Fridae

The best movie of the week is the absolute gripping thriller State of Play, starring some of Hollywood's acting heavyweights: Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jeff Daniels and Jason Bateman. Um, there's also Ben Affleck in the cast, but we don't consider him an acting heavyweight.

This smart and compelling film centers on a reporter (Russell Crowe, always a powerful presence despite his off-screen shenanigans) who wants to get to the truth, regardless of the costs. This time, though, it's a little complicated. A young woman dies under mysterious circumstances, and she is linked to one of Russell's closest friends, an up-and-coming congressman (Ben Affleck). Ben's wife (Robin Wright Penn) seems to have long given up on the marriage, and news of her husband's affair confirms her worst suspicions.

Meanwhile, Russell's ruthless boss (Helen Mirren) demands a sensational Page One story out of it, while a young Web reporter (lovely Rachel McAdams) threatens to make print reporters like Russell obselete...


Adapted from a six-part TV series on the BBC, State of Play grips you from the get-go. Director Kevin MacDonald directs every scene with precision and urgency, as if a time-bomb would go off under the actors' feet if they took a wrong step. Like the cast, the screenwriters - Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray - are among Hollywood's finest. They weave complex ideas about truth, honour and the state of today's media into a sterling script - giving your brain plenty to chew on.

A must-watch for thinking adults.