KissEnglishPasto
...........................................................from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L.A. CA., CALI, COLOMBIA....and ORLANDO, FL Tried to avoid having much in the way of expectations for STATE of PLAY, but it was hard to be oblivious to the all the general good buzz. Also, hard not to know beforehand that the cast is exceptional and that it's getting relatively high ratings and strong reviews. Still, other than that, didn't really want to find out any more! Watching a solid, well-done film like STATE, is like watching a good athlete or an outstanding performer
They all make it look SO EASY! Just take an interesting, dynamic story; convert that into a cohesive, believable sounding screenplay; do your casting well, so you get a cast that can breathe life into the characters; craft the music to heighten the mood/ambiance at hand; edit the scenes for maximum impact and always know where you're going and be sure you take the movie in the direction of your vision! Easy-Peasy
Japanesey! Those are some of STATE's pluses.Like any movie it did have some minuses. I'll try and go over both. A powerhouse cast, that doesn't disappoint: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, and Jeff Daniels
WOW! Did the A-list want IN on this project, or what?!? Although Crowe does a fine job, he falls a little short of true excellence. A difficult task, attempting to shine when surrounded by ALL that talent! One surprise: Ben Affleck, not exactly on my favorite "actors" list, turns in a deviously devilish performance as the congressman who is keenly aware of his media image and how to protect it. But the big jaw-dropper here is Jason Bateman. His characterization fooled me completely! Had to wait for the credits to see who he was! His Uber- creepy-bottom-feeder-sleaze-ball was the film's real revelation! STATE falls down a bit because it is very light in the new and original Department. Still, it is a very well-crafted, entertaining movie! How's this for a chillingly ironic 10 year Date of authoring this review? SEP/11/11 -- 9* STARS....ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome!
sourav ray
This movie is remake of British TV series with same name. The British TV series far far better than this movie. Heavy casting but a complete garbage. I am expecting better performance from Ben. The movie was trying to separate from movie but they just lost the plot and thrill of a suspense drama. British screenplay was smarter with sense of humour Russell Crow is not fit to a journalist character and the British counter part is far better. The editor's character was a significant in the story but in the movie that role spoiled the whole character. I suggest you to watch TV series instead this bad handled movie. Though the raise American biggest problem war against false terror. The try to shorten the story but added some unnecessary scene like cal chased by assassin.
Harriet Deltubbo
Welcome to the world of State of Play, where thieves roam loose, dysfunctional families live in decaying shacks and violent dogs are barking everywhere. It's a world where the only thing that keeps lives afloat is the sensitivity of the bilaterally desperately needy relationships on display. All the characters struggle against a system that has perpetuated falsehoods. Against this backdrop, our hero must fight. The acting is very effective, save for a couple of scenes. Nonetheless, the cinematography is stark and bare, with only the soundtrack adding some effect. I finished this film, thinking, "There are people out there suffering and I can do something to help them."
Johan Dondokambey
The base premise is just one notch above any average scandal and conspiracy story. But I must admit the later twists are great. The look like they are downplays but they are not. The characters are not so deeply developed, though. And the focus is not so deep on the rest of the characters beside Cal and Stephen. I personally like the stable fast pace of how the mystery unfolded.Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck did a great job here, while McAdams provided just enough for her character. Helen Mirren was able to give this movie some added toughness, even from a not so significant character, which is nice. A 7 out of 10 is solid from me.
AD
