Iffy for 14+
Mature, well-acted thriller mixes violence and politics.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Russell Crowe/Ben Affleck thriller is a mix of violence, political intrigue, and sexual innuendo -- all mature themes that are unlikely to appeal to young viewers. Characters steal, drink, smoke, and lie to the point where it's unclear who's the victim and who's the victimizer. There's some strong language (including a couple exclamations of "f--k"), drinking, and smoking as well. Sexuality is more discussed (including conversations about adultery and three-ways) than shown, except for some flirting between a couple of characters.
- Families can talk about the movie's message about the relationship between the media and politics. Do you think real-life politicians try to deceive the press -- and that real life reporters pretend and sometimes outright lie to get a scoop?
- Teens: Do you and your friends rely more on the Internet than on printfor news? Do you think newspapers are a sinking ship (as depicted inthe movie)?
The good stuff
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Messages: The main characters all make morally ambiguous choices, and it's hard to tell who's "good" and who's "bad." Protagonists are adulterous, keep evidence from the police, lie, and are involved in illegal, violent acts. On the other hand, a journalist is willing to report the truth even if it means alienating a close friend.
What to watch for
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Violence: An ex-military assassin executes a string of people involved in a central intrigue -- some of whom are innocent bystanders.
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Sex: Discussion of sexual improprieties, including adultery, menage a trois, and a highly publicized political sexual scandal.
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Language: Language includes words like "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "screwing," "dick," "oh my God," and a couple of exclamations of "Christ!" and "f--k."
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Consumerism: Featured products include Saab and Cadillac.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink (in bars, at home, and at work) and smoke cigarettes on several occasions.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Excellent movie by KILLTHEBATMAN86
I saw the employee screening of "State of Play" at my movie theatre and i have to say, i enjoyed it, it was very entertaining. The whole movie will keep you on the edge of the seat wondering what will happen next, what clues will be coming out. There are so many talented actors in it such as Crowe and Affleck, and Mirren and so many others. Adults should go and check this movie out. It is a movie that i would see again, but the ending will leave you surprised and shocked. This movie is a must see! There are not many movies to check out around this time that are good, but this movie was excellent! Go see it now. It def. is worth the money.
5
Great Movie... highly recommend! by jeffdenapoli
I am a sci-fi fan by nature, but I went to see this movie out of boredom and was VERY pleasantly surprised. I am not a pro movie-reviewer by any means, but the movie seemed very well put together and deserves applause. Russell Crowe is great (as usual) but the rest of the cast, even Ben Affleck, who usually can't act his way out of a paper bag, was really Good. Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams were also very compelling.
There really is no slow part of this movie, which is why I loved it. It kept me engaged the whole time, and I think it was over 2 hours long. Often these types of political/espionage-ish thrillers can get overly confusing, but this one does not. There is nothing worse than a movie that intentionally tries to confuse the viewer just because of the subject material, or to make the movie seem better and more complex than it actually is (I am looking at you, Good Shepherd). State of Play gives you just enough knowledge to keep you glued the whole time and never get bored.
4
Best DC Thriller by dunscotus
State of Play was the best Washington, DC-type political thriller I've seen in a long time. Not everything about the movie was good, but it definitely succeeds in building suspense and creating characters and a story the viewer cares about. There was at least one twist too many in the plot, and I'm not totally sure that it all hangs together (never mind whether it's plausible or not) in the end, but all in all, there's very little to complain about. I actually preferred this to Michael Clayton, which was similar but a little less tense and less confusing.
5
Quiet Please by quietplease
Nobody should be talking during this movie. Suspenseful! and edge of the seat entertainment.
4
Fantastically Political, Beautifully Twisted by katherinekiyoko
I went into this movie with great expections, and they were all exceeded. The plot is really great, deep, and interesting. It's nice to go to a movie that has more meaning that some buildings exploding or teenagers gossiping. The cast is extraordinary, especially Crowe, Bateman, and even McAdams. I was impressed with the development of the characters, despite the fact that the cast of main characters was so large! Overall, this movie is amazing, but it is NOT for everyone. This movie is somewhat complicated and, oddly enough, I think the PG-13 rating should be the rating for the age at which children will understand this movie. Kids will not understand it, and I'm betting some young teenagers won't either. For adults, it's a relief--a relief to finally see a movie with an intriguing plot, accomplished actors, and a spin that will make anyone spin. I highly recommend this movie, but seeing it on the big screen isn't a necessity.
4
State of Play is Worth waiting in line for and guess what very few lines which makes it a must for Date Night. by mariamar
I love all the current stuff such as: Newspapers dying, blogging, mystery, courage, emotions around work. Interesting premise. Several great actors!! The two main females were great!!! What a festival of handsome hunky men. Ben Affleck is great even as a non-hero. I shall always remain in love with the very married Russell Crowe as long as he keeps choosing such movies as he does. I really think that he refuses to do stupid movies. It just is not fair that guys with character can easily remain slightly overweight and still be dreamboats, ala Russell Crowe in this particular movie. I was on the edge of my seat for much of this movie and had to tell myself to breathe.
4
State of Play by luvsmovieshollywood03
I really enjoyed this movie. Russell Crowe was very good, as is usually the case, and Ben Affleck was quite good too. This is one of those "who dunnit" story plots and very good at keeping you guessing. I actually thought I had figured out everything and knew exactly what was going on but was very surprised at the end. That's when I realized that I didn't figure it all out at all. This makes for an excellent movie......a good one to go to if you like mysteries.
4
State of Play is an Intelligent, Intriguing and Suspensful Drama by Indiana_Johnston
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie at not only its thought provoking glance into modern day journalism, blogging and sensationalism, but the story was engaging and intriguing as well. I would definitely recommend this to people who not only want to be entertained, but enjoy an intelligent story that is also suspenseful. The acting was very good too, as should be expected with a cast of veteran actors and actresses.
In short, this was NOT one of my favorite movies of all time, but I would definitely watch it again some time in the future (on DVD or television).
4
Good, solid thriller by SamNYC
If you're looking for a smart thriller with some excellent acting (yes, Ben Affleck is actually pretty good in this) then this is the right flick for you. A good 2 hours spent at the movies.
3
Same old 'Bash the Soldier' stuff as usual... by Mightyquick
Russell and Affleck do their jobs decently but I absolutely detest the tired old leftist take on things that the soldier is the most detestable, mindless drone on the planet. But what else would you expect from true lefty drones like Affleck, Damon, Tim Robbins and others of their ilk. Always demonizing soldiers and the founding fathers principles.