DVD Review: State of Play

State of Play, released on DVD recently is the successful summer thriller starring Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams. The film follows investigative journalist, Cal McAffery as he unravels a political mystery involving his best friend, Congressman Stephen Collins, portrayed by Ben Affleck. While relevant in today’s fierce political climate, the plot has twists and turns to delight even the most seasoned movie-lover, and Jason Bateman treats the audience to some scene-stealing character acting. McAdams, (who we have seen in the The Notebook and Redeye) never disappoints in her role as an inexperienced online journalist determined to prove her worth to Crowe’s brazen character. An interesting side note of the movie centers on Cal’s employer, the struggling Washington Globe newspaper, and the fascinating commentary on how internet news agencies are killing the more traditional news gathering and print journalism of days gone by. State of Play is rated PG-13 for intense violence, language including sexual references, and brief drug content. -Kathy (Sunset)