WHO NEEDS BRAD PITT WHEN THEY'VE GOT RUSSELL CROWE READY TO ROLL?

STATE OF PLAY: Russell Crowe, Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman (Directed by Kevin Macdonald; Written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Tony Gilroy; Universal)

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, who had a jolly, violent time for themselves in “Fight Club,” were primed for a promising re-match in this adaptation of Paul Abbott’s hot six-hour British miniseries. But Pitt thought the rewrite of Matthew Michael Carnahan's screenplay by Tony Gilroy, Peter Morgan and others was the pits. So he took a walk. But who needs Brad Pitt when they have Russell Crowe ready to roll? Here's the deal: Investigating the death of politician Stephen Collins’ mistress, reporter Cal McCaffrey (Crowe) discovers evidence that could prove the slick pol (Norton) is guilty of murder. He also discovers the surprisingly potent allure of Collins’ dumped wife (Robin Wright Penn). Sounds like Kevin Macdonald, the director of “The Last King of Scotland,” once again has plenty of explosive stuff to work with.

To read about other new Russell Crowe movies, click here and browse the "C" Page of STAR TURNS; for more new Brad Pitt movies, click here and browse the "P" page of STAR TURNS