ARGO

I was very excited to check this film out.  Everything I read, saw, and heard made me want to see Argo.  It's about the US hostage situation in Iran in the late 1970's and early 1980's and is based on true events. 

Argo was directed by and stars Ben Affleck, who I personally think is an awful actor but tremendous writer and director.  Affleck wrote Good Will Hunting which is phenomenal He also wrote and directed both The Town and Gone Baby Gone which are both very good films and his directing did not disappoint at all in Argo.

A lot of great research went into the film.  Affleck and the writers needed to make sure they told this true story accurately.  They talked to many former CIA members, historians, and even some of the hostages who were in Iran.  Not only was the script and plot accurate, but Affleck did a great job capturing the moment of the late 70's and early 80's. The casting, costumes, and cinematography made me feel like I was there.  The small details, things as simple as the men’s mustaches and people smoking really put it over the top. He also did a great job mixing in some actual news clips and audio from President Carter.

The acting was also great, except for Affleck.  All of the hostages, the Iranians, and the US government officials were beyond believable.  Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman all delivered a great performance.  However, the story mainly revolves around Ben Affleck's character.  Like many of his other films I felt he was dry, emotionless, and at times forcing it.  Maybe that's how his character is supposed to be but since that's how I feel about all of Ben Affleck's performances, it's one of the few negatives from the film.

Argo does start a little slow but I think it's mostly to set the scene for people who aren’t familiar with the Iranian hostage crisis. After it fills you in on the Iranian US history it really picks ups up speed, especially for the last 20 minutes or so.

I don't think it was Affleck's intention but one thing that really hit me from Argo was the risk American's take working at our consulates over seas.  Maybe it's because of the recent attacks in Libya but these men and women do not receive enough credit or praise for putting their life’s at risk in hostile locations for a thankless job.

I would highly recommend seeing Argo.  I would also highly recommending thanking those who serve over seas, whether they are working at consulates, embassies, military bases or on the front line.