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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 MOVIE REVIEW 
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State of Play an Ink-Stained Thriller

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(Newser) – Is it any wonder that State of Play, a taut suspense film about politics, murder, and above all newspapers, is a hit with critics? Here’s what they’re saying:  

  • Roger Ebert calls it a “smart, ingenious thriller” with twists and turns that “genuinely fooled me a couple of times.” But it “never quite attains altitude,” and the Blackwater-esque villain gives up its secrets awfully easily.

  • It’s an “enjoyably trashy thriller,” full of “overripe, over-plotted suspense,” writes Wesley Morris of the Boston Globe. “Still, it's a pleasure watching this cast make the most of the material.”
  • The movie’s plot almost takes a back seat to its death-of-the-newspaper subtext. “On behalf of a beleaguered profession, this ink-stained wretch couldn't help but be touched,” writes Ann Hornday of the Washington Post. “Thanks for caring, guys.”

In this film publicity still released by Universal Pictures, Russell Crowe, right, and Ben Affleck are shown in a scene from
In this film publicity still released by Universal Pictures, Russell Crowe, right, and Ben Affleck are shown in a scene from "State of Play."   (AP Photo/Universal Pictures, Glen Wilson)
In this film publicity still released by Universal Pictures, Helen Mirren, left, Rachel McAdams and Russell Crowe, right, are shown in a scene from
In this film publicity still released by Universal Pictures, Helen Mirren, left, Rachel McAdams and Russell Crowe, right, are shown in a scene from "State of Play."   (AP Photo/Universal Pictures, Glen Wilson)
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State Of Play trailer.   (Gthatmovie)

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No matter what happens to newspapers, the newspaper movie is a durable genre. Shouting "stop the presses!" is ever so much more
exciting than shouting
"stop the upload!" - Roger Ebert

The crazy camerawork and screeching on the soundtrack don't leave much to the imagination: Freddy Krueger did it. - Wesley Morris

Were "State of Play" an actual paperback, the only reason to put it down would be to wipe the grease off your hands. - Wesley Morris

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