"This is the best bad idea we have Sir, by far."

Rating: 10/10 (28 January 2013)

Say what you will about the movie, but the story itself is outrageous. How the CIA conspired to rescue six American hostages by concocting a phony movie and film crew to extract them from the Canadian ambassador's residence in Iran is about as out there as it gets. I have to wonder what the principals in the real life drama must think to themselves seeing their ordeal reenacted for a modern day audience. Up till now I haven't been that keen on Ben Affleck as either an actor or director, but he's made a name for himself here. I'm catching this film after it's garnering top honors at the Golden Globes and last night's SAG Awards, so heading into Oscar season this film has to be giving fits to the "Lincoln" folks. Which is OK because that's what competition is all about. Historically, the picture takes it's share of liberties with the facts, and only deals with one facet of the hostage crisis. But it will have you on the edge of your seat for the most part, and going white knuckle every second the getaway plane is still on the tarmac. What we need now is another film that gets the rest of the hostages home after their four hundred forty four day ordeal.