Argo

Films based on true stories are usually gripping, strong, nail-biting movies that keep you right on the edge of your seat. Many films have done this-- "Papillion", "Patton", King's Speech", "Hollywoodland", "Chinatown", "Titanic", "Milk", even the upcoming "Hitchcock". To add to this list we now have "Argo".

November 4, 1979. As the Iranian revolution escalates and reaches a climax, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who escaped from their embassy and found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor (Victor Garber).
Mendez and his bosses, Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston) and Robert Pender (Zeljko Ivanek) and others attempt to concoct many different ideas in getting these people out of the country. But finally Mendez decides to come up with a fake movie and by making these Americans the film crew looking for locations for their new film, "Argo", they then would walk right out of the country as a film crew without detection. To implement this idea, Mendez contacts his friend, make up artist, John Chambers (John Goodman) and he ends up contacting producer, Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) to help with the different aspects in order to make this work.

Others to round out the cast are Tate Donovan as Bob Anders, Clea DuVall as Cora Lijek, Scoot McNairy as Joe Stafford, Rory Cochrane as Lee Schatz, Christopher Denham as Mark Lijek, Kerry Bishe as Kathy Stafford, Kyle Chandler as Hamilton Jordan, Chris Messina as Malinov, and Titus Welliver as Bates.

This was directed with incredible grit and intensity by Ben Affleck ("Gone Baby Gone" '07, "The Town" '10). The way Affleck used quick panning cameras with rapid editing in just the right places gave the project that frenetic feel that keeps you riveted. It was wonderfully written by Chris Terrio based on an article, "Escape From Tehran" by Joshuah Bearman. As mentioned, the photography was intensely shot by Rodrigo Prieto,asc/amc ("21Grams" '03, "Alexander" '04, "Babel" '06, "State of Play" '09, "Water For Elephants" '11) and others. This guy is a consummate pro.

Affleck is a talented actor, however he cannot play just any role and pull it off-- his best being "Hollywoodland". His role in this had grit, but he definitely excelled in the director's chair. As with his past directions, he has really proven himself as the great director he is. Like other actors who have worked in front and behind the camera i.e. Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, this guy has found his niche.

This movie simply rocks! The photography, editing, music, and the supporting cast made this story that much more realistic. You felt like you've gone back in time by the painstaking detail. This is such a well crafted film, you'll be waiting for the next Affleck project with incredible anticipation.

Out of 4 stars: 4                       Rated: R                        120mins.