State of Play (2009)
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Reviews Counted:201
Fresh:168
Rotten:33
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: A taut, well-acted political thriller, State of Play overcomes some unsubtle plot twists with an intelligent script and swift direction.
Theatrical Release:24-04-2009
Synopsis: Director Kevin Macdonald moves from documentaries and the Idi Amin drama THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND to this fictional thriller that feels all too real at times. Based on the BBC miniseries of the... [More]
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn
Director: Kevin MacDonald
Reviews for State of Play
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 3/5 |
State of Play is enjoyable, but this is not a great thriller. It’s a cold film that has no emotional drive, no defining mood of tension or paranoia. Full Review |
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This intelligent, gripping film, like the small-screen version, ultimately places the greater moral blame on fallible human beings rather than larger political forces. This rather weakens the denouement. Full Review |
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Scots director Kevin MacDonald has created a film for our times with a smart conspiracy drama which quietly reels you in. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Enjoyable even to audiences with fond memories of the TV series, State Of Play could give brainy big-screen drama a good name.
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3/5 |
It’s very successful, gripping from start to finish in the way that Michael Clayton almost but not quite did. Full Review |
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8/10 |
This is the best thriller of the year so far. Exciting, interesting, gripping and impossible not to get sucked into, this is a great movie. Full Review |
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4/5 |
The dialogue deficiencies are less easy to forgive, but neither these nor the sadly missed subplots can detract from the fact that State Of Play in any form is a damn fine yarn. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Once you get over the unlikelihood of Affleck and Crowe as buddies, State Of Play stands as a sterling thriller, benefiting from admirable convictions and an arguable return to form by Russell Crowe. Full Review |
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3/6 |
Despite the clichéd nature of much of the dialogue and the derivative thriller set-ups, ‘State of Play’ provides sufficient old-fashioned entertainment value to justify the ticket. Full Review |
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4/5 |
This is exhilarating, compulsive storytelling and looks likely to be one of the year’s cinematic highlights. Full Review |
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3/5 |
State of Play rattles along very satisfactorily, and Crowe brings to the role a relaxed self-possession and even charm. Full Review |
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3/5 |
State of Play doesn't betray its source material. It's not a huge let-down. It's a perfectly satisfactory evening's entertainment. But I wish it could have been more than that. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Pacy, thought-provoking entertainment. Not perfect, but well worth the admission. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Like all good journalists, Macdonald works to the theory that 'How' is less important than 'Why' and keeps us wanting to know more. Full Review |
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4/5 |
The pros, including sharp dialogue from a triumvirate of writers including Bourne scribbler Tony Gilroy, outweigh the cons in a polished, engrossing whydunnit you’ll want to see more than once. Full Review |
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4/5 |
twisty substantial thriller, faithfully adapted from a standout BBC mini-series. It’s not as exceptional as its source but the changes implemented mostly enhance rather than harm the story. Full Review |
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5/5 |
Even if you don't normally bother with movies, cheer yourself up by seeing this. There hasn't been a more engrossing or intelligent political thriller in the past three decades. Full Review |
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4/5 |
State Of Play's portrayal of the fine art of hackery gets it just right which, welded to a cracking storyline, makes for a first-rate movie. Full Review |
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It might lack the political depth of All The President's Men, but this is a cracking tale for a new era... as conspiracy tales go, it is pretty darn impressive. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Whether you saw the TV programme or not, State Of Play remains a great murder mystery which should not be missed. Full Review |
CommentLatest News for State of Play
April 24, 2009:
Exclusive: State of Play - Director's Commentary
As State of Play readies for release in the UK, director Kevin Macdonald takes us through a gallery of behind-the-scenes stills from the production... "I was sent the script... More...
April 20, 2009:
Crowe and Mirren co-star in action-oriented, political potboiler. 
More...
April 16, 2009:
Critics Consensus: 17 Again Is Sweet And Poignant
This week at the movies, we've got a high school do-over (17 Again, starring Zac Efron and Leslie Mann), some journalistic thrills (State of Play, starring Russell Crowe and... More...
April 16, 2009:
Box Office Guru Preview: Zac Back Again in 17 Again
Teen prince Zac Efron aims to score his second number one opener in six months, but this time without the help of an established franchise, with the new comedy 17 Again. Boldly... More...
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