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State of Play
User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 72
  3. Negative: 2 out of 72

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  1. dustinc
    May 4, 2009
    7
    Good film. Solid performance from Crowe. above aberage overall.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. judithp
    Apr 20, 2009
    10
    The New York Post review was pure spittle.Really a zero? SOP is a well made ,well-acted movie ,which apparently made some points that rankled some reviewers.Snark on the internet is a chronic problem.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. ArneC
    May 4, 2009
    9
    Excellent thriller except for the very last twist, which seemed forced. Crow and Mirren shine as always. Affleck is OK.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. ManusA
    Oct 3, 2009
    7
    This was an intriguing political thriller. It's not the Oscar contender it could have been, but still worth seeing. Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, and Rachel McAdams were the key navigators of the plot, and sometimes steal scenes from Mirren and Crowe, who are good as always. Affleck had a weird approach to his character, but is still believable. The twist was intelligent but the movie didn't build enough suspense to reach that twist effectively. This has a marvelous backstory which I want to give away but won't, and is also an example of cliches well-executed and excellent. That said, it could have used some more originality. Without the performances of Penn, Bateman, and McAdams, this probably would have gotten a 6.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JimF
    Apr 18, 2009
    5
    The tension in the newsroom in "State of Play" between the traditional print edition and the online-bottom-line present provides an interesting backdrop for this generally taut, well-directed drama, and the tantalizing suggestion of post-9/11 conspiracies within the government is potentially provocative. But, unfortunately, the film doesn't follow through on its promise, and the drama eventually devolves into a denouement that looks like it was fabricated by the "Warren Commission"-like agency in Alan Pakula's "The Parallax View". Also, having Ben Affleck's character's fling with an underage girl punished at the end doesn't work as well if Russell Crowe's character is implicitly hitting on a girl (Rachel McAdams) young enough to be his daughter. So much for high-mindedness.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. ChrisC
    Apr 19, 2009
    9
    This film is based upon an intriguing story, it has a fascinating script, and some great acting performances. It is Ben Affleck's standout performance of his career, and one which shows he has finally stepped out of the whole 'Bennifer' & Gigi shadow. The more investigation is done by Russell Crowes character the deeper the mystery gets. The twists are amazing, but are nicely understated. 9/10 from me. I notice some of the weaker critics reviews are carried out by the bloggers that the film does have a sly dig at, by hinting, and then showing how they are not real journalists.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. Steve
    Jul 31, 2009
    5
    Ninety-five percent of this movie is a smart, engrossing, well-acted thriller. I wasn't crazy about how it was shot -- too much washed out color and hand-held camera for this type of story -- but the script was tight and the performances good. Then came the ending. Without giving away what happens, let me just say that it's hard to imagine how a film this big makes it through all the studio execs and test screenings without somebody realizing that the ending simply doesn't make sense. I spent a good amount of time trying to go back through the events and figure out how the various characters knew what they supposedly did, but it doesn't come together. Then I went online and found that it doesn't make sense to anyone else either. It's really too bad, because this could have been a great movie if they'd just left it alone. It didn't even need the extra twist which wound up killing the overall experience.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. RichB
    Apr 17, 2009
    9
    Excellent thriller, that's well acted and fairly easy to follow with quite a few twists and turns that will keep you till the end.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. JudyT
    Apr 17, 2009
    7
    Okay but lacked the punch that would have made it great. Great performances by Robin Wright and Jason Bateman.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. JoyceT
    Apr 18, 2009
    9
    Fires on all cylinders until the last few minutes -- at which point a desire on the part of the filmmakers?/studio execs? to contrive a tidy ending, lets all of the air out of it. Having said that, this is a beautifully paced political thriller with terrific performances from everyone, and with dialogue that's right on the money.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. CarolynM
    Apr 18, 2009
    9
    We saw this tonight and thought it was far better than the New York Times gave it credit for. Great performances and dark atmosphere; wonderful photography of iconic DC landmarks taken from angles that make them different from anything you've seen before. See it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. NormaS
    Apr 18, 2009
    5
    It's like they took the original mini-series and accidentally washed it in the pocket of a pair of jeans. Rachel McAdams is operating at her usual old-style-Hollywood level of charisma, but Russell Crowe plays Cal as a cartoon, not as a character. And it may be crass to speak thus of the Queen herself, but I liked Bill Nighey better when he was being played by Bill Nighey, not by a watered-down Helen Mirren. I guess you know you're in trouble when the most convincing acting in a film comes from Ben Affleck. Watch the original mini: this is nothing but Cliff's Notes by comparison.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. ChadS
    Apr 21, 2009
    7
    To underline the increasing irrelevance of the newspaper in our everyday lives, the filmmaker shrewdly undercuts Cal McAffrey's bloated sense of self-worth with editing choices which democratizes the working relationship that the seasoned reporter has with "His Online Girl Friday". In another era, when newspapers were thriving, this subdued scene would have been much ado about something. As Cal(Russell Crowe) pulls Della Frye(Rachel McAdams) out of a meeting, her online colleagues give her only a cursory look and continue forward with their conversations without the slightest notion of envy visible on their faces. By the standards of the past, Della, a blogger(an intern of sorts), is a proper journalist now, but as the cub reporter speaks to her experienced mentor, nobody behind the glassed-in conference room looks all that impressed. A lot has changed in the fifteen years since Ron Howard's "The Paper" was released into theaters. "State of Play" is a love letter to the newspaper industry, but if you read between the lines, it reads like a "Dear John" letter. Case and point: a veteran writer such as Cal, in all likelihood, would be hesitant to share his byline with a rookie, but "State of Play" has cheating on its mind. While it sings the praises of old school journalism, the film privileges the enemy, the blogger, by giving her more credit than she deserves. Cal doesn't give Della co-authorship on his article, "State of Play" does. Finally, when Cal leaves the newsroom, his triumphant walk pass the cubicles is spoiled, as Della hogs some of his spotlight, symbolically denying hard news journalists like Cal and his ilk, a graceful bow from the public sector.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. BrianS
    Apr 21, 2009
    8
    A surprising gem. Gripping, and a twisting plot that has you engaged the entire time. Better than I thought it would be!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. CharlieC
    May 2, 2009
    8
    Great political thriller! Keeps you glued to the edge of your seat. Acting was terrific, the plot ever twisting, camera and editing steady. The movie is very timely for it's comments on newspapers. We have relied on the better newspapers for in depth reporting. Will that be lost with profit driven chains and the dominance of the internet??? Would highly recommend the film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. JohnH
    May 28, 2009
    7
    Maddening Movie Alert Ouch. This may be one of the most memorable cinematic shooting-yourself-in-the-foot exercises of all time !! Here is a powerful, savvy, entertaining and insightful film that is decidedly disturbing in the entirely believable and timely political material it presents…….. but which self-destructively dissolves into storytelling and thematic gibberish in its climatic final ten minutes !! How could such a brilliantly directed film that never puts a foot wrong, that grabs hold of you from the get-go and consistently displays a sureness of touch and truly impressive mastery of the film medium (that keeps you “on the edge of your seat” as the saying goes)…..self-destruct so irrevocably in its closing scenes and implodes to the point that the audience leaves the theatre in a State of Puzzlement ? How could the terrific movie they have been glued to for the past two hours suddenly vanish into thin air ?? The cast here is nothing short of inspired, the direction is pretty much flawless, the script keeps building in suspense and entirely credible intrigue- you are kept totally immensely in this very savvy movie and eagerly anticipating further developments ……….when all at once one of the most superb production of Macbeth that you have ever seen (the armies on the move in Birnam Wood and Macbeth boasting to MacDuff that he need fear “no man of woman born” ) morphs into a production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” starring Monty Woolley, the closing scenes of "Night of the Iguana", "Knock on Wood", "The Philidelphia Story" or any play or movie you care to name !! We go from Genius to Gibberish to ten seconds flat. Call it Script Writer Over-reach, Narrative Meltdown or Storytelling Hubris but the end result is that the audience files out of the cinema scratching its head and more than a little deflated/mystified and (yes) grieved by this calamitous turn of events, for it’s as though someone had just smashed a meticulously crafted and beloved ornament with a baseball bat....... In its final scenes the film shoots itself in the foot with such ferocity and comes unglued in its narrative and storytelling department on such a grand scale (the word “sloppy” comes to mind) that it is nothing short of One-For-the-Books. Let me predict that film students generations from now will study “State of Play” in darkened cinemas amidst not a few groans and disbelieving gasps, frantically jotting down notes as they grapple with the terrible enigma of how such a smart movie could commit so many storytelling blunders so repidly and at such a climatic moment in the film. I further predict that one day seminars in film schools will focus on mentoring aspiring filmmakers on how to anticipate and avoid catastrophic movie climaxes and that these to-be-avoided-at-all-cost pitfalls will officially be known under the umbrella title of State-of-Play Syndrome …….OK. Having gotten all this off my chest I must add that I think “State of Play” is still definitely well worth seeing. What’s regrettable is that it comes so close to being Must See Viewing but fumbles the ball on the five yard line.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. JayH.
    Aug 27, 2009
    7
    Fascinating and complex thriller, fine acting, excellent score. Suspenseful and it always holds your interest. The general plot isn't that original, but it's very well done.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. FirstianA.
    Sep 11, 2009
    4
    It's too long story... the twist is just predicted by half the film. The plot was to slow, no heart beating, no adrenaline paced. 2 hours of boring film, I almost sleep while seeing.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. EliasC
    Sep 23, 2009
    5
    "State of Play' is an American adaptation of a BBC 6 hour mini-series. Hollywood should have left well enough alone. Although the performances of Crowe and Afleck are very good, This version of 'State of Play' is no 'All the President's Men' which it tries at times to emulate. The film unsuccessfully tries to be an adult political thriller. It fails miserably. There is enough of an interesting plot in tis verion that I want to watch the original BBC production. I can only hope that it does not have the same off-the-wall, illogical, and dumb ending, or if it does, that the explanation and logic behind the ending is more understandable than this lame thriller.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. LennyM.
    Sep 4, 2009
    4
    Not a good movie, the story was ok, but the acting was horriable. Russell crowe and bEn should never ever ever do a movie again.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. JudithW
    Apr 17, 2009
    10
    I really enjoyed this movie. What a great pleasure to have a well acted and well written adult film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. KellyF
    Apr 19, 2009
    6
    I thought that the plot should've created more tension and intrigue, but only found predictable scenes and near boredom. I Can't recall when I looked at my watch so many times during a movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. VinceM
    Apr 27, 2009
    9
    Good movie, worth seeing on the silver screen. Russell Crowe is awesome. This story was complex, but they pieced it together pretty darn well. MacAdams is good, too.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. WinstonL.
    Sep 29, 2009
    10
    Russell Crowe is on my Oscar-watch.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. Razv
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    Very good movie. Some incredible performances by Russel Crowe and Rachel McAdams, plus a complex and interesting story, make this one of the best movies of this genre i've seen.
  26. warfield
    Jul 15, 2011
    6
    A disapointment. Casting mistakes. See the orignal: the British TV show. American version might have been better if done in 6 episodes on cable network
  27. asthobaskoro
    Apr 30, 2011
    7
    I think it's gonna be great political thriller if still 'keep low'. State of Play deliver slow-paced, twist and well-acted but I think a little cliche.
  28. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    Sensational film based upon the BBC series of the same name. Russell Crowe is magnificent as journalist Cal McCaffrey while Ben Affleck is convincing as congressman Stephen Collins. The supporting cast are incredible also with Helen Mirren as a ruthless head editor and Rachel McAdams as rookie, up and coming Della Frye. State of Play focuses upon Stephen Collins (Affleck) a rising star of his political party until his lead researcher Sonya Baker is murdered. Her death leads to lies, conspiracies and secrets spilling out. Investigative journalist Cal McCaffrey is old friends with Collins and is handed the story by his ruthless editor Cameron (Helen Mirren) Cal and his partner Della find themselves involved in a cover-up that threatens to shake up America's power structure. They soon discover that with billions of dollars at state no ones life is ever safe. A very well written script by Billy Ray, directed brilliantly by Kevin McDonald State of Play is a political thriller you simply cannot afford to miss!… Expand
  29. LevelsAndGear
    Dec 27, 2011
    6
    "State Of Play" one line review! Just saw "State of Play". Fairly slow, well acted, ok script. It was above average. Worth seeing, but probably forgettable in the long run.
  30. CRL
    Jul 26, 2011
    10
    This movie is exceptional, and even with its crazy twists it manages to entertain and mystify for its entire running time. The characters are amazingly acted, and most of them knock 'real' straight out of the ballpark, while Russell Crowe delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. Well-written and executed on all fronts, State of Play is a movie I will definitely come back to time and time again.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    60
    It's tricky, it's surprising, and it's largely faithful to the original mini-series, but in context it's a nonevent. It's like a time bomb that's never dismantled but never explodes. The movie is good enough that the ending leaves you … not angry, exactly. Unfulfilled.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    50
    There is nothing we haven't seen here before in terms of chases, intrigue and betrayals, so for all its A-list cast and production values, the film comes off as routine.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    70
    In the end, though, it's Crowe who must carry the most freight, which he does with another characterization to relish. Still bulky, although not as much so as in "Body of Lies," long-tressed and somewhat grizzled, he finds the gist of the affable eccentricity, natural obsessiveness and mainstream contrarianism that marks many professional journalists.
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