MOVIE REVIEW: ARGO

When militants seize control of the U.S. embassy in Tehran during the height of the Iranian Revolution, CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) creates a fake Hollywood film production in order to rescue a group of American diplomats who have sought refuge at the home of the Canadian ambassador. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Ben Affleck

Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Taylor Schilling.

Release Date: Oct 12, 2012

Rated R for language and some violent images

Runtime: 2 hr. 0 min.

Genres: Drama, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Argo is a wonderfully crafted film. The fact that Ben Affleck did not get an Oscar nomination for work behind the camera is nearly criminal. His skill is readily on display throughout culminating with a tension filled 30 minute climax. The film itself is easily accessible and immediately engaging, an impressive feat considering the subject matter. Affleck onscreen delivers an understated and subtle performance as Mendez. He gets plenty of help from some excellent supporting players. Alan Arkin chews up the scenery with gleeful delight. He and John Goodman make for an impressive team leaving you wishing there was more of them in the film. It’s always good to see Bryan Cranston get good film roles and here he’s given a nice part that lets him flex his acting chops. Argo is one of those films you know the ending to already but it doesn’t detract from the experience in the slightest.

A