Bottom Line: Director Ben Affleck’s third and most adept film to date is a
confident, on-target and crowd-pleasing account of the insanely covert and
ridiculously creative plot to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage crisis
of 1979. It’s so good, in fact, that if Academy Awards were being handed
out today – it would definitely get my Best Picture vote! It’s an
intense, intelligent, edge-of-your-seat political pot boiling thriller with
equal parts action, suspense, intrigue and comedy. The ARGO deck is so
stacked it feels like a smart man’s summer blockbuster in October. Simply put, this high caliber movie
rocks. I go, you go, we should all go see ARGO!
Starring: Ben Affleck, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston and Alan Arkin
Directed by: Ben Affleck (GONE BABY GONE and THE TOWN)
Rated: R
Running time: 120 minutes
Story: Based on true events, “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis—the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies. (Warner Bros.)
Trailer: www.argothemovie.com
2 comments:
I agree.
Argo---a perfect mass appeal movie....and beyond that, it's hard to imagine it not winning the big prize at the Oscars.
It's just got the "it" factor. It's time to bestow a best director Oscar to Mr. Affleck.
The movie is tight, intelligent, well acted.
It captures the danger of the situation in Iran given a mix of real footage, particularly archivial network news broadcast footage.
and then, adds the Hollywood connection that delivers the funny stuff.
Nice balanced tone throughout.
A great screenplay, an effective ensemble cast ---highlighted by John Goodman and Alan Arkin and in the third act by Bryan Cranston.
and Ben Affleck is believable although I never believed his smoking. I don't think he ever inhaled.
Oh, almost forgot nicely chosen late 70s/early 80s music clips---where the track was more important than the vocal.
The big bonus....the movie builds suspense even though the audience knows the outcome going in. Well, at least I did.
If Affleck wins best director the movie will not need acting nominations although a SAG nod wouldn't hurt.
I'm putting the early money on Argo for Best Picture
With you on all fronts, G-Man!
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