State and Main

Pros: rare excellent writing and comedy direction

Cons: the women seem so two-dimensional

The Bottom Line: see it for a rare funny story and ensemble acting from Mamet & Co.

Review: Clever, quotable, and funny David Mamet's dialogue is loved by performers because of its literate substance. "State and Main" like "Day for Night" is a look on the inside of the very crazy business of putting together a film and there are some real ...

Pros: Well directed, well written and great acting and Funny

Cons: may be too "insider" for casual fans of movies who'd rather see cars explode

The Bottom Line: If you want to understand a little of what goes on behind the scenes in making a movie and be entertained with great writing and acting, this is your movie.

Review: "State and Main" is a film about the adventures of making a movie in a small Vermont town. The movie being made is "The Old Mill" and Waterford, Vt. is chosen because it has an old mill. Or had an old mill. The mill burned down in 1960 and this causes...

Pros: An absolutely fabulous script; the stars shine, especially Hoffman & Pidgeon; a subtlely riotous picture.

Cons: Alec Baldwin does a great impression of a log.

The Bottom Line: State and Main is funny, touching, and satirical; it deserved better than a limited release. We'd see more of these films if they actually made some money.

Review: In these days of film, almost proudly marred by first-rate explosions and second-rate writing, the nuances of a great film are most often lost due to a sudden rush of testosterone, emphasizing the need of the male psyche to feel good about himself only...

Pros: fun, great interaction, wonderful characters and dialogue

Cons: couple o' "need to move on" plot devices

Review: David Mamet has got a distinctive style that usually screams for drama, as in The Untouchables or thrilling intrigue like Glengarry Glenross. The dialogue he writes is so off the cuff and non-committal that his characters are forced to...

Pros: Hoffman/Pidgeon/Macy and other cast members all brilliant. Script is brilliant. Mamet's finest directorial achievement

Cons: What did happen in 1975?

Review: The title of David Mamet's new film, State and Main, represents a crossroads right in the middle of the All-American town. It's appropriate since it's a wee little town being invaded by a Hollywood film crew to tackle their latest project. For this is a...

Pros: Easy Plot, no thinking involved :P

Cons: Baldwin

Review: Every Baldwin family member makes me nervous and after some long hours of convincing me to re-think that promise I once made ("I hate Baldwins! I'm never going to see a movie with those mofos ever!), I gave in and went to see State and Main....

Pros: great comedy, amusing cynicism, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Cons: at times, dragged on too much

Review: I saw the ads for State & Main a few times on tv before I actually went out to see it. The commercials give you plenty of reasons to go see this movie, and when I did, I finally decided that there would have to be room made in my top-ten movie list...

Pros: One of the most perfect films I've seen - a movies movie.

Cons: first viewing may feel less than perfect, and it does require a brain

The Bottom Line: If you like intelligent humor, see it. If you like to read, see it. If you're expecting a normal formula flick, you'll either be disappointed or pleasantly surprised.

Review: This is probably one of those movies where you either love it or hate it - or, to be more correct, you either get it or you don't get it. Everyone I've gone with has liked it, but at one viewing a young guy in the audience walked out - so this may not be...

Pros: Great script; great acting

Cons: Sarah Jessica Parker didn't turn around

The Bottom Line: Go see it. It's funny, it has great writing and great acting.

Review: One expects good writing from David Mamet. "State and Main" does not disappoint. One does not normally expect comedy from Mamet, however. "Oleanna," "A Few Good Men," "The Verdict," and the like all feature good writing but generally heavy, dramatic...

Pros: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Cons: Not Many

The Bottom Line: Even though you haven't seen, and may not have even heard of, State and Main, go see it. You won't be dissapointed.

Review: State and Main is one of those movies that most people missed, which means it won't ever get the kind of credit it deserves. It's one of those Hollywood novelties that relies on great characters and a strong script, supplemented by wonderful acting and...