Movie of the week: Argo

Having been exceptionally impressed by Gone Baby Gone and The Town, I was intrigued by Argo from the beginning. Ben Affleck delivers his best work to date. Based on the real life story of CIA agency Tony Mendez, Argo follows the story of one man's quest to save six escapees who escaped the U.S. Embassy in Iran minutes before it was taken over in 1979. A race against time, Affleck must save the hostages before the Iranian government finds them and subsequently makes an example of them.
Argo is a clear choice for Best Picture and Best Director Oscar nominee, but I do not belive Affleck deserves a Best Actor nomination. He does well and is very believable, but never stands out or elevates a scene in a memorable way. The supporting acting however is excellent. John Goodman is goofy, hilarious, and makes every scene he is in enjoyable. Alan Arkin is equally convincing as Lester Siegel, an integral part to the success of the mission and Bryan Cranston is his terrific same terrific self.

Affleck's direction is superb. He captures the unrest in Iran well in addition to Mendez's internal struggle with getting the escapees out of Iran unharmed. Constantly seen abusing alcohol and junk food, Mendez appears to have an obsessive personality  that he carries into the mission as he constantly strives to do whatever it takes to see the escapees freed.

The only bad thing about Argo is Affleck's style. Although his haircut and wardrobe is fitting for the time, Affleck does not have the swagger we all know he can possess. Besides the silly haircut and wardrobe, he has also allowed his body to decline since The Town albeit likely for the role as Mendez.

I highly recommend Argo. As a long time fan of The Town, it's hard for me to say, but Argo is a better film. It may lack a performance as powerful as Jeremy Renner in The Town, but its overall supporting cast, script, and ending make it a more solid and entertaining film. And Affleck has now proved he can direct and produce solid movies outside of Boston. After barely surviving Gigli and Daredevil, the future of Affleck's career is bright. Anyone and everyone who likes movies should go see this.
Final Grade: 9.5 out of 10.