ARGO

         The 2013 Academy Award Best Picture winner proves to be an entertaining film.  The film is set during the true story of the 1979 Iranian hostage crises where six Americans were able to escape the U.S. Embassy as it was being overrun by angry Iranian students and militants in Tehran.  Seeking refuge the escaped officials find a cozy spot in the Canadian ambassador's home, fearing that they will eventually be found out and the worst happening the CIA decides that they can't stay there any longer and need to devise a plan for an exfiltration.  How you ask? For that the CIA reluctantly decides to go with "the best bad idea" they have.  Use the cover of filming a fake movie.  Ben Affleck plays Tony Mendez, the real life operative who's the brains of the operation.  Rockin' a beard and a 70's do that would make Barry Gibb jealous, Affleck delivers an exceptional performance as both an actor and director in the film, along with the rest of the cast.   

 

Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez in "Argo" (Claire Folger/Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

          The first scenes we see are those of November 4, 1979 Iran.  Shots of flag burnings, chanting and overall pure hatred for the United States set the tone early.  We see how tensions boil over from protests to a spontaneous take over in minutes.  The film does an excellent job of making the audience feel the intensity of the situation that one cannot help but begin wondering, "what was it like."  The entire movie delivers solid performances by the entire cast which includes; Affleck, John Goodman as Academy Award winning make-up artist John Chambers, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Kyle Chandler as White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan, Victor Garber as the Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor, Bob Gunton and Phillip Baker Hall.  As well as the six officials seeking refuge played by; Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Christopher Denham, Scoot McNairy, Kerry Bishé and Rory Cochrane.
          Affleck keeps us on our toes as we follow this bold and perhaps half witted, or brilliant, attempt to escape a very hostile situation. Perhaps a bit more hostile than actual events.  It was only after I saw the movie that I found out how much was added to the story to increase the entertainment value, taking away from it's luster a bit.  The film nevertheless is a fun ride and a worthy candidate for the best picture category that it won, but considering it's fellow nominees I would agree that it merits a nomination, but unfortunately not a win. 
Overall: A-