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State of Play
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State of Play

2009
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
2h 7m
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Avg Percentile 51.7% from 1995 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1995)
Compact view
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Rated 23 Sep 2009
7
57th
Not a transcendent film per se (let's face it, we've seen it all before), though the script, both meticulously calculated and involving, and performances are definitely worth your time. The film relies a bit too much on its script but it's still an effective spy thriller in the end.
Rated 18 Apr 2009
59
36th
Just your average, run of the mill conspiracy movie, featuring underwhelming performances from stars like Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, and Ben Affleck. I'd be really interested to hear why Crowe and Mirren signed on for this movie in the first place. It does have two saving graces though: 1) The eye candy that is Rachel McAdams and 2) Jason Bateman's great 10 minute appearance. Just wait two or three years though and you'll be able to watch both on TBS at 2 AM on a Saturday morning.
Rated 03 Oct 2009
67
42nd
There's nothing new here and at first the performances come off as a bit too staged. The story rises above all of this however and make everything engrossing. A little less time spent on some of the subplots would've aided things here.
Rated 28 Nov 2009
55
45th
It's pretty formulaic and by the book, but it gets the job done.
Rated 04 Nov 2010
60
49th
It starts off on a high note with an engaging murder/conspiracy mystery in a realistic setting with actual three dimensional characters. But it looses it's wind somewhere in the second act's John Grisham'ish investigative-journalism montage, reducing everything to formalistic A to B running, and the final twists are downright annoying. That said, it's still moderately enjoyable.
Rated 20 Jun 2010
70
54th
A thoroughly competent and fast-paced albeit unoriginal and occasionally predictable conspiracy thriller that benefits from a relatively smart plot and commendable acting.
Rated 23 Sep 2009
6
53rd
Doesn't pave new ways for the genre and its second hour is not on par with the first. Crowe and McAdams are the highlights here.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
73
61st
I prefire Michael Calyton and Clooney to Crows old hippy lion hair.
Rated 29 Jun 2010
76
56th
Not nearly as clever at it thinks it is. Crowe plays the rebellious reporter tolerably while Affleck (man that guy has a big face!) seems to be auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. McAdams is characteristically awful and Penn just wanders through the scenery. The premise kicks in in the first 5 seconds then after 30 minutes just lingers there. By the end the only twist was there wasn't really a twist after all.
Rated 04 Jul 2009
74
42nd
It's not bad but there are hundreds of similar stories.
Rated 08 Nov 2011
70
77th
State of Play is a well-made thriller with an engaging plot and a great deal of fun situations. You will continue to watch because your mind is occupied and there are few dull moments. There are a bit too many twists, and the film ends up being filled with far too much content for the two hours it's given, but it's still an easily watchable film that won't fail to entertain you.
Rated 23 Apr 2009
80
80th
Nothin' political, but tight story and Crowe is just damn good.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
86
56th
A Ben Affleck movie i don't hate at last! Helps the story is really good and Russell Crowe just keeps getting better.
Rated 18 May 2009
75
56th
I was comfortable with what I saw in State of Play. About as good as I have ever seen Ben Affleck - not to say he's not a good actor. Russell Crowe packs in another predictable-but-solid performance - and I really haven't seen anything remarkable from him (taking out 3:10 To Yuma, in which he was sensational) since Gladiator, which is almost a decade old. I really like what this film says about the print-media industry - a message that is made all the more important with today's media situation.
Rated 06 May 2009
80
74th
Tight plot, trots along nicely to a satisfying conclusion. I'm going to look up the TV series to see a bit more character exposition but on it's own this stands up as a policitical thriller-mystery of a high standard. I'm even beginning to warm to Russell Crowe.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
74
74th
While 'State of Play' does nothing new for its genre, it's still difficult to criticise it harshly. Crowe, as you would expect is very good, & his support cast back him up well, with a great cameo from Jason Bateman worthy of note and Ben Affleck continuing is recent run of general improvement. A generally effective and well written political thriller, which never manages to fulfil its quite considerable potential, possibly due to its lack of suspense and atmosphere. Still well worth your time.
Rated 04 Feb 2020
77
43rd
Nothing spectacular except for the end credits as you feel for each of the actors as you know they are capable of better. The twists didn't even delight and neither did the overall story of the film. Boring and contrived and thinks twists keep you engaged. They serve as a cherry on top of an already engaging story. That's where modern films goes awry.
Rated 14 Dec 2009
82
31st
Could Russell Crowe please flip his hair ONE MORE TIME? I thought the plot had a few too many loop holes, but liked Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdam's characters.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
40
30th
easily forgettable movie you have seen a dozend times before
Rated 21 Mar 2021
80
65th
Finally, finally a thriller which isn't based on car chases, pointless shootings and on poor story telling. Solid movie, keeps your attention high nonstop and Russel Crowe is the cherry on top
Rated 30 Jun 2009
80
75th
State of Play is as old-fashioned as it's lead Cal McAffrey - which means it comes with a solid plot, characterisation and suspense instead of wobbly-cams and explosions.
Rated 26 Nov 2009
78
83rd
Rated 19 Jan 2013
40
17th
Generic.
Rated 29 Nov 2009
54
29th
An uneven script that, at its best, is only mediocre cripples the whole movie. Only Russell Crowe is talented enough to actually make it credible. Cliché, but not horrible.
Rated 23 Jul 2009
58
24th
Run of the mill thriller, with one or two twists.
Rated 21 Nov 2009
80
83rd
Rewelacyjny, wciagajacy od pierwszych chwil scenariusz i swietna gra aktorska to dwa najwieksze atuty tego filmu. I chocby tylko dla nich warto go obejrzec.
Rated 06 May 2018
75
69th
biraz fazla tutuk olması hem senaryonun yer yer dağılışından hem de bazı yönetmenlik tercihlerinden kaynaklanıyor gibi, eldeki materyal mevcuttan çok daha sürükleyici bir suç/gerilim işi çıkarabileceği hissini veriyor ama çok daha ucuz tv filmi kıvamında bir şeye de dönüşebilirdi, bu anlamda başarılı yine. ben affleck dışında da yan rollere kadar harika bir kadrosu var.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
60
47th
http://gorgview.com/state-of-play
Rated 30 Dec 2010
69
73rd
Under the radar thriller is actually worth a look. Crowe is good as is a pretty talented supporting cast.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
90
97th
Robust direction, clever script, well-aimed dialogues, humour, well-shot scenes, very good performances by all, action, and, generally, everything that comprises an excellent political thriller.
Rated 21 Jul 2009
2
39th
An okay crime thriller--while it was good and I did enjoy it for what it was, it didn't leave me feeling much of anything in the end. It exists only in the time spent watching it.
Rated 06 Jul 2010
70
20th
An understated political thriller that sees Crowe in a determined role and Affleck in an unusual one. It's great to see how powerful the theme is in this film.
Rated 17 Jun 2013
70
41st
Despite best efforts, ends up being pretty generic. Surprisingly, considering the screenwriters (Gilroy and Ray have both done brilliant work elsewhere), the script has a lot of problems, not least of which is the ridiculously heroic protagonist, the newspaper clichés, and the over-stuffed plot, which is of course a consequence of adapting a TV show. Acting is good though. Too bad Brad Pitt dropped out.
Rated 26 Feb 2011
45
29th
Ben Affleck is somewhat of an enigma. He's a strong comedic actor and his nascent directorial exploits now lead me to believe that he may have actually been the primary author behind Good Will Hunting, despite the claims of Family Guy. But, good lord, the dude needs to give up serious acting. Yowza. Anyway, this movie relies too heavily on contrived and manipulative plot twists, and it's not a good sign when its strongest moment is a credits montage.
Rated 02 May 2009
74
34th
Nothing in this film was as surprising as it wanted to be. It had its moments but you can't help but leave this one feeling dissatisfied
Rated 01 Aug 2012
45
57th
Intriguing cast and a promising first half, but eventually things get rushed; overall this is a decent but forgettable film and you're better off watching the BBC Mini-Series ('State of Play' - 2003). *Preview*: #12#, re-3*, story, Rachel.McA/7, oldies(2), R2 }*{ #09#, story, reviews, cast.
Rated 08 Jul 2009
78
57th
The movie has a good pace and tension, and Russell Crowe can still carry a film well while not always appearing to be the same character. The chemistry with Rachel McAdams was good, but the other supporting characters were uninteresting or under-used. Visually nothing special. Story average to unremarkable, ending a bit weak. An acceptable night's entertainment but not really a keeper.
Rated 22 Feb 2010
77
33rd
This held my interest at the time, but it didn't really stick with me. Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren are both very good, but then they always are.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
83
78th
I'm not shocked to see Tony Gilroy had a hand in the script, as it reminded me much of the slightly-better Michael Clayton. You really only get a handful of movies a year that are this smart and tightly paced. Its message on the significance of newsprint is especially relevant today.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
70
46th
Want to see some great actors delivering satisfactory work in a seemingly average movie that feels made for prime time cable? See 'State of Play.' Want to see a better conspiracy thriller this year that's a bit more suspenseful? See 'The International.' Any way you slice it, this movie is only forgettable entertainment that has good actors to work with. There's a few regrettable question marks with the crammed plot, but Crowe, Mirren, Affleck, Bateman and McAdams are great to watch.
Rated 09 Sep 2009
82
78th
An engaging, topical and almost believable movie. In many ways it looked like an update of All The President's Men (the whole newsroom schtick, running through the aisles, the beat-up old car, parking garage menace, etc.) I thought it did a reasonable job in highlighting the current battles between print and web journalism. Seemed to be handled in a credible way. It held my attention, so overall it was worth the $15 I paid to buy it.
Rated 04 Dec 2012
2
46th
Despite a good cast it's an underwhelming, formulaic thriller; Slimy politicians, dogged journalists, short-tempered detectives, dead-eyed ex-military muscle...
Rated 26 Oct 2012
66
46th
* Casting, Acting : 7 * Script : 6 * Directing, Aura : 7 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 6
Rated 29 Apr 2009
80
23rd
Another conspiracy theory film. Bateman and Mirren were good in their supporting roles however. Grade: B for execution; C- for originality.
Rated 23 May 2010
61
39th
Ortalama bir entrika-polisiye filmi.
Rated 29 Dec 2016
65
11th
complex + useless
Rated 06 Jun 2011
78
54th
It's pretty solid, but as a former journalism major there were a few things that bugged me. For instance, watching Crowe's character swing from the side of a moving vehicle while being shot at was a little over-the-top. That might happen to detectives, but not investigative reporters. It's enjoyable on first viewing, but has little to no replay value.
Rated 15 Aug 2015
38
29th
A rather good plot is played out in an almost unbearably dull fashion, with Russell Crowe chief of the dullards (who ever decided he could act??). It's always fun watching Helen Mirren, though. The whole yawn-fest hinges upon one patently unbelievable piece of fiction: that actual investigative reporting is practiced by any major newspaper in the U.S. any more.
Rated 29 Oct 2020
66
70th
State of Play is tightly-paced, star-studded, engaging thriller that indulges its melodrama a little too much. While the film is entertaining, including the final twist, the ending does render it a bit disappointing, especially on afterthought. A decade on and the film's parting line has not aged well: "I still think they know the difference between real news and bullshit, and they're glad that someone cares enough to get things on the record and print the truth."
Rated 24 Jan 2017
44
13th
Run of the mill forgettable conspiracy thriller. Reasonable first half but the twists turned out to be telegraphed. Some decent performances from the supporting cast but the leads were weak.
Rated 28 Aug 2009
45
40th
Pretty generic stuff here. There was some nice suspense in the parking garage but other than that nothing special about this flick. Of course they had to add a twist at the end, as dictates the hollywood formula for mystery/thriller these days.
Rated 09 Feb 2010
60
10th
Underwhelming is the best I can say about this film. The directing, the writing, the acting, everything. If you're really bored and have 2 hours to kill, it's worth watching, but it's not worth going out of your way to watch it.
Rated 14 Sep 2009
83
88th
I found this movie moved just way too slowly to be truly memorable, by the end of it when everything was revealed I found myself just not caring anymore.
Rated 13 May 2012
65
40th
Thi is a film that has been made a hundred times before .. "newspaper gets their story" and in many cases, a lot better. It starts out well, with excellent performances, esp. from Crowe, and a high degree of tension, based mainly on the clarity of the script and believability of the unfolding plot ... but by the end the plot holes, the stretching of credulity and lack of tension leaves you thinking "oh, good grief, well ...THERE is a surprise!". Dissappointing, as it started really well.
Rated 07 Apr 2013
73
65th
Entertaining film that doesn't do much wrong. However, it also doesn't really do anything particularly special which makes it a bit predictable at times and never really manages to stands out. But it's entertaining enough to keep you watching until the credits.
Rated 26 Apr 2009
4
43rd
A time-passing if unremarkable little mystery-thriller.
Rated 03 Nov 2009
55
43rd
Might not be quite original, but indeed a thrilling and intelligent entertainment.
Rated 21 Jul 2010
1
20th
Pseudo-deep screenplay made almost watchable by OK acting.
Rated 15 Sep 2009
74
25th
Strongly reminiscent of All the President's Men, this movie touches on important contemporary topics such as the privatization of "Homeland Security" and print vs. online journalism. Unfortunately some of the performances are sub-par (can Russell Crowe PLEASE quit acting, or at least stop trying to fake an American accent? And I hope for Affleck that some day he'll get the role of his life. Like in a movie on a guy with Asperger's or something.) The plot is muddled and the twist has zero impact.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
83
72nd
Doesn't break new ground, but it's nevertheless a really well made conspiracy thriller with good writing, pacing, and acting.
Rated 25 Mar 2021
60
13th
I coudn't follow the plot, so it turned out to be boring. But in all fairness, political thrillers are not my favorite kind of film.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
65
59th
It's a decent political thriller. Not a classic but not a bore either. Good performances and a decent script makes an OK watch if you are a fan of the genre.
Rated 21 Nov 2016
70
36th
another movie I saw in high school government class. the teacher just showed us movies that vaguely related to how the government works
Rated 29 Aug 2021
63
13th
If I can go the rest of my life without seeing another journalism movie then I would be a happy man. This film is happy to learn into all the tropes that go along with it. This was a great example of how a bad script can drag down a movie, because all of the talent delivered yet I still felt unsatisfied and annoyed.
Rated 12 Jan 2021
67
42nd
From Ben Affleck's resume: I will play any role as long as it is an asshole (my name is the mispronunciation of Asslick), who does bad things but there are others who did worse, so I don't show like a complete asshole, my mistakes are humane, I have no ulterior motives unlike the other assholes, some of whom are my wives.
Rated 09 Aug 2013
50
52nd
Not a bad thriller, and I'd probably rate it higher if I hadn't seen the quite fantastic TV mini-series it was based on. Cramming several hours of plot into a 2-hour runtime means it loses a lot of the character depth and intricacy of the original in favour of constantly moving the plot twists forward. The big-name cast is also weaker than the original (although many of the originals went on to become big names themselves). Check out the original BBC production instead of this.
Rated 19 Jan 2011
81
61st
Russell Crowe played a very believable character; I was generally inspired by his courage and integrity throughout the movie. Ben's character was great at first, but then slowly fell into a 'politician's worst nightmare' scenario - which, although believable was a bit of a stretch and seemed tedious to watch near the end.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
4
71st
"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."
Rated 12 Jun 2010
58
54th
Starts well, but runs out of steam very fast. War profiteers, brave journalists, dirty politicians and conspiracies. Sure it sounds exciting, but not when the story feels way too artificial and far fetched. The fact that it is remake of British TV mini-series does not help either. Casting feels wrong too - Affleck completely does not fit the role. Entertaining enough, but nothing that will stay with you.
Rated 04 May 2009
80
81st
Great story but it could have been told with more detail or a little quicker. Didn't expect the ending. Well worth the theater ticket.
Rated 31 Dec 2010
72
40th
Passes time.
Rated 01 Nov 2015
40
34th
This was okay, though I wasn't in suspense or thrilled that often. Most of the performances were fine (with the exception of Mirren, who was expectedly great, and I also liked Bateman) but not energetic enough to keep my interest. I also didn't buy Crowe/Wright/Affleck as a believable love triangle.
Rated 15 Nov 2010
15
21st
"Director Kevin Macdonald can't begin to approach the paranoid genre mastery seen in the films of John Frankenheimer and Alan Pakula." - Bill Weber
Rated 29 Sep 2009
65
73rd
Good film.
Rated 04 Sep 2009
79
51st
Certainly demonstrates competent acting (except for the inept Ben Affleck) and mood, but I found it....inauthentic. Scenes felt forced and a sense of "flow" from plot point to plot point was never established. It's natural (be it fair or not) to compare this film to All The Presidents Men, and unfortunately it just doesn't measure up.
Rated 10 Sep 2009
40
31st
Oh so ordinary!!!
Rated 19 May 2009
50
33rd
State of Play (2009) is pretty much your typical thriller: two seemingly unrelated events occur until somebody figures out that they are connected. In pursuit of following this connection there is danger, until the very end the whole thing is resolved using a twist that you kind of suspected to happen in the very beginning. Still, they did the thriller genre well... and I'm glad they didn't include a love story between Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. Probably worth a rental.
Rated 18 Dec 2011
76
56th
This movie is well cast. Avoid it if you are looking for a Hollywood action thriller. The plot slowly builds in this movie but it manages to stay interesting
Rated 24 Dec 2010
1
0th
If instances of dishonesty, cover-ups and heroic loners seem at all surprising, then you haven't watched TV in the past 30 years -- or the BBC series where State of Play originated.
Rated 07 Dec 2012
6
44th
Decent enough conspiracy thriller, nothing special but entertaining enough.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
50
28th
After a bracing first hour, State of Play defaults on the most basic promise of the conspiracy thriller. Instead of luring us down an ever-darker and twistier path, it strands us in a tedious and ill-designed maze.
Rated 26 Apr 2009
4
36th
INCREDIBLE movie. Its like a whole season of Damages packed into a 2 hour movie. Manipulation, corruption, murder, the making of an excellent film. The only reason this isn't a 5 is the final twist (its not that great). Rachel McAddams is hot.
Rated 18 Jul 2012
73
50th
73.250
Rated 27 Oct 2012
70
70th
Great suspense story. Rachel McAdams is beautiful as the hungry young reporter, Russel Crowe is great as the seasoned reporter digging for the truth. Ben Affleck is also good as the charismatic bureaucrat in the spotlight of a scandal. It was also nice to see Robin Wright and Helen Mirren. The story is smart, interesting and exciting. It keeps you guessing until the unexpected end. Some very tense moments.
Rated 11 Nov 2009
70
41st
The scipt is really nothing special, you'll probably forget the plot three hours after watching it. The great actor performances is the thing that makes the movie watchable.
Rated 26 Dec 2009
70
76th
Good Movie
Rated 28 Dec 2009
60
71st
Meh. Interesting enough to kill a couple of hours with but ultimately forgettable, not least due to the fact you never really care about the fates of any of the characters.
Rated 07 Sep 2009
74
51st
Probably the first Crowe I liked. Decent story.
Rated 02 Jan 2013
80
70th
State of Play contains some occasional craziness, but there are enough twists and turns to offer a thrilling, engaging viewing experience
Rated 25 Apr 2010
70
76th
Decent thriller, although the ending is a bit of a letdown. Affleck should stick to producing/directing and give up the acting.
Rated 12 Jun 2009
70
66th
Yes it's been done before, but it should be done more often. Only better. I enjoyed most of it. turned into a semi-farse in the end though and Ben Affleck is such a terrible actor it's laughable.
Rated 20 Jul 2019
40
27th
Ordinary.
Rated 16 Aug 2009
82
57th
Not bad, but fairly unremarkable.
Rated 18 Oct 2010
86
68th
Smart, but oddly subdued political thriller. Although leads Crowe, Affleck, and McAdams turn in effective performances, their chemistry is never wholly convincing and motives come through muddled rather than concealed for dramatic effect. Cinematography and mise-en-scene are quite good, though, with many unusual approaches to filming in DC that lend verisimilitude.
Rated 16 Sep 2009
80
55th
ehh.. ok.. good story
Rated 13 Mar 2020
76
89th
Seen: 2.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
75
71st
An interesting thriller about conspiracies, directed with great skill and with a good cast, especially Russell Crowe.
Rated 13 Dec 2009
73
26th
Kind of a ho-hum "thriller" but you can't go wrong with the cast. Check it out if you're into reporters taking risks to get the big story.
Rated 03 Dec 2009
68
46th
The story elements and intelligently colorful characters keep getting flung out like individual cards from an overstuffed deck--by the midway point, it starts to feel like every dedicated actor with a compunction for important drama is going to make an appearance. It's plenty sturdy, at least until its coiled garden hose of a plot pushes a twist too far at the end.
Rated 08 Jul 2010
96
97th
It seems to me that Crowe did some real acting here.I think I saw some new facial expressions.Crowe is one of my favourite actors but I wish the movie had been more popular.It is a good story but no one or anything blows up so I am not surprised it was not more popular.

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