Official poster.
DVD – STATE OF PLAY (Universal)
Actors: You could not find a better or more accomplished list of actors for the film. Russell Crowe stars as Cal McAffrey, an old-school investigative journalist to the core. Don’t tell him print is dying. Rachel McAdams is Della Frye an up-and-coming 21st century journalist whose need for content sometimes outweighs her need for verification. Ben Affleck is Rep. Stephen Collins whose political ambition blurs his personal and professional conduct. Other notable cast members include Helen Mirren.
Plot: Cal McAffrey, a well-seasoned reporter, is skeptical that two seemingly unrelated murders are just that – unrelated. His journalistic instincts take hold as he looks to unravel a conspiracy surrounding his old friend, and one-time college roommate, Rep. Stephen Collins. With the aid of Della Frye, he places himself in danger and jeopardizes his journalistic ideals to try to cover and land the ultimate story.
Acting/ Direction: While the film has all the looks of a stylized thriller, thanks to director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), it lacks the drama/suspense of the original BBC mini-series produced in 2003. The stellar cast appears to be offering no more that tired stereotypes of their characters…the ambitious, naïve reporter; the grizzled, old-school investigative journalist; the morally and ethically challenged, power hungry politician; and the no nonsense, take no prisoner executive editor. Despite the award-winning cast, the actors seem to be doing little more than cashing a big paycheck, rather than developing real, three-dimensional characters.
Official poster.
IN THEATRES – INVENTION OF LYING (WARNER BROS.)
Actors: Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) stars as Mark Bellison, an everyman – average in every way, pining for the seemingly unattainable (genetically speaking), Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner). Other notable cast members are Louis C.K., Rob Lowe and Tina Fey.
Plot: Mark Bellison lives in an alternate world where lying does not exist. People are incapable of telling anything but the truth. And, the truth can be brutal. However, Bellison’s bleak existence is changed when he discovers that he has invented something that no one else has yet stumbled upon – the lie. Through humorous examples of untruths Bellison finds that telling lies can benefit him, and those close to him. Yet, it is his lies about the afterlife, the story of “the Man in the Sky,” told to his dying mother, that solidifies Bellison as a prophet.
Acting/Direction: Gervais makes his directing debut (co-directing with Matthew Robinson) and it feels like it. It feels labored and a bit sloppy at times. However, those who are fans of Gervais will appreciate the
comedic timing – mastering the awkward and uncomfortable. Yet, Gervais’ strongest scenes are dramatic and philosophical. Who knew Gervais could act. The depth of these scenes give the film a foundation that makes you laugh… and think.
THE VERDICT
While these two films are of different genres and styles, they still have the same goal of serving as entertainment. And, if two hours of escape is all I was looking for, “State of Play” satisfied my desires. It is a modern day thriller, hoping to be compared to films like “Three Days of the Condor” or “All the President’s Men,” unfortunately it is a shallow imitator of these great films. But, you would be much better of renting the original BBC version instead.
My pick is to go there… go see “The Invention of Lying.” While it is not always laugh out loud funny, it does make you think. The best comedies incorporate tragedy, hurt and pain – along with laughs. This film may challenge your assumptions of religion and give you something very few contemporary comedies do – a chance to think, react and discuss. I was in the same, kind of funny, yet contemplative mood, as I was after watching Peter Seller’s classic “Being There.” Maybe a nice ‘Here or There’ double feature – “Being There” and “The Invention of Lying.”