State of Play

Conspiracy thriller in which an up-and-coming Congressman (Ben Affleck) is investigating a Blackwater-style private security firm, when his researcher - and mistress - is killed. As scandal looms, Affleck's friend, an old-fashioned investigative journalist played by Russell Crowe, takes on the case. Helped by a young political blogger (Rachel McAdams) and harried by his bolshy editor (Helen Mirren), Crowe uncovers the intrigue. Based on a BBC mini-series, it's directed by Kevin Macdonald, who made Last King of Scotland and Touching the Void.

David Denby, the New Yorker: Though I was gratified by the sharp dialogue and acting in many scenes, I don't think the movie adds up to much. The three screenwriters may have been trying to work too many plot strands into two hours; in any case, State of Play is both overstuffed and inconclusive. As is the fashion now, the filmmakers develop the narrative in tiny fragments. Something is hinted at - a relationship, a motive, an event in the past - then the movie rushes ahead and produces another fragment filled with hints, and then another.

Mike McCahill, Sunday Telegraph: While Crowe is on dependable, jocular form, he’s rarely operating at more than half power. McAdams is a vision of pert new-media ambition, but Mirren turns out a briskly dotty aunt routine - ‘bloody’ this, ‘bugger’ that – and Affleck appears desperately lightweight. This is a slick, reasonably adult handling of material that seemed more distinctive on television. Blown up to the big screen, with its rich history of corruption and cover-up, it's become just another run around the same old underground car parks. (Verdict: 3 stars out of 5) Matthew Bond, Mail on Sunday. Although others deserve to share the accolades, Crowe is close to perfect as Cal McAffrey, an investigative reporter of the old whisky-and-cigarettes school, who suddenly finds himself at the sort of story that has always sold newspapers: the political sex scandal. It’s indicative of the intelligent quality of the film that the veteran response is decidedly mixed, and Kevin MacDonald, from grip[ping opening to poignant end, drives the whole thing forward with great technical skill, pace and terrific creative judgement. (Verdict: 5 stars out of 5) ·