From Darrin:

I was very lucky to get to see a test screening of Russell Crowe's new film, "State of Play" tonight (thank you, Allison!) up at the Pacific Arclight in Sherman Oaks.

The film was BRILLIANT. I had a completely enjoyable time watching it. It's totally Russell's film, he's in practically every scene. It's exactly what I'd hoped for, all the useless filler-fluff from the miniseries has been removed and it's a taut mystery that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Everything is pertinent, nothing wasted so you really pay attention. The patter is genuine and funny and everyone plays their parts really well. The subject matter is very current and the transfer from Brit to Yank was seamless. Helen Mirren was AWESOME in the Bill Nighy role, they couldn't have cast it better. I loved the ending (which I think is the reshoot Russell did because they very specifically asked about that in the questionaire afterwards) and the lead up to it was tense and filled with surprises that really gave it that bang-boom you need to make a mystery end well. All in all, the film is GREAT and having Russell leading it is icing on an already tasty cake.

Russell's Cal McCaffrey (it might be McAffrey as is seen in one place in the film, although everywhere else it's been spelt McCaffrey) is a terrifically rich character and he plays it to the hilt, completely occupying the role as he's famous for. Having watched the miniseries a few months ago, I was really looking forward to Russell's version of the character since the actor who played Cal in the miniseries left a LOT to be desired for me (no offense to fans of the show, just MHO) and I just knew Russell would be able to bring him to life so much better and he really did. The first time we see Cal in the film he's singing along to the radio in his beat up Saab and that really sets the tone for what's to come, the seasoned reporter, doing his job and doing it well taking things as they come and following any lead like a terrier. Another excellently portrayed Crowe character indeed.

After the show, I heard a bunch of very positive comments around me, in particular three twenty-something "fan boys" couldn't say enough. "I love Russell Crowe movies, this was great and he was really good in it," is close to what was said and I had to turn around and agree and we talked for a few minutes about how good the film was. They were really impressed and it was so cool to hear their praise. Of course us Russell Crowe fans are going to enjoy his movies, so it's especially vindicating when another demographic is just as enthusiastic.

All in all a very enjoyable evening and I can't wait to see the fully completed product come opening day!

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Re Ben Affleck: Oh he was really terrific!  He has a really tough job in this movie as you know from seeing the miniseries and Ben completely pulled it off.  I had forgotten the real intricacies of the conspiracy and he had me going along with him the whole time until he drops the bombshell in the final convo with Cal near the end, I was all, OMG THAT'S RIGHT!  Ben made it VERY hard to know what was coming by playing Stephen so well.  Had good chemistry with Russell too, the Cal-Stephen friendship was easily read, didn't need any real background more than was there.

Robin's role as Ann is severely smaller than the miniseries but she pulled it off well.  Once she's brought into the mix, the three of theirs relationship and what all must have happened really adds a lovely layer of subtext to every convo they have.  Oh btw, the supposed need for a "body double" was utter bs, I feel so vindicated for calling that one out as utter fiction when everyone was up in arms about the ad for a body double LOL!  There's no love scene at all and thank God because it would have been soooooo out of place and that's coming from someone who LOVES Russell's kissing scenes!  ROFL!