A runner is murdered and a passing witness slain. A young woman is pushed under the wheels of a subway train. Thus starts the series of events that makes this movie such a thriller. The police have a murder or maybe a series of murders to solve and the investigative reporters have what may be the story of a life time.

Russell Crowe is absolutely great as Cal McAffrey, the experienced, somewhat jaded reporter who also happens to be a friend and former college roommate of Congressman Stephen Collins, played superbly by Ben Affleck. Collins is in the middle of Congressional hearings on a defense contractors relationships and the death of his assistant and lead investigator by being pushed/or falling under the wheels of a subway train puts into question just how far these Contractors will go to protect their MultiBillion dollar deal and their plans for expansion.

The suspense of the investigation is enhanced by the questions regarding the relationships of all the players.  The relationships of the individuals such as the relationship of the reporter McAffrey with the Congressman Collins, as well as the relationship of the reporter with the Congressman's wife add spice to the mix. The relationship of the press to the police and how they conflict or work together in the investigation is explored. The relationship of the financial management of a newspaper in conflict with the desire by the reporters to get the full story and whether their desire to report is a desire to serve the readers or to serve themselves. Sorting out the relationships here is more fun and more challenging than the murder investigation and the MultiBillion dollar conspiracy.

The supporting cast is also excellent in this movie. Rachel McAdams is very good as Della Frye and Jeff Daniels turns is a very credible performance as Congressman Fergus.

 

This is one of the best movies that I have seen in a long time. The acting is great and the movie literally keeps you on the edge of your seat. I will see it again.