I haven't been pleased, where movies are concerned, till now.

My expectation was riding high as the release date for State Of Play drew near. The reviews were excellent, and I concur. This is one of the best movies I've watched in 2009.

Unlike movie He's Just Not That Into You (It was a lousy watch), State Of Play is star-studded yet each character added just enough twist to the movie, without overpowering or seeking to outdo each other. The team of actors include Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright-Penn, headed by Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams.

A definite must-watch for conspiracy buffs (I am one myself), the centralized idea of the movie is on the thrill of investigative reporting and solving the puzzle, one piece at a time.

This political thriller shows Russell Crowe as Cal McAffrey, a gruff long-haired journalist with a lifetime of experiences. Teamed with rookie Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), they seek to unravel a killer's identity with McAffrey trying hard to maintain professionalism when discovery of certain information threaten to tarnish the image of his college buddy, Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck). It further leads to the possible shaking of the nation's power structures as well as uncovering the shrewdness of man, driven by the age-old motive, money.

This movie is packed with unexpected enigmas, fast-paced and would keep you at the edge of your seat for almost the entire running time.

The only downside to MY cinematic experience, I was in a seat next to a middle-aged couple who flashed their enthusiasm and enjoyment for the movie by the constant clacking of their tongues. How so annoying...

Rating: 4/5