A gripping and suspense-filled drama

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2013)

Movies are entertainment. Normally, even the best ones can't change the world. But in 1980, a sci-fi B-movie -- one that didn't even get made -- actually saved some American lives. Argo is the true-life tale of how an un-produced Star Wars knock-off was used to rescue hostages in Iran.
Ben Affleck stars in and directs the story of an astonishing covert CIA operation that remained classified for decades. He plays Tony Mendez, the operative assigned to infiltrate Iran and sneak out with six U.S. diplomats who managed to escape from the American Embassy while it was being taken over by revolutionaries. He devises a cover story -- he'll pose as a Canadian film producer scouting locations for a space opera.
To convince the Iranian authorities – he has to set-up a real production company, and find a real script. But navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood agents and studios proves almost as formidable as dealing with hostile Middle Eastern regimes.
The action later shifts to Iran, as Mendez carries out his mission. One false move along the way, and the operation fails. The result is a gripping and suspense-filled drama that won't let you breathe easy.
Affleck gives a nice, subtle performance as Mendez (he's also so lacking in vanity that he allows himself to be shown with a ridiculous shag haircut). The rest of the cast is terrific as well – especially Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who play the real filmmakers Mendez teams up with to help carry-out the plan. Production Designer Sharon Seymour does an outstanding job of recreating the look and feel of the late '70s and early 80s.
People in show business seem to love honoring movies about show business. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Argo scores big on Oscar night.