This was a good film but not GREAT.

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2013)

The cinematography in the film was great, most of the filming was on location in Turkey. The crew did a great job of convincing the audience that they were there during the late 70's traveling through crowded bazaars or meeting with Iranian officials in elaborate ancient buildings. The other half of the filming took place in LA and gave an old time feel of being on set with Goodman and Arkin.
I thought the supporting acting from Arkin, and the hostages almost out- shined Affleck's portrayal of Mendez. Affleck did capture a caring father who genuinely wanted to help these people whether with or without the help of the CIA. The scene where he watches the same movie as his son while on the phone with him added touching emotion in a heartfelt way.
This films is not perfect, with many historical inaccuracies along the way, however I am glad they added Arkin's role of Lester Siegel into the film although it was fictional Arkin provided comic relief that was actually funny. Yes the ending was obvious and easy to foresee but that didn't change the fact that I rooted inside once everyone on board the airplane clapped in celebration. Overall I disagree of how highly rated the movie was, I thought it was good but now great.
This review is off my blog, here it is (no pressure) freekritic.