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State of Play

Play trailer Poster for State of Play PG-13 2009 2h 7m Crime Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 213 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is a rising star in Washington; handsome, unflappable and seemingly honorable, he's seen as his party's next presidential nominee. Until, however, his research assistant/mistress is found murdered and damaging secrets come pouring out. Journalist Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), Collins' old friend, must investigate the murder, and walks headlong into a massive cover-up involving some of the nation's most promising political and corporate figures.
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State of Play

State of Play

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Critics Consensus

A taut, well-acted political thriller, State of Play overcomes some unsubtle plot twists with an intelligent script and swift direction.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator 08/29/2018
State of Play is well put together and has some intelligence but it's just not very interesting or exciting or gripping for most of the time. Go to Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online 09/12/2017
A
This film was well worth the wait. Go to Full Review Jordan Hoffman UGO 08/11/2009
C-
Kevin Macdonald's State of Play has, in fact, everything you need to tell a great journalist's story, except a great story. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Apr 29
... the culture of old style newspaper reporting butting up against the new culture of internet journalism and the bottom line of shrinking profits and corporate demands makes for a lively and very current backdrop. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 12/01/2023
3/4
A serviceable movie, but it’s the performances that carry the experience. Go to Full Review Niall Browne Movies in Focus 03/17/2021
4/5
State of Play is a classy piece of Hollywood filmmaking that delivers an entertaining two hours in the cinema and features enjoyable star performances from Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Thyaagu C @Thyaagu Jan 30 Investigation thriller just paced right, keeping you hooked, even with its predictability! See more Jalvzz .. @jalvzz Dec 21 Good watch with family. A little predictable See more Stephen C @bob25009 Sep 1 Success in 2 hours and 7 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $37,000,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more kevenquinlan Aug 17 This borders on 5 stars. A really great movie, total all-star cast, and a story that is timely and well engineered. I loved it. An easy keeper. See more Gareth v @geewah Aug 6 State of Play is a thoughtful, well-acted thriller that respects its audience’s intelligence. In an era of short attention spans, it’s a rare gem that values truth, nuance, and the dying art of investigative reporting. See more alan g @agenser Jul 28 Investigative journalist as action hero? Meh. Its been done and better. See more Read all reviews
State of Play

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Cast & Crew

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Kevin Macdonald

Director

Russell Crowe

Cal McAffrey

Ben Affleck

Stephen Collins

Rachel McAdams

Della Frye

Helen Mirren

Cameron Lynne

Robin Wright

Anne Collins

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State of Play

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Movie Info

Synopsis Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is a rising star in Washington; handsome, unflappable and seemingly honorable, he's seen as his party's next presidential nominee. Until, however, his research assistant/mistress is found murdered and damaging secrets come pouring out. Journalist Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), Collins' old friend, must investigate the murder, and walks headlong into a massive cover-up involving some of the nation's most promising political and corporate figures.
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Producer
Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Andrew Hauptman
Screenwriter
Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, Billy Ray
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Andell Entertainment, Bevan-Fellner
Rating
PG-13 (Language|Brief Drug Content|Sexual References|Some Violence)
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 17, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$37.0M
Runtime
2h 7m
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