilization against the narcissistic despotism of, in this case, Napoleon Bonaparte; its embrace of Christian faith, martial values, and the Enlightenment's esteem for rational inquiry and the dignity of the individual (things that can be at odds but can also be reconciled); and its celebration of the good things in life, music, friendship, and victory in battle.
Damn good movie.
I saw the original Brit TV series version with Bill Nighy [brlliant] and James McAvoy. It was a gripping 3 parter that we watched in one session, it was that good. Unfortunately, I cannot stand Crowe and find him to be atedious bore. If it wasn't for his stentorian Richard Burton-esque voice, I think he would rightfully unemployed.
Rent the original on Netflix.
I saw the original Brit TV series version with Bill Nighy [brlliant] and James McAvoy. It was a gripping 3 parter that we watched in one session, it was that good. Unfortunately, I cannot stand Crowe and find him to be atedious bore. If it wasn't for his stentorian Richard Burton-esque voice, I think he would rightfully unemployed.
Rent the original on Netflix.
How about a journalist digging into journalistic corruption? Come on, Growl, you gotta admit that is WAY more unusual, right?
Journalists as the good guys? Pure fantasy. And attractive? Have the writers never seen a newspaper reporter before? How about a movie where the journalists are ideological hacks pumping out propaganda to the detriment of the people? now THAT would be a realistic premise!
Oooh! Or even better yet: a movie where the every-man blogger stumbles upon proof of collusion between the corrupt Democrats and their ideological cheerleaders in the press, and the media tries to destroy him, the Democrats try to disappear him….
now thats a thriller premise people could believe!
As a woman who is very very picky, Russell Crowe…hot hot hot…new Richard Burton….I'd watch him do anything. I like that I don't know his politics. Everything I've heard says he consumate professional AND his own guy even if it's a bad boy thingy….rare.
I am too suspicious of the casting of so many Liberals so little Time in this movie and the tiresome reporters being the moral compass and the whities in corporations being bad. Why aren't black corporate guys bad? Will wait for HBO or whatever….
Im so glad you say that, dcase, because as a fan of his, I have heard nothing but rave reviews from those that have worked with him – the label "jerk" is a favorite meme by I dont know who – I guess those who think he should kiss up to them or something…not to mention the fact that he is a Family man now and is proud to choose THEM first over all the Hollywood parties et al. He's made a few nigh-near political comments that have me nervous about spoiling my 'state of admiration' (he's my one last hope of being able to enjoy a damn fine Talent without ignorant elitism ringing in my ears when I go see one of his movies), but I wouldnt put him in the league of being a jerk.
(and those who have been seeing me comment here long enough have to know I could NOT help but weigh in on this LOL LOL!!)
Cheers Carolyn! *waves* I will probably see this, but as is the wont of my latter days of movie going, it will probably be six months later when it comes out on DVD. I hate watching a movie by myself (Im lucky in being a stay at home mom) and my eye is so jaded now with all the political stuff out, that I know the only thing I will be impressed with is Crowe…not that I will mind being impressed by him, but really…there wasnt something BETTER?
Maybe I'll just put "Rough Magic" back into the DVD player instead…
I think I'll probably let this one pass by. It has too many big bore cliches — the hero journalist (what a laugh, especially when we live in an age when journalists are more intent on suppressing free speech than promoting it), the evil businessman (about as overdone as vampires and zombies).
Here's why I thought "State" missed a great chance at something more.
http://digg.com/u11GzJ
we believe you to be spot on accurate on this…
we also have heard nothing but good; understand that he commiteed a pc sin when he abused the hotel clerk; who being gay made a stink out of it in their media and Crowe was painted as 'not one of us' by the Hollywood types- irrespective of his political views- and his intensity on the set is no more, than say, Johnny Depp, who is pretty much of a jerk… we have always thought that his talent was what they were really jealous of. Who in Hollywood could carry off 'Master and Commander' and 'A Beautiful Mind'- no one we know of…
Guy, I'm kind of shocked you didn't flag the libel about US forces in this movie – even though directed at private military contractors – that crosses the line of run-of-the-mill dramatic hyperbole, entering instead the realm of extremist propaganda. The red line section occurs when Affleck’s congressman rants at the head of a Blackwater-like company, accusing it of mass atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan, and preparing a de facto coup of the US government.
The latter is ridiculous but harmless, and standard fare for this sort of plot. The gratuitous accusation of mass atrocities in Islamic countries, however, has the potential to hurt real Americans in a real way by feeding the worst Great Satan theories of Islamists and the Evil America views of the lunatic left, elements of which often overlap.
Was this level of ad hominem attack necessary to advance the plot? Sure the bad guys in a thriller need to be made to look really bad. But these sort of offhand canards seep into the zeitgeist, deepening suspicions at home and abroad about the bona fides of US military forces. Affleck’s limousine-liberal politics are well known, so one imagines he hopes his speech will be taken at face value by his fans. Sadly it might get other Americans killed.
In response to a real though similar abuse of power, a patriotic American once challenged an out-of-control congressman with the immortal words "Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"
Full review at http://www.wikpik.com/movie_reviews/1821-state-of...
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