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State of Play an Ink-Stained Thriller

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2009 10:07 AM CDT

(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.”

[Quotes (3)]

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 "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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State of Play an Ink-Stained Thriller

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