This fast-moving political thriller follows a newspaper investigation into a huge conspiracy that involves a powerful corporation and corrupt politicians. "PointCorp" already holds numerous government contracts, primarily for security work, but is also engaged in an effort to ensure that U.S. Homeland Security is effectively privatised so that the corporation can profit from becoming the sole contractor for all the work involved. The stakes are high as there are literally billions of dollars to be made from the government contracts and so the ruthless people at the top of the corporation are prepared to do whatever's necessary to ensure that they'll get what they want."Washington Globe" investigative reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) takes an interest in a night-time double-shooting incident during which a drug-addicted bag thief was killed and a pizza delivery man was incapacitated and then, next morning hears about a young woman who'd reportedly committed suicide by jumping under a subway train. It soon comes to light that the woman was Sonia Baker (Maria Thayer), a researcher who was working for Cal's ex-college roommate, Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck). Collins is one of his party's rising stars and the chairman of a committee that's currently looking into the activities of PointCorp. When Collins receives the news about Sonia during a hearing that's being broadcast on TV, he tearfully informs everyone present and later, when he meets up with Cal, admits that Sonia was his lover and says that he's absolutely convinced that she didn't kill herself.When it emerges that Sonia disappeared under a train in one of the subway's CCTV blind spots, the bag thief was carrying a briefcase he'd stolen from PointCorp and the pizza delivery man is shot dead in his hospital bed, Cal becomes convinced of a link between all three killings and the existence of a major conspiracy. Cal's editor, Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren), teams him up with Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), a young inexperienced Capitol Hill blogger who writes for the Globe's online version and a major breakthrough follows when she recognises a man who features in one of the photos which was found in the briefcase that was stolen by the bag thief. This then enables Della and Cal to get the information they need to unravel the mystery surrounding Sonia's death and the whole PointCorp conspiracy that, after some further twists and turns, enables them to go to press with their major story.Despite the rather involved nature of this movie's plot and the impressive speed with which the action's delivered, it never loses its clarity and always takes sufficient time to provide all the information that's necessary to make its characters seem totally credible. As a veteran journalist, Cal believes in avoiding sensationalism and checking out his stories thoroughly to ensure that they're accurate. However, his high standards are no longer appreciated in the fast-moving digital world where speed is valued far more highly than accuracy or good taste. By contrast, Della's far more in tune with the current news environment as her gossipy stories and opinion columns take far less time to produce and have the advantage of also attracting a large readership.As the struggling "Washington Globe" has new owners (MediaCorp) who are only interested in profits, they've put great pressure on its editor to improve the bottom line or else see the paper closed down and consequently, this pressure makes Cameron Lynne become increasingly demanding, bad tempered and snappy with her staff.The differences between Cal, Della and Cameron add interest to their working relationships and the fact that Cal's friendly with Collins and had previously had an affair with his wife Ann (Robin Wright), makes his struggle for objectivity even more difficult than it would normally be. The quality of the acting in this movie is consistently top-class with superb performances by all its main players and Robin Wright and Jason Bateman (as the PR agent who turns informant) both excellent in their important supporting roles.

...........................................................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!

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.

State of Play. Nothing thrills like a good thriller but it can be ruined if you do not sum it up perfectly in the end. Same happens here. When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington D.C. journalist played by Russel Crowe starts investigating the case involving the congressman, his old college friend Ben Affleck. As plot uncovers himself, you watch keenly and then brace yourself for a thrilling finale. In fact it arrives but then it gets twisted and turn into a convoluted ending. Not all the good work is ruined because you had your fun during the journey. Like any slick thriller that Hollywood produces on mass scale, this one also has good script, a well known cast, apt back ground score, good performances, detailed scenes, subtle references, delicious dialogues and being a political thriller it gives you some insight into the darkness of politics, corporate culture and military. So watch it if you are craving for a good thriller and keep your expectations low for the surprising finale.