Exiting but Contrived

Rating: 7/10 (7 April 2013)

In this dramatization of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, a CIA agent devises a plan to rescue six Americans. While not Oscar worthy, this is an exciting look at the daring plan that was classified until recently. Afleck is turning into a competent director, but he should hold on to his acting gig for now. He and the writers go a bit overboard here in trying to add excitement to the historical events. Although the film is shot in a documentary style and implies authenticity, the final act is too contrived in building up the suspense to be believable as a true depiction. The acting is pretty good, with Arkin and Goodman coming off best as a couple of Hollywood personalities involved in the rescue mission.