I hate it when my heros don't live up to my image of them!! Russell has lost his gladiator
look. Not only is he fat but he uses the fat man's trick (I know, I've
used it!) of hanging his shirt outside of his trousers thinking it
makes him look thin--it doesn't. He still is a good actor.

Since
I am talking about his looks in "State Of Play" his hair  seems to be a
problem, sometimes looking highly styled at unlikely moments and messy
and mybloggers at other unlikely times. On the positive side he looks good
in a really sharp coat which he wears through most of the picture.

Now
on to the movie. I like thrillers though I don't always get them or
understand some of the finer points like in this one I have no idea how
the film got its name but it is a good title. The picture will bring
back memories of "All The President's Men" with meetings in garages,
scenes at, and in, the Watergate building and the scenes taking place
in the newspaper rooms. You will not mistake Helen Mirren for Jason Robards, Jr. nor is the villain 'deep throat'. I didn't get the name of the actor who played the villain but he does an outstanding job.

Here
the enemy is a Halliburton like corporation who involves politics,
politicians, soldiers, police and innocent people. There is death,
killings, sex, infidelities, chases, deadlines and mistakes as there
are in all thrillers.

This is a fast moving film with good acting by all and Jason Bateman and, as I said before, the actor who played the killer. Helen Mirren stands out in each scene, not for her acting which is top grade, but for her blond hair. Rachel McAdams makes her mark as the new 'reporter', a blogger but doesn't stand out and I probably won't know who she is in her next movie.

Russell
Crowe is, as always, in command of his role and of the big screen. He
is just an interesting actor to watch whether he has a good or bad role
and while this isn't one of his best it certainly is a good role.

Now we just have to get Crowe to get back in shape, cut his hair and shave the stubble he has grown
here and I can go back to admiring him for other reasons besides his
acting! ::O)