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State of Play (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Mature, well-acted thriller mixes violence and politics.

parents & educators say
  • 56% say language is an issue
  • 56% say violence is an issue
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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.

Positive 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.
Violence: An ex-military assassin executes a string of people involved in a central intrigue -- some of whom are innocent bystanders.
Sex: Discussion of sexual improprieties, including adultery, menage a trois, and a highly publicized political sexual scandal.
Language: Language includes words like "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "screwing," "dick," "oh my God," and a couple of exclamations of "Christ!" and "f--k."
Consumerism: Featured products include Saab and Cadillac.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink (in bars, at home, and at work) and smoke cigarettes on several occasions.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on State of Play

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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 print for news? Do you think newspapers are a sinking ship (as depicted in the movie)?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Seasoned Washington Globe reporter Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) is busy looking into two Georgetown murders when a pretty political aide winds up dead in an apparent suicide. To add some blog-worthy sensationalism to the story, Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) was not only having an affair with the beautiful staffer (Maria Thayer), but he's also in the middle of a high-profile congressional hearing investigating a private security firm's alleged war crimes (think Blackwater). Cal and his eager young colleague Della (Rachel McAdams) try to track down the truth, but the story is complicated by his personal history with Collins, a good friend since college.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Director Kevin Macdonald draws heavily from testosetrone-driven '70s political dramas like All the President's Men to frame his big-screen adaptation of the award-winning BBC series. Even the idea of a newspaper breaking important news is pretty '70s, since at this point we'd all find out via Twitter or Facebook whether a politician's girlfriend was murdered. Still, Crowe -- all slobbified with oily long hair, an extra 15 pounds of flab, and a cluttered old Saab -- is game for the throwback action. Unfortunately, Affleck is no Redford to Crowe's Hoffman. Sure, he's perfect for the part of a pretty-boy politician who somehow looks 10 years younger than his former college roommate, but he's no acting match for Crowe.

But you can thank the casting gods for the wonderful trifecta of supporting actresses -- Helen Mirren (as the paper's top editor), McAdams, and Robin Wright Penn (as Collins' betrayed wife, who once had an affair with Cal) -- each of whom goes toe to toe with Crowe. Jason Bateman is also brilliant as a flashy public relations hack, and Jeff Daniels is all political smarm as a corrupt senior congressman. Besides Affleck's underwhelming portrayal, there's one too many holes in the twisty plot. But even as an old-school thriller that falls short, STATE OF PLAY is still better than many of its peers.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Russell Crowe
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 132 minutes
Theatrical release: April 17, 2009
DVD release: September 1, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some violence, language including sexual references, and brief drug content
This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 9 parent & educator reviews:
  • 56% say language is an issue
  • 56% say violence is an issue
  • 44% say sexual content is an issue
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Most useful reviews by all members

Librarian Lynne
adult
14
 
Intellectual
This is more of an intellectual thriller than a really violent one which I and my 14 year old appreciated. For example initial murder happens off screen and a the plot driver rather than the main event. Plot twists will be beyond most younger tweens. While characters have made some "morally ambiguous choices" I think it is OK to start teaching teens that life is not always black and white. The message is making the best choice available, telling the truth even when it's hard, doing the "right" thing and really considering your base motives for your actions. Acting was great by everybody.
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Fastball
teen, 13 years old
12
 
Confusing
The plot might be confusing to younger kids
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mattthemovieman
teen, 17 years old
11
 
some shootings(but the movies plot revolves around a murder.),a little bit of sexual dialouge,and suprising theres a fair persentage of strong language and if your kids can handel mature story than you good to go!
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caseyjean519
adult
14
 
Suprisingly not graphic
I was surprised to see that there was hardly any sex and violence in this film. It was discussed and briefly shown but not graphically. Nor was it dwelled upon for ratings, which unfortunately is not too common in today’s thriller movies.
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uberdad
parent of 14 and 17 year old
13
 
politically mature teens will love it; others may get lost
great story line; makes viewers think; good acting; nothing over the edge for teens; younger teens may not follow storyline well enough to enjoy the film but content is not offensive or over the edge even for 11 year olds.
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helenmirrenrox
adult
12
 
Good Movie
Good movie. There are two f**ks and some other words like B***h, S**t, and Da*n it. There is violence that is minor and some sexy stuff. One of the 'f' words is played for laughs, because Helen Mirren is mad and says "F**k you ver much". But Russel Crowe and Rachel McAdams are good roll models because they investigate crimes and help make the world a good place. But it isn't a good message because there is killing and yelling.
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ironman2
parent of 6 and 10 year old
17
 
Russel Crowe with one of the best films I Have seen
Great film to violent for anybody to many words and things that kids should not do and say.
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masonlackey
teen, 14 years old
11
 
not too bad content wise but more likely appealing to older kids
very complex with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seats and twists and turns to keep you pushing play TWO BIG THUMBS WAY UP!
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Tsion
parent of 15 year old
15
 
A Very Mature, Very Excellent Thriller!
STATE OF PLAY is an engrossing, suspenseful, intelligent thriller for adults and mature teens seeking something more than mindless explosions. This movie contains everything that makes a thriller great: it has action, superb acting, believable characters, a great twist, and it packs a big emotional whallop. A caveat: it's not for kids, or even most teens. The plot revolves around solving a conspiracy behind the murder of a Senator's mistress. Therefore, it raises constant statements and questions about the impact of adultery and affairs. In addition to the Senator in question, the main character, a reporter played by Russel Crowe, also has an affair with a married woman (nothing is shown at all). Reference is made to "screwing", "knocking", and "shagging" other people's spouses. In addition, one of Crowe's informants is a known playboy. Various photos of him shirtless with scantily clad women are shown (but no nudity is visible). The same man tries to come on to a woman by saying that he has "a guy and a girl" as sexual partners. Reference is made to a married Senator having a threesome with a man and a woman. Cocktail waitresses are seen in skimpy attire. In addition, there are several sexual innuendos and euphemisms, plus 3 "f" words (two are spoken and one is clearly mouthed) and countless uses of "a*s" and "s**t". "D**k" is used once non-sexually. Two murders are graphically shown in the film's opening, with blood splatter. After that, characters are put into situations of intense peril, but no other violence is shown. The movie raises questions about friendship, fidelity, truth, exposure, and obsession, but most of those issues will fly over the heads of anyone under the age of 16.
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m1
teen, 16 years old
13
 
This was a fast paced political thriller.
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stephengladstone3
adult
13
 
Not Terrible
Good Movie. Nothing too offensive.
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OldBob13
teen, 16 years old
15
 
Fast-paced and enjoyable political thriller is on-par with 2008's Traitor
Political thrillers haven't exactly lit up the box office much, despite having generally favorable reviews. Take Traitor, for instance. Occording to some critics, it was the best in its genre to come around in a long time. But it only grossed 20 million. Now, we have State of Play. Box office wasn't at the forfront for the director here, like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was. But that is what makes this such a great movie. Russel Crowe plays a hard-drinking publisher who stumbles over a consipiracy involving an affair between a congressman and a colleague. Once the public finds out, it becomes a huge case to crack, especially when a madman is on the loose who might have something to do with it. It's all very confusing, but State of Play makes it chewable with it's fine performances, brilliant directing, and a good plot and script. Though Russell Crowe is great in his role, Jeff Daniels, Ben Affleck, and Jason Bateman give him a run for his money. This was indeed an excellent film, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a thriller with twists and turns. Keep in mind though that this is not a movie for kids. There are sexual references, language (f**k included), shootings, beatings, drug use, and lots of drinking. Still, the messages about friendship and dedication nevertheless shine. Overall, State of Play is an iffy choice for ages 13-14, and it's OK for 15+.
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4Spice
adult
13
 
ok
the movie is a one time movie some action not worth buying 13 and over
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CoreyK
adult
15
 
Teens Would Love It If They Gave It a Chance
Mature plot, but nothing graphic. The acting is great and the story is sensational. Great twist at the end.
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