Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: The Verge

Non-stop twists make "State of Play" an almost exhausting movie to watch.

It brings to light the ever-present question of what is fair and unfair in the world of journalism.

In this drama, Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), a reporter for the suffering Washington Globe, is sent to cover the double murder of a young petty thief and a passer-by who witnessed the crime.

While looking for a lead, McAffrey discovers the petty thief is linked to Sonia Baker (Maria Thayer), who was also murdered, and an assistant and mistress for Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), who is chair of a committee for the nations defense spending.

McAffrey and Collins were college roommates, forcing McAffrey to dance a fine line between his personal life and his professional life, which seem to keep colliding together.

McAffrey is assigned to work with young, wide-eyed reporter Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), who was covering Baker's murder.

Together they could uncover a story, which may be able to save the paper by linking these murders to highly respected government officials.

As more research is done and more sources are discovered, the two reporters find out they may be in over their heads.

The story could pose a risk to their careers, friendships, and lives.

"State of Play" is based on the British T.V. series.

It runs two hours and nineteen minutes, and has intense turns through its entirety.

I recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for an intense movie with notable acting.

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, while a steep rise in events climaxes with an unexpected ending.

In a time when newspapers are failing and the very definition of news is questionable, "State of Play" shows a newsroom with journalists who are determined to tell the truth at any cost.

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