Movie Review: Argo

Ben Affleck returns to the directors chair for his third directed film Argo, following Gone Baby Gone (2007) and The Town (2010), only this time there are no Boston accents.  Argo, a thriller based on a 1980 covert operation in which former CIA agent Tony Mendez attempts to rescue six endangered Americans from Iran via Hollywood, stars Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman.  The film was co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov and was released in October of this year.

Affleck has now officially established himself as a solid director in my mind.  The big question was whether or not he could make a film that steps outside of the familiar Boston setting, and he nailed it.  With a story this strong, the suspense is already there.  It begins with a rather fast-paced set up in the very beginning of the film.  But it is the true depiction of the time period, impressive film-making technique, and strong casting that makes this an even more impressive production.

Cranston’s performance is as expected, a not too unfamiliar character, though the performance is particularly impressive towards the end.  Arkin and Goodman add a little comic relief as they portray a film producer and make-up artist who help Mendez with his elaborate cover.  And Affleck is good, but I can think of others who would have filled the lead characters shoes better.  I mean, just because you directed it it doesn’t mean that you have to star in it, Ben!

Argo’s thrilling story makes for a great film, though the ending drags on a bit too long.  You know what’s going to happen, and convenient setbacks to the protagonists mission get slightly annoying, though it finally leads to a satisfying finish.

All in all this is a well-crafted and entertaining film with loads of suspense.  I recommend that you Argo see it for yourself.

8/10 Canadian Filmmakers!