STATE OF PLAY

(PG-13)

The Front Page, His Girl Friday, Deadline U.S.A., The Paper... Movies about print journalism are perfect for the cinema. The excitement of getting the story, finding the witnesses, fighting the forces within the paper and those with a lot to hide. In this new thriller, a major Washington D.C. newspaper is fighting for its life, like many papers around the country in these challenging times. Russell Crowe is the star investigative reporter, a shaggy haired free spirit tracking down a murder conspiracy involving a Congressman-on-the-rise, played by Ben Affleck. The reporter and Congressman are school friends, so things get complicated and emotional before the dust settles. What makes this work is a smart story about soldiers-for-hire becoming America's peace-keeping force, forcing the audience to think about the real nature of mercenaries and who profits from them. Helen Mirren adds to the intelligence as an editor trying to keep her paper alive and relevant. The last ten minutes turn what is a solid political drama into farce, but fortunately the material leading up to it makes the film worth your time and money.