Movie Review: "Argo" (2012)

I saw "Argo" and it lived up to my expectations as it is an excellent, well-made, well-written, well-acted movie. Ben Affleck has directed another great movie (after "Gone Baby Gone" & "The Town"), perhaps his finest. He is fast becoming one of the better directors in Hollywood.

"Argo" delivers on so many levels...dramatically, comically, emotionally and even patriotically.

It is 1979 & the Shah has left Iran and is in the U.S. receiving medical treatment. Iran erupts in violence, condemning all Americans and taking over the embassy. Six people escape their clutches and take refuge at the Canadian ambassador's home (not completely historically correct...but who cares?). The CIA is trying to figure out a way to get them out. So who do they turn to? Hollywood, of course! A fake movie is conjured up so the 6 hostages can have a cover story to get them out of Iran. And of course...the rest is history (ACTUAL history!).

The journey from the beginning to the end of this movie is filled with tense moments along with fun, funny moments. The performances given by Alan Arkin & John Goodman as the Hollywood team responsible for the fake movie are fantastic, as the chemistry between these two fine actors really shines through. I will not be shocked to see both of them nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscars, with Arkin almost a certainty. And these guys came up with my favorite movie quote of the year..."Argo f**k yourself!"

I did not find a single moment in this movie that didn't grab my attention. This is a credit to Affleck & his directing skills and I believe he will get his first Oscar nod as a director.

I also didn't find a single weak performance, with Bryan Cranston being another notable actor giving a now-expected great performance (playing a meth kingpin with cancer will do that for you!). Even Affleck who isn't known to be the greatest of actors does a nice job.

So far, "Argo" is the best movie I've seen in 2012 (at least the best one RELEASED in 2012, although I can't think of a better movie I've seen this year). I fully expect numerous Oscar nominations & possibly victories for this movie, with Best Picture being at the top of that list.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie...9.0/10 stars