Movie Review: Argo (2012)
Director: Ben Affleck
Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Clea DuVall
Plot: In 1979, the American Embassy in Iran was overrun. All Americans in the building were taken hostage. However, unknown to the invaders, six employees managed to escape to the Canadian ambassador’s house. If they are found by the Iranians, they will be killed and killed publicly. The CIA, desperate for ideas on how to get the escapees out of Iran, start brainstorming ideas – none of them within the possibility of success.
Enter CIA agent Tony Mendez (Affleck), who specializes in extracting people from situations just like this. His idea is to use a cover – the team is a Canadian film crew doing a location scout for a science fiction movie. It’s never been done before, and no one is sure if it will work – but it’s the best worst idea they have.
Based on a true story and winner of several Oscars in 2013, Argo is an incredible movie chronically the journey of desperate people in a desperate situation – and one man who is trying to get them home safely. The performances are great, the music is excellent, and the tension is palpable throughout the entire movie.
Do yourself a favor and get this movie. It is awesome – and the documentaries on the actual declassified mission are pretty great as well.