Argo

What's it all about? A dramatisation of the real life CIA-Canadian secret operation to rescue six fugitive American diplomats out of Iran during the 1980s. 

Starring? Ben Affleck , Bryan Cranston , John Goodman , Alan Arkin , Victor Garber. 

I wanted to like this film , after the golden globe success I was excited to witness Affleck finally truly proving himself since the dark days of Pearl Harbour. I am mildly disappointed , while he shows skill as a director/producer his performance was somewhat bland , in fact I'm almost certain he failed to change his facial expression at any point in the film. Arguably he should have stuck to the directors chair , and left the main role for someone else. However Argo is captivating , interesting and uncommon. It perhaps begins too slowly , with the pace feeling a little too mellow and the supposedly chaotic events passing with ease. Although it regains itself tremendously in the last section , paralysing the audience with tension and leaving them proudly entertained. Chris Terrio's script is what drives Argo's success ,  it maintains an effective balance of humour , politics and thrilling action. Despite my criticisms the film is largely commendable , Affleck's direction is quietly executed yet positively effective in conveying an authentic context and involving the audience in the plot. Affleck is helped by a notable supporting cast , especially Arkin and Cranston who help rejuvenate the blander moments.  I still have a somewhat undecided opinion on Argo , I am not blown away but can not escape the fact that at its root its though rally captivating and entertaining. Having said  this I am unsure it is deservant of its Best Film golden globe.

Verdict? 4 stars , an interestingly strange story that appeals to all film goers.