What a ride...

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2013)

Let me skip the usual intro that would start with something not really related with the movie and then making an amazing connection with the movie no one saw coming. Let's go in medias res:
1) The story. "Inspired by true events" can be a tricky thing. One can hold on to the facts so strong that it becomes boring, or one can give it too much imagination so in the end it doesn't even slightly resemble the true version. Argo is neither. It is smart, fun, entertaining and provocative at the same time. The parallel stories showing confusion, panic, fear at one end (the field operation), combined simultaneously with almost the same elements on the other end (the CIA and presidential offices) is something not many can do. The story is fantastic, and it will rip the nerves right out of your body! The thing that makes it more interesting are the end credits when we are presented with photos of the pictured event that show us just how pedant (documentaristic I dare say) Affleck was while directing it. But be aware, the final half an hour is seriously nerve damaging. I cannot recall a movie in the last 10 years that made me feel this way.
2) The acting. Since there are a lot of small roles, a lot of almost cameo roles in the movie it would be impossible to give a good review of the acting because no one, except Affleck, had a lot of screen time. The roles of Arkin, Cranston and Goodman were brilliant. Arkin and Goodman had so much fun while acting that they could hardly hide it (if they were even trying to). They form such a great team, so entertaining and vivid, that every scene with them was so fun to watch one could watch it over and over again without getting tired. Cranston on the other hand gave a much more serious role (and had a more serious character). His acting was an amazing opposite to Goodman and Arkin creating a perfect harmony between them. Everyone else was also very good or excellent. Even Affleck gave a really good role, but the best of him was his face. It doesn't change, move, or form any kind of gesture during the entire movie. Stone cold and great.
Unfortunately, that is all I can say about this movie. A great spy thriller with amazing roles, great acting and an interesting subliminal political criticism of the Carter administration and the Iran revolution. Now, is this Oscar worthy? Yes, but not best picture. The Oscar for the script is well deserved, but instead of best picture Affleck should have gotten one for best director.