Saturday, October 13, 2012

Review: Argo (2012)

Affleck delivers another solid film with this inspirational story.

Directed by Ben Affleck
Produced by Ben Affleck, George Clooney, and Grant Heslov
Written by Chris Terrio (screenplay); Joshuah Bearman (article)
Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman

**** (Original rating: ***1/2) 

In 1979, a hostage crisis began in Iran, when the American embassy was raided by an angry mob of Islamic protestors. The U.S. had given Iran's former dictator asylum, and they wanted him back to punish him for his crimes against their people. Fifty-two hostages were taken and held for many months, but six American workers escaped before they were captured. They were fortunately able to hide out at the Canadian embassy. In response, the CIA put Tony Mendez (Affleck) on the case, and he planned a phony film called Argo, even hiring a producer (Arkin) and another Hollywood vet (Goodman) to help promote the movie. His task was simple: go to Iran and get the six hostages out, under the cover of a film crew on a location scout. What followed is one of the most incredible true stories ever told. 

This is Ben Affleck's third directorial effort, and he continues to prove his talents behind the camera. With a tight script, he creates a thrilling, even funny, film that keeps the viewer thoroughly engaged throughout the entire ordeal. Affleck stars as part of an ensemble, and he blends in well, without calling attention to himself in this cast of mostly unknowns (who play the American hostages). In fact, the performances all around are solid, with the unknowns giving us the tension, and Arkin and Goodman providing most of the laughs. It's clear that Affleck did his homework, as the film shows many historical photographs that were almost identical to shots in the film. Argo is an interesting film, because it's both a crowd-pleaser and a bold dramatic work. If you're looking for an inspirational story told by a talented director, go see it. 

Oscar Potential: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Arkin), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing

12 comments:

  1. I'm not a fan of Affleck's films but I'll see this one, it's getting crazy amount of Oscar Buzz.

    Glad to know it's thrilling and funny, I'm not a big fan of political movies unless they are suspensful.

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    1. Sorry you're not a fan, but I'm glad you're going to see it.

      This one is suspenseful alright, so hopefully you'll like it.

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  2. This movie is fantastic. Thrilling, suspenseful, and fun.

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    1. I can't quite give it a rave 4-star review like others, but I did love the film. Glad Affleck is making great films behind the camera.

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  3. I never liked Affleck as an actor, but I'll keep an open mind about his abilities on the other side of the camera. This is interesting to me, especially since I'm old enough to remember the 1979 hostage crisis. I'll look for it on DVD.

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    1. Great! Hope you like it.

      Have you seen Gone Baby Gone or The Town? He did a great job directing those as well. I'd say Gone Baby Gone is his best film, but if you haven't seen either, I'd recommend both.

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  4. Glad you like it, Josh. I think Affleck just might get a Best Director nom with this one. Yeah, I do think Gone Baby Gone is still his best of the three though, I think his brother Casey is a better actor IMO.

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    1. At this point, I think he's definitely getting nominated, but a win is unsure. Plus, I'm wondering if Affleck and Clooney will be credited as producers for Best Picture. If so, Affleck could potentially be a 3-time Oscar winner, and Clooney would have two!

      I love all three of his films, but Gone Baby Gone is better than his other two. I agree on Casey Affleck, but I did love Ben's performances in Good Will Hunting, State of Play, and The Town.

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  5. Great review! I can't wait to check this out. This is going to be high on Oscars radar!

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    1. Thanks! I think it's almost a lock for Picture, Director, S. Actor (Arkin), A. Screenplay, and Film Editing. Hope you like the film!

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  6. Good review Josh. It's a good movie, but just not a great one in my opinion. I didn't feel the ever-loving sense of tension going on with the last-act of this movie, but I still think Affleck handled it well.

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    1. Thanks Dan. I felt that tension, but I wasn't as impressed with the overall film. It's very good, but I didn't think it was phenomenal.

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