Argo Reviews
cosmo313
Super Reviewer
May 10, 2012
Based on true events, this is the riveting story of a joint covert operation between the CIA and the Canadian government to rescue 6 American diplomats trapped in Tehran during the Iran Hostage Crisis of the late 70s/early 80s. The six managed to escape the U.S. Embassy and find shelter with the Canadian Consul. But just because they were they doesn't mean they were out of harms way.
Besides directing and producing, Affleck stars as CIA exfiltration expert Tony Mendez. The plan he comes up with as a cover for the rescue operation is a great one: he gets Hollywood makeup artist/occasional CIA consultant John Chambers to help him (along with film producer Lester Siegel) create a fake science fantasy adventure film called Argo that is to be shot in the Middle East, with Tony and the six diplomats posing as the film crew.
The film has a top notch cast, with John Goodman as Chambers, Oscar nominated Alan Arkin as SIegel, and various other roles filled by Bryan Cranston Victor Garber, Taylor Schilling, and RIchard Kind, Kyle Chandler, and a crap load of others. Of the six people playing the diplomats, the most notable (for me at least) were Clea DuVall and Rory Cochrane (Slater from Dazed and Confused. All of these people, no matter how brief their appearance, are all rock solid. The film is somewhat unbalanced as far as extreme depth and development go, but we get just enough to keep people from being totally one dimensional.
The story is fascinating, and really holds your attention, rarely letting up. Yeah, some fabrications are done to heighten the tension, drama, and make the story more cinematically exciting, but those are minor quibbles. I just honestly can't believe that the central ruse that was used is actually true. I have a love/hate thing with the CIA, but this idea was cool, but maybe that's just because I'm a sucker for movie making and films about it. Maybe the biggest gripe I have is the interpretative change that the movie does by downplaying the role of the Canadian government and putting the emphasis on the CIA. They could have found a way to make it more balanced, but it may have resulted in a longer, more expensive film, so I guess I can let it go.
The film is well shot, tightly edited, Affleck gives some solid direction, and the look of this film is great. The costumes, hairstyles, and touches done to bring the time period alive are impeccable. Like many, I'm bummed that Affleck was snubbed a directing nod, but at least that was made up for by the film winning best picture (nabbing him a statue since he also produced it). The music ain't too shabby, either.
One could argue that the release of the film isn't exactly timely, and the portrayal of Iranians is a little insensitive, but given the subject matter, it is rather fitting and true to the era. All in all, this is a sterling piece of work, and one I have no trouble recommending.
The third time really is a charm for actor/burgeoning director Ben Affleck. I mean yeah, Gone Baby Gone and The Town were both really good, but this one is his best directorial effort yet.
Based on true events, this is the riveting story of a joint covert operation between the CIA and the Canadian government to rescue 6 American diplomats trapped in Tehran during the Iran Hostage Crisis of the late 70s/early 80s. The six managed to escape the U.S. Embassy and find shelter with the Canadian Consul. But just because they were they doesn't mean they were out of harms way.
Besides directing and producing, Affleck stars as CIA exfiltration expert Tony Mendez. The plan he comes up with as a cover for the rescue operation is a great one: he gets Hollywood makeup artist/occasional CIA consultant John Chambers to help him (along with film producer Lester Siegel) create a fake science fantasy adventure film called Argo that is to be shot in the Middle East, with Tony and the six diplomats posing as the film crew.
The film has a top notch cast, with John Goodman as Chambers, Oscar nominated Alan Arkin as SIegel, and various other roles filled by Bryan Cranston Victor Garber, Taylor Schilling, and RIchard Kind, Kyle Chandler, and a crap load of others. Of the six people playing the diplomats, the most notable (for me at least) were Clea DuVall and Rory Cochrane (Slater from Dazed and Confused. All of these people, no matter how brief their appearance, are all rock solid. The film is somewhat unbalanced as far as extreme depth and development go, but we get just enough to keep people from being totally one dimensional.
The story is fascinating, and really holds your attention, rarely letting up. Yeah, some fabrications are done to heighten the tension, drama, and make the story more cinematically exciting, but those are minor quibbles. I just honestly can't believe that the central ruse that was used is actually true. I have a love/hate thing with the CIA, but this idea was cool, but maybe that's just because I'm a sucker for movie making and films about it. Maybe the biggest gripe I have is the interpretative change that the movie does by downplaying the role of the Canadian government and putting the emphasis on the CIA. They could have found a way to make it more balanced, but it may have resulted in a longer, more expensive film, so I guess I can let it go.
The film is well shot, tightly edited, Affleck gives some solid direction, and the look of this film is great. The costumes, hairstyles, and touches done to bring the time period alive are impeccable. Like many, I'm bummed that Affleck was snubbed a directing nod, but at least that was made up for by the film winning best picture (nabbing him a statue since he also produced it). The music ain't too shabby, either.
One could argue that the release of the film isn't exactly timely, and the portrayal of Iranians is a little insensitive, but given the subject matter, it is rather fitting and true to the era. All in all, this is a sterling piece of work, and one I have no trouble recommending.
Eugene B
Super Reviewer
March 31, 2013
Ben Affleck and George Clooney join forces and produce an intense and vivid portrayal of a nationwide-renown story. Argo exemplifies brilliance from the visual presentation to the diverse cast of characters. The film combines drama, black humor and human nature to leave you anxious for what's to come. 5/5
Nikhil N.
Super Reviewer
March 31, 2013
This movie was so suspenseful that it kept me literally at the edge of my seat. It takes a little-known historic event and blows it up on a grand-scale. It does this masterfully. It was entertaining and almost flawless. The only real flaw was that some of the characters are forgettable and are only there for historical accuracy, making them easy to not care about. Regardless, it is a very good movie and definitely worth a watch.
bbcfloridabound
Super Reviewer
March 26, 2013
Deserves more credit and awards then this movie has gotten so far. A well told storBen Affleck outdid himself. 5 stars. 3-24-13.
garyX
Super Reviewer
October 10, 2012
A CIA hostage extraction specialist is called in to retrieve six US Embassy workers hiding out in the Canadian consulate in Iran after the civil uprising of 1979. Argo reminded me very much of The Bank Job, a British heist movie from a few years ago starring Jason Statham. They share a similar mix of humour, politics and history, done in a 70s thriller style format with a plots that seem extremely implausible and yet were based on actual events. Ben Affleck shows some excellent attention to detail in recreating not only the period during which they occurred, but the cultural and political climate and even casting actors who resemble their real life counterparts. The formula is almost a cross between Munich and Ocean's Eleven as the preposterous idea of faking a 70s sci-fi movie to smuggle out the would-be hostages leaves room for a lot of humour and the brilliant partnership of John Goodman and Alan Arkin is constantly laugh out loud funny. This light tone soon becomes darker as the real danger the six face becomes more and more apparent making for a nail biting finale as they attempt their escape. I also have to admire Affleck's candidness in describing the events which led to Iran's contempt for the west and once again his accomplished direction makes for a film that is consistently both entertaining AND intelligent.
familiar s
Super Reviewer
March 18, 2013
A decent effort by Affleck makes this real life based flick watchable enough.
Matthew Samuel M
Super Reviewer
March 16, 2013
An excellent film. One of the best films released in recent memory. Suspenseful, well-acted and well-written, the film never lags, never bores, and always entertains and engages. Blew me away.
Idrees K
Super Reviewer
October 12, 2012
Affleck once again proves himself to be one of Hollywood's best and most consistent directors. Phenomenal writing and phenomenal acting in a movie that seems to be James Bond for pacifists. My only qualm is the lack of historical accuracy, but if you can look past it, there's definitely and enjoyable film in there.
Sunny D
Super Reviewer
February 25, 2013
Ben Affleck continues his astonishing career turnaround with "Argo." This film exhibits top-notch direction, and the choice to give some scenes an "aged" look, gives the film a more authentic feel. The casting is fantastic, and the story is captivating. Viewers will leave satisfied. Grade: B+
Daniel L
Super Reviewer
December 17, 2012
Argo is an entertaining and tense thriller that's well paced and pays attention to detail, but falls flat in certain areas because of certain key events in the film being fabricated and the role of Tony Mendez should have gone to a more versatile, hispanic actor instead of Ben Affleck.
Josh L
Super Reviewer
October 11, 2012
Argo is Ben Affleck's best film yet among an already great filmography and an absolutely unprecedented thriller. The film is so well directed that you feel like you are there with these people experiencing it with them. There's almost unbearable tension for the last 30 or so minutes. You will be on the edge of your seat. Argo's recreation of these times and events looks as realistic as you could possibly get. There's no showy performances that scream Oscar, but at the same time there's solid performances from everyone. The characters are all low-key, including a restrained performance from Affleck himself, that help the story breath. Even though this is a very serious film with an incredible true story at its core, there's plenty of humor from characters played by Alan Arkin and John Goodman. Argo doubles as not only a historical thriller, but also a satire of Hollywood. It gets its jabs in quick and relentless without spending too much time on it. At 2 hours, Argo feels like it goes by at a breakneck pace. This film was totally deserving of the Best Picture win and one of the best directed thrillers I've seen in years. Don't miss it!
Sam B
Super Reviewer
May 29, 2012
Ben Affleck proves himself a much better director than actor, as he wrings tension out of this true story, and delivers a drama that happens to be everything from frightening to funny to inspirational by the end. The cinematography is incredible, and the movie is done in an unflinchingly authentic 70s style. The fantastic supporting cast is underutilized (more John Goodman please), and you can tell that the script really has to stretch to make the story more cinematic than it probably was in real life. Still, Argo is as finely crafted as Affleck's last movie The Town, but is largely its own beast - a conglomeration of many separate elements into a parable about many separate things. Is it a inspirational stranger-than-fiction tale, a reflection on the power of movies as a universal language that can cross cultures, or an example of keeping the peace when violence seems unavoidable? Argo is all of those things, and the fact that it pulls of so many different feats is truly admirable, and definitely worth watching.
Mark W
Super Reviewer
February 24, 2013
Based on true events in a post-revolution Iran in 1979. A mob of Ayatollah supporters storm the US Embassy and take 56 American hostages. 6 officers managed to escape, however, and take refuge in the home of a Canadian Ambassador. After two months in hiding and their sanctuary becoming increasingly risky, the CIA hatch a plan to get them home and extraction officer Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is given that responsibility. His plan is to create a fake movie called "Argo" and pretend that the six officers in hiding are his crew, scouting for shooting locations within the country.
Before going into Argo, I admittedly expected a heavy-handed political thriller but that's not exactly what it delivers. Apart from the first five minutes of a brief overview of the, questionable, political relations between the U.S. and Iran, it sidesteps any political agenda and gets down to capturing the thrilling, human drama at it's core. I'm not adverse to political film's at all. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy them but Affleck is wise not to get too bogged down in boardroom banter and bureaucracy when there's an brilliantly exciting story to tell. It does share similarities with the great political tinged thrillers of the 1970's like Alan J. Pakula's "All The Presidents Men" or "The Parallax View". The late 70's and early 80's style is captured to perfection by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and Affleck's orchestration can sit comfortably beside any from that great decade of cinema.
Chris Terrio's solid screenplay delivers many dialogue driven scenes but Affleck keeps things moving at a frantic pace and not for a second, does the film ever get dull or drawn out. The tension is almost unbearable at times. Why Affleck didn't, at the very least, nab an Oscar nomination for his substantial and well-constructed direction here is beyond me. There's no doubt that he's in complete command of his material as he leaps from Tehran to Washington to Tinseltown and delivers completely satisfying environments and effortless shifts in tone for the whole film to gel and come to life. He has the ability to capture a politically ravaged country; the backroom jargon of the CIA and the dark humour of Hollywood (that shares a strong resemblance to Barry Levinson's "Wag The Dog"). In order to capture this ludicrous, stranger-than-fiction story in it's entirety, it demands a maestro at work and Affleck can certainly consider himself one.
This is the edge-of-your-seat tension that "Zero Dark Thirty" wishes it had. With only three film's under his hat, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Affleck has been at this directing malarky for a very long time. The comparisons with actor, turned quality director, Clint Eastwood will rage on and if anyone thinks otherwise, then Affleck can tell them to "Argo fuck yourself".
After a great directorial debut with "Gone Baby Gone" in 2007 and a brilliant sophomore effort with "The Town" in 2010, all eyes were on Ben Affleck in his third outing as director. Questions were asked as to whether he could do it again. And the answer? The answer is a resounding, 'Yes'. Argo completes Affleck's hat-trick behind the camera and confirms that he's definitely a director that has an abundance of talent and awareness.
Based on true events in a post-revolution Iran in 1979. A mob of Ayatollah supporters storm the US Embassy and take 56 American hostages. 6 officers managed to escape, however, and take refuge in the home of a Canadian Ambassador. After two months in hiding and their sanctuary becoming increasingly risky, the CIA hatch a plan to get them home and extraction officer Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is given that responsibility. His plan is to create a fake movie called "Argo" and pretend that the six officers in hiding are his crew, scouting for shooting locations within the country.
Before going into Argo, I admittedly expected a heavy-handed political thriller but that's not exactly what it delivers. Apart from the first five minutes of a brief overview of the, questionable, political relations between the U.S. and Iran, it sidesteps any political agenda and gets down to capturing the thrilling, human drama at it's core. I'm not adverse to political film's at all. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy them but Affleck is wise not to get too bogged down in boardroom banter and bureaucracy when there's an brilliantly exciting story to tell. It does share similarities with the great political tinged thrillers of the 1970's like Alan J. Pakula's "All The Presidents Men" or "The Parallax View". The late 70's and early 80's style is captured to perfection by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and Affleck's orchestration can sit comfortably beside any from that great decade of cinema.
Chris Terrio's solid screenplay delivers many dialogue driven scenes but Affleck keeps things moving at a frantic pace and not for a second, does the film ever get dull or drawn out. The tension is almost unbearable at times. Why Affleck didn't, at the very least, nab an Oscar nomination for his substantial and well-constructed direction here is beyond me. There's no doubt that he's in complete command of his material as he leaps from Tehran to Washington to Tinseltown and delivers completely satisfying environments and effortless shifts in tone for the whole film to gel and come to life. He has the ability to capture a politically ravaged country; the backroom jargon of the CIA and the dark humour of Hollywood (that shares a strong resemblance to Barry Levinson's "Wag The Dog"). In order to capture this ludicrous, stranger-than-fiction story in it's entirety, it demands a maestro at work and Affleck can certainly consider himself one.
This is the edge-of-your-seat tension that "Zero Dark Thirty" wishes it had. With only three film's under his hat, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Affleck has been at this directing malarky for a very long time. The comparisons with actor, turned quality director, Clint Eastwood will rage on and if anyone thinks otherwise, then Affleck can tell them to "Argo fuck yourself".
Jan Marc M
Super Reviewer
February 22, 2013
Solid, tense, and impressive, Argo (2012, USA) is a narrative of a covert rescue circa Iranian Revolution, 1979. Pulse-racing and heart-punching, Argo delivers genuine tension that puts Ben Affleck as one of Hollywood's rising directors.
xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
Super Reviewer
December 15, 2012
Excellent Film! Argo follows the unbelievable true story of six Americans that have found shelter with the Canadian ambassador in Iran when the revolution reaches a boiling point. The CIA works alongside some heavy hitters in Hollywood to create a fake film production to concoct a risky plan to try and get them out of the country. For a movie that focuses on a situation that was so dire and heavy, this film comes off a bit lighter than expected. Ben Affleck has crafted a brilliantly entertaining film on numerous levels. The story alone is intriguing watching their unbelievable plan come to life. During this time of the film it delivers some really funny moments, without falling to far off track and confusing the kind of film this is. The acting here is top notch with everyone involved, including Affleck himself delivering some awesome performances. The dynamic between Affleck and Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is perfect creating a duo that both entertain as well as keep this story on track. The biggest treat in this film are brilliant and a lot of time funny performances from John Goodman and Alan Arkin. These guys really bring all the Hollywood aspect to the film to life while delivering Oscar worthy performances that will hopefully be recognized. The gritty look to this film really helps to capture the vibe and tone of the film while combined with the attention to detail, helps take you into the time period it takes place.
"Argo" is basically only rated R for language, making it appropriate for most teens, in my opinion. I definitely recommend this film to everyone, whether you're an adult who remembers watching this on TV or you're a kid who doesn't know anything about politics. It is extremely dramatic, exciting, and heart wrenching, but also hilarious on many occasions.
In 1979, the American embassy in Iran was invaded by Iranian revolutionaries and several Americans were taken hostage. However, six managed to escape to the official residence of the Canadian Ambassador and the CIA was eventually ordered to get them out of the country. With few options, exfiltration expert Tony Mendez devised a daring plan: to create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. With the help of some trusted Hollywood contacts, Mendez created the ruse and proceed to Iran as its associate producer. However, time was running out with the Iranian security forces closing in on the truth while both his charges and the White House had grave doubts about the operation themselves.
Based on the declassified true story.
Excellent Film! Argo follows the unbelievable true story of six Americans that have found shelter with the Canadian ambassador in Iran when the revolution reaches a boiling point. The CIA works alongside some heavy hitters in Hollywood to create a fake film production to concoct a risky plan to try and get them out of the country. For a movie that focuses on a situation that was so dire and heavy, this film comes off a bit lighter than expected. Ben Affleck has crafted a brilliantly entertaining film on numerous levels. The story alone is intriguing watching their unbelievable plan come to life. During this time of the film it delivers some really funny moments, without falling to far off track and confusing the kind of film this is. The acting here is top notch with everyone involved, including Affleck himself delivering some awesome performances. The dynamic between Affleck and Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is perfect creating a duo that both entertain as well as keep this story on track. The biggest treat in this film are brilliant and a lot of time funny performances from John Goodman and Alan Arkin. These guys really bring all the Hollywood aspect to the film to life while delivering Oscar worthy performances that will hopefully be recognized. The gritty look to this film really helps to capture the vibe and tone of the film while combined with the attention to detail, helps take you into the time period it takes place.
"Argo" is basically only rated R for language, making it appropriate for most teens, in my opinion. I definitely recommend this film to everyone, whether you're an adult who remembers watching this on TV or you're a kid who doesn't know anything about politics. It is extremely dramatic, exciting, and heart wrenching, but also hilarious on many occasions.
In 1979, the American embassy in Iran was invaded by Iranian revolutionaries and several Americans were taken hostage. However, six managed to escape to the official residence of the Canadian Ambassador and the CIA was eventually ordered to get them out of the country. With few options, exfiltration expert Tony Mendez devised a daring plan: to create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. With the help of some trusted Hollywood contacts, Mendez created the ruse and proceed to Iran as its associate producer. However, time was running out with the Iranian security forces closing in on the truth while both his charges and the White House had grave doubts about the operation themselves.
Mr Awesome
Super Reviewer
February 8, 2013
Affleck stars as Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltration expert who's called upon to try and figure out a way to exfiltrate 6 embassy workers trapped in Iran during the 1979 revolution. The workers have been hiding at the home of the Canadian ambassador, but the revolutionaries are closing in on them. There are several schemes for their escape floating about, from giving them bicycles and having them ride 300 miles to the border, to having them pose as crop inspectors (although as there was snow on the ground, it would be difficult for them to inspect anything). Mendez' implausible, yet logical plan involves posing the six as a canadian film crew, out scouting locations for their upcoming sci-fi star fantasy, "Argo". Mendez realizes in order to fool the Iranians, his bogus film must appear to be completely legitimate, and with the help of make-up specialist John Chambers (John Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin), Argo begins to take on a life of it's own.
Great films aren't necessarily about having a deep message, or discovering some profound truth, sometimes it's just about being very well made and unabashedly entertaining. A great director like Hitchcock made populist films that were funny and suspenseful, but above all entertaining. With Argo, Affleck seems to be following in those legendary footsteps.
Ben Affleck the "director" is something of a new thing, he has just two other feature films under his belt, but "Argo" demonstrates a particularly seasoned approach to film-making that is a bit of a rarity these days. The performances are fine, but the story-telling and especially the pacing of the film are, I hate to say it, examples of near cinematic genius. Yes, the star of some of the worst movies ever made ("Daredevil", "Gigli", "Pearl Harbor") might actually be a genius behind the camera. If Argo were merely a suspense/thriller/action film then this would be hyperbole, but Argo is considerably more than that. Argo has comedy, feel-good patriotism, tension and a narrative that flows easily. It's textbook story-telling/filmmaking that doesn't come off as manipulative.
Affleck stars as Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltration expert who's called upon to try and figure out a way to exfiltrate 6 embassy workers trapped in Iran during the 1979 revolution. The workers have been hiding at the home of the Canadian ambassador, but the revolutionaries are closing in on them. There are several schemes for their escape floating about, from giving them bicycles and having them ride 300 miles to the border, to having them pose as crop inspectors (although as there was snow on the ground, it would be difficult for them to inspect anything). Mendez' implausible, yet logical plan involves posing the six as a canadian film crew, out scouting locations for their upcoming sci-fi star fantasy, "Argo". Mendez realizes in order to fool the Iranians, his bogus film must appear to be completely legitimate, and with the help of make-up specialist John Chambers (John Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin), Argo begins to take on a life of it's own.
Great films aren't necessarily about having a deep message, or discovering some profound truth, sometimes it's just about being very well made and unabashedly entertaining. A great director like Hitchcock made populist films that were funny and suspenseful, but above all entertaining. With Argo, Affleck seems to be following in those legendary footsteps.
Rubia Carolina .
Super Reviewer
February 8, 2013
Another one of those movies that you know exactly what expect and what and how some things will happen. But you got trapped into it and see yoursel rooting for a happy ending even being sure it will come. And then, when the credits come up, you go "google" the true story right away.
Phil H
Super Reviewer
February 6, 2013
Based on true events and more recently an article about the whole charade. The story involves a small group of Americans trapped in Iran after the US embassy was stormed and taken by militants. The group pretty much hide away in various places, moving around somewhat with the help of other foreign embassy folk until the Canadian Ambassador 'takes them in'. From there on the CIA conjure up a plan to extract the lost escapees by hoaxing the scouting of a major motion sci-fi picture and pretending the six Americans are crew members.
On the visual side of things this film did impress me, its pretty flawless as Iran is recreated right down to small details that were captured on film at the time (a man strung up by a large crane downtown). The clothes, hairstyles, cars, interior decorations, technology etc...are all spot on and captures the late 70's perfectly. The cast are all terrific and perform beautifully, I admit I don't know who most of them are (the escapees mainly) but they do a sterling job.
Alan Arkin is by far the best thing going for the A list actors on show. His gruff, rude outspoken manner is brilliant for his character of the film producer 'Lester Siegel' (fictional character), great Hollywood type name too. John Goodman is here again!! this time he does a good job as old Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers. Not only is his calm demeanor very likeable and pleasant but he actually looks like the guy too.
When it comes to the lead role of 'Mendez' played by Affleck I gotta take a step back from my enjoyment of the film. Like I say I did enjoy the film, but a nagging thought in my head just keeps telling me Affleck gave or saved the best meatiest role for himself...simply because it was his film and he could.
Yes Affleck does OK in the role, there is no machoism going on, no over the top acting, its all very straight laced and plain. But the fact his character was Latino and I don't think Affleck really looked like the guy either kinda makes me wonder why he just didn't cast someone more appropriate. Yes I realise what I just said doesn't mean Affleck wouldn't be good for the role and not give the right performance, but because he was the director I just sense a bit of self indulgence really. Meh! but that's just me.
So yep this was truly daring stuff, the kind of thing you'd half expect to hear from a dashing WWII adventure by us crafty Brits hehe. As usual though we do have the problem of the Yanks taking a lot of credit for themselves and ignoring everyone else. As with a few other war stories, certain other parties involved in this plot have unfortunately been given a bit of the cold shoulder. To the common viewer it won't make a difference of course but to those involved it has been noticed and caused a slight stir.
Most of the film is a build up for the finale which doesn't disappoint I guarantee. The whole finale is a bit predictable naturally but it still grabs you by the collar. Even the build up is interesting which surprised me as I expected lots of dull political/government spiel from lots of grey suited blokes with thick rimmed glasses and hair partings you could sail a boat down.
The film in general, I must give kudos to Affleck and his team for what they have achieved. Despite the need for adding a few Hollywood moments to rack up the tension like the runway chase and various sweat inducing confrontations, the film is reasonably accurate and highly enjoyable. Probably the most exciting tense ride I've experienced in a film for sometime where no one actually gets shot or killed!.
All this kicked off when I was but a mere sprog at the tender age of 1 year old, that's a long time ago folks. So Affleck steps up to the podium with an attempt at an epic, gritty, realistic political rollercoaster which is based on a true story where there wasn't actually that much danger truth be told.
Based on true events and more recently an article about the whole charade. The story involves a small group of Americans trapped in Iran after the US embassy was stormed and taken by militants. The group pretty much hide away in various places, moving around somewhat with the help of other foreign embassy folk until the Canadian Ambassador 'takes them in'. From there on the CIA conjure up a plan to extract the lost escapees by hoaxing the scouting of a major motion sci-fi picture and pretending the six Americans are crew members.
On the visual side of things this film did impress me, its pretty flawless as Iran is recreated right down to small details that were captured on film at the time (a man strung up by a large crane downtown). The clothes, hairstyles, cars, interior decorations, technology etc...are all spot on and captures the late 70's perfectly. The cast are all terrific and perform beautifully, I admit I don't know who most of them are (the escapees mainly) but they do a sterling job.
Alan Arkin is by far the best thing going for the A list actors on show. His gruff, rude outspoken manner is brilliant for his character of the film producer 'Lester Siegel' (fictional character), great Hollywood type name too. John Goodman is here again!! this time he does a good job as old Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers. Not only is his calm demeanor very likeable and pleasant but he actually looks like the guy too.
When it comes to the lead role of 'Mendez' played by Affleck I gotta take a step back from my enjoyment of the film. Like I say I did enjoy the film, but a nagging thought in my head just keeps telling me Affleck gave or saved the best meatiest role for himself...simply because it was his film and he could.
Yes Affleck does OK in the role, there is no machoism going on, no over the top acting, its all very straight laced and plain. But the fact his character was Latino and I don't think Affleck really looked like the guy either kinda makes me wonder why he just didn't cast someone more appropriate. Yes I realise what I just said doesn't mean Affleck wouldn't be good for the role and not give the right performance, but because he was the director I just sense a bit of self indulgence really. Meh! but that's just me.
So yep this was truly daring stuff, the kind of thing you'd half expect to hear from a dashing WWII adventure by us crafty Brits hehe. As usual though we do have the problem of the Yanks taking a lot of credit for themselves and ignoring everyone else. As with a few other war stories, certain other parties involved in this plot have unfortunately been given a bit of the cold shoulder. To the common viewer it won't make a difference of course but to those involved it has been noticed and caused a slight stir.
Most of the film is a build up for the finale which doesn't disappoint I guarantee. The whole finale is a bit predictable naturally but it still grabs you by the collar. Even the build up is interesting which surprised me as I expected lots of dull political/government spiel from lots of grey suited blokes with thick rimmed glasses and hair partings you could sail a boat down.
The film in general, I must give kudos to Affleck and his team for what they have achieved. Despite the need for adding a few Hollywood moments to rack up the tension like the runway chase and various sweat inducing confrontations, the film is reasonably accurate and highly enjoyable. Probably the most exciting tense ride I've experienced in a film for sometime where no one actually gets shot or killed!.
Thomas J
Super Reviewer
January 4, 2013
What great film making! I knew from history what the outcome was.... but was still on the edge of my seat! Great performances and shame on the Oscars for ignoring Ben Affleck as at least a nominee for best director!
