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| Movie Review: State of Play Alternate Title: Collateral Damage
Story: I am a sucker for tension
filled political thrillers that focus on investigative reporters. Throw
in murder (or was it suicide?), dead junkies, incriminating photos,
adultery, corporate corruption and Government conspiracy and I am sitting
in the front row. This film has a lot going for it (if you forget about
the ending). It was directed by Kevin Macdonald (The
Last King of Scotland) written by Matthew Michael Carnahan
(The Kingdom), Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton,
The Bourne Trilogy) and Billy Ray (Shattered
Glass), and is based on the BBC television series created by
Paul Abbott. Up and coming PA Congressman Stephen Collins'
aide dies in a mysterious accident. She was head researcher of Collins'
investigation into PointCorp's (think Haliburton) attempts to make billions
in the privatization of the Homeland Security Department. Reporter Cal
McAffrey, who happens to be Collins' college roommate starts digging
as does blogger Della Frye. The digging turns up lots of juicy scandal,
conspiracies and incidental characters. This movie is an old fashioned thriller. You
are really pretty sure what to expect around the next corner but are
nervous anyway. The editing, camera angles, dark shadows, gloomy parking
garages and scary characters all add up to lots of action and thrills.
The side story about the prospects for the newspaper business was semi-documentary
in its reality. Government in bed with corporations fell into this realm
as well. Despite the fact that I did not believe the plot
twisting ending (and was disappointed), I can recommend this film for
its good production values, acting and surely not a waste of your time
or money. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH6SAvCD_kM Here is the trailer for the original BBC six
hour TV series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL9AMuVvqMI Acting: Russell Crowe as Cal McAffrey is rumpled,
pudgy and always on target. Ben Affleck as Stephen
Collins, could have been played by anybody. Rachel McAdams
as blogger Della Frye was unimpressive and not in the same league with
the other actors. Robin Wright Penn as Anne Collins,
is always good. Jason Bateman as sleazy Dominic Foy
was delicious. Jeff Daniels as Senator George Fergus
was fine and the wonderful Helen Mirren as Cameron
Lynne stole the film with the best lines. Trivia: Rachel McAdams is an on again
off again vegetarian. She is co-founder of www.greenissexy.org, a web
site which helps raise awareness about the environment. John
Mostel, son of Zero Mostel started off as a boy soprano for
the Metropolitan Opera.
Predilection: I like tension filled political thrillers.
Critters: None
Food: Mashed potatoes, chili and lots of coffle and
booze.
Sex Spectrum: None
Blatant Product Placement: Ben's Chili, Corrados
Opening Titles: A short chase/ and murder sequence
followed by the film's title. All other credits at the end of the film.
Visual Art: Washington DC looked mighty scary.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. If you
drift you will get lost. Predictability Level: High until the disappointing
ending.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: I always prefer the big screen
but you could probably get by with a rental. While you are renting,
All the President's Men is the best newspaper thriller I ever
saw.
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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