Argo

Very Well Done...

Go see it!

Best Director

This was a good, engrossing movie. However, I cannot remember the plaudits in real life. But Affleck should get the Oscar for best director.

Sticks with you

I saw Argo a few nights ago and haven't been able to get the movie and also the memories it dredged up out of my mind. I am puzzled by Gilroy's review and can only conclude that he/she is unaware that the story in the movie is actually based on true events that were not revealed to the public until 1997. That is part of what makes this movie so fascinating: finding out now that the return of those six was not engineered by Canada alone but by the CIA with Canada's willing help and cooperation. There is no doubt, in the movie, that the Canadian's showed tremendous bravery and compassion. Finally, the CIA and Tony Mendez are getting their due credit as well.

Not Quite

The low production values on Argo did it in, rendering it not quite as good as expected. The cinematographer missed the beautiful, sculptural arches and carving of the buildings for unknown reasons and instead did closed-in shots from the stance of an alley, in the most egregious shortfall. Alan Arkin and John Candy hammed up their 'humorous'roles, and missed real humor by a mile. The script lacked backbone. The dialogue fell flat. Sorry, but I'd expected so much better. This had the feel of a movie on a shoestring budget uplifted by a good performance (not great) from Affleck. And that's all there was. Even the 'suspense' seem canned. Sorry.

Too bad about Libya

So Obama administration doesn't answer the Amb to Libya's request for security - & he and 3 others are murdered. **Whereas in this movie, despite Carter, 6 Americans are saved by Canadians and one brave CIA dude. Hmm ... have we learned nothing in 40 years? **DON'T LEAVE TILL THE VERY, VERY END -surprise.

very well done

I dont understand the other complaints that it was "phony". It's a movie. They took creative license. Of course it's not going to be by the book. The filming was expertly done (the way they filmed it gave it a nostalgic feel - although I did chuckle when they showed the current Dulles Airport) and I think they gave credit where credit was given.. even at the end credits they show the photos of the real life photos, both Americans and the Canadians. I don't think this was any kind of blowoff to the Canadians - they played a major role in making the whole thing possible. Even just a tiny bit of courage is sometimes all we need

Loved it.

gilroy: Did you actually watch the movie? Much of it took place in the Canadian ambassador's residence - it was clear the role that the Canadians played. The only part I didn't really need was the gratuitous Hollywood-ness at the very end, but that wasn't enough to change my overall opinion. It was funny, suspensful, intelligently written, well acted, well researched... all in all great, with no sex, guns, blood, gore, etc. The fact that it's largely true only makes it better. I'm a Tony Mendez fan!!!

A total rewrite of history

I understand that this is touted as "based" on a true story... not a true story. But what is wrong with any American writer or director who would not portray the integral part our good friend, Canada, played in freeing our hostages? No WONDER they call us Ugly Americans! Is this the thanks Canada receives? We ignore their bravery? Shame, shame, shame on us. What is wrong with you Hollywood people!? The Canadian people extended their hearts and took wonderful care of our people on held-over flights for days following 911, and they risked their own lives to bravely sneak our hostages out of Iran. It's shameless to basically ignore the integral role Canada played in this whole drama. I am truly embarrassed for us.

Excellent!

I had not heard of this movie. The title would not have drawn me. I went tonight because of your review. And I must say, I thought it was every bit what you said! Finally a smart, thoughtful, entertaining, and yes nailbiting movie that did not show scurrilous sex scenes or undue violence. Bravo! More movies like this please!

Go!

While not historically accurate, it's still a great film. We all need to support "smart" movies to let H-wood know we will buy tix if they produce quality.

The Mundanity of Courage

Argo marries historical clarity with Hollywood narrative. An amazing accomplishment. Characters are pressured to act courageously by elimination of alternative courses of action. Others are shamed into supporting them. After the main action the characters resume their mundane, unremarkable lives. Brilliantly done.

Well done thriller +

After reading your review I hopped over to my local Bijou. It was everything you suggested and more. No loose ends. All the characters were rounded...no stereotypical treatments. Very satisfying...even the closing credits added to the satisfaction. A great story, well made, engrossing throughout, no dead spots...go see it!

Phony baloney

This is emblematic of what's wrong with our society and it's trappings.All the passive sports-watching and movie watching substituting for real life experience.Quickly forgotten movie after getting up the next morning.

Great movie that really keeps you guessing

Just got out of the movie, and from my perspective, Affleck has directed an outstanding picture. As someone who was in the DC area during the hostage crisis, he does a great job in creating an ongoing dramatic tension interspersed with some funny, tension reliving scenes, that works well in conveying the feel of the time period. Even though most in the audience will know the outcome will be successful, Affleck keeps the tension on and really makes you wonder if the mission will be a success. Really nice touch with the period set pieces, and you definitely want to stay and watch the closing credits. I'll say this is one of the best fall movies of the year. Definitely go and see it.