I went to see "State of Play" over at the Cinemark, where a crowd of barely double digits was in attendance. This movie was a throwback to the old newspaper thriller. You know, where the intrepid reporters are risking life and limb because of an explosive story that threatens to perhaps, bring down the political world as we know it. Really an homage to the paper, as we have the newsroom featured prominently and the production of a newspaper is covered over the closing credits.

The movie clinches it for me. I really don't like Ben Affleck, especially as a congressman. I think this guy actually thought he was a politician. Now Russell Crowe as the scruffy reporter, I liked him a lot. Crowe has a habit of delivering in these types of movies and I think he did a good job. Rachel McAdams can do no wrong in my opinion, I think she's lovely all the time, so that was a plus. She was the newspaper's DC gossip blogger.

Good stuff from Robin Wright Penn, looking great, as Affleck's wife. Helen Mirren plays a Tina Brown-like editor of the paper and gets to swear a lot. And Jason Bateman as a smarmy PR guy gets a nice few minutes to turn the story on its head. Jeff Daniels played an appropriately powerful majority whip, as well.

Not great, but not a bad effort here.

Meal of Links

The World's Top 100 Restaurants. Sadly, Sheetz is not mentioned.

Really bad fictional babysitters.
Evelle: "These blow up into funny shapes and all?"
Grocer: "Well, no... unless round is funny."

A great read on why newspapers are failing. And some things they haven't given away yet.

Rolling Stone has left San Francisco. Editorial has been gone for a long time, but still...

Two things intrigue me about CSU ticket options for next year. Season tickets remaining the same or, perhaps, cheaper on the price angle. And the all-you-can-eat-and drink section that would include beer. Uh-oh.

This site can help you with your LA Times crosswords. By all means, do not look there until you are done.

Exercise Yard

This kid allegedly picked better than Mel Kiper in last year's NFL Draft. This year's picks.

Visitor

17 Across: "The Flintstones" pet (4 letters) Answer: Dino