"If there was any doubt Ben Affleck has turned into an exceptional director, his wildly entertaining, pulse-pounding thriller Argo will handily erase those thoughts. (...) This certain Best Picture contender proves to be a prime example of accomplished major studio filmmaking, and also a smart, crafty suspense-laden picture that should win critical plaudits across the board. (...) Scenes creating the Argo-within-Argo are played for laughs, but the tone noticeably (and effortlessly) shifts once the action shifts to Tehran and the plan is put into motion. (...) Still, right from the opening credits Affleck (working from Chris Terrio's aces screenplay) gets it all right and strives to set the story almost like a documentary. (...) Affleck plays Mendez with just the right amount of authority, and has cast his film with a top notch ensemble including fine turns by Arkin, Goodman and a terrific Bryan Cranston as his CIA superior. Everything is first rate including spot-on production and costume design and excellent cinematography from Rodrigo Prieto. No question: the movie-within-the-movie is fake, but the resulting picture is the real deal."
by Peter Hammond in Boxoffice Magazine
"Argo is a crackerjack political thriller told with intelligence, great period detail and a surprising amount of nutty humor for a serious look at the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-81. Proving even more than before that he’s a behind-the-camera force to be reckoned with, Ben Affleck tells a dense, multilayered yarn “based on a declassified true story” with confidence and finesse, while its unlikely Hollywood angle will make the hometown industry crowd feel proud of itself. From all points of view, this is one the major releases of the fall season (...) The final act of the highly skilled screenplay by Chris Terrio, whose other principal credit is for directing the little-seen 2005 film Heights, ramps things up from cold-sweat tension to seconds-ticking suspense in traditional movie-movie fashion, even down to a pretty implausible but undeniably exciting climactic chase. (...) Except for the showier turns by Arkin and Goodman, the performances are credibly utilitarian, led by Affleck as a smart agent who has learned not to tip his hand through outward displays."
by Todd McCarthy in The Hollywood Reporter
"Intercutting faux newsreel footage with an energetic widescreen restaging of the Nov. 4, 1979, storming of the U.S. embassy in Tehran by angry militants, "Argo" gets the pulse racing from the start, conveying the panic foreign service workers felt at the scene. (...) Terrio delivers a script that crackles with Paddy Chayefsky-like acerbity in parts, and includes plenty of punchy patter. Though Affleck's charm serves the film's lighter aspects as a snarky con-man yarn, the star may be the one dubious casting choice in the central drama's all-around stellar ensemble. (...) But the change not only makes for a thrilling finale (one that Telluride auds gave a spontaneous ovation) (...) Ultimately, the thrill of "Argo" is in watching how the illusion-making of movies found such an unlikely application on the world political stage, where the stakes were literally life and death."
by Peter Debruge in Variety
"“Argo” is also Ben Affleck’s third turn as a feature film director, and we see him in complete control of his game here. Though there are slight length issues, and definite veracity concerns (read the whole story if you want spoilers) “Argo” features impressive narrative tension throughout. Though there is little to no character exposition, you’re immediately drawn into the story, if only because the stakes are life and death. (...) The acting is also dynamic and compelling. John Goodman and Alan Arkin have limited roles in “Argo” as the C.I.A.’s Hollywood connections, and both are excellent. The always solid Philip Baker Hall is again stalwart here, and Bryan Cranston brings emotional heft and gravitas as Tony’s boss. (...) “Argo” also does well to provide context. (...) Kudos to Ben Affleck, actor and director, for delivering a vital and thrilling political actioner."
by Laramy Legel in Film.com
OSCAR POTENTIAL CATEGORIES:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Ben Affleck)
- Best Supporting Actor (Bryan Cranston)
- Best Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin)
- Best Supporting Actor (John Goodman)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Original Score
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Editing
BUT...
I believe there's no "but" around Argo's Oscar chances. It is getting the kind of raves that usually translate into AMPAS recognition and since the movie convinced a big couple of sceptical minds... and this is the ultimate proof of Ben Affleck's directing talent. Since I am/was one of the sceptical people about Argo, I must confess I can't wait to see this one in a theatre near me.
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