*This film is rated R. The reviewer was 17 years old at the time of viewing.
Known for directing the hit production “The Town” and giving what was arguably his best acting performance since the 1997 blockbuster “Gone Baby Gone,” Ben Affleck has made himself into a renowned director, producer and actor. Now he returns to star in his own recently directed film, “Argo.
Loosely based on true events, the film takes place in the late 1970s and early 1980s during the Iran Hostage Crisis. In February 1979, the Shah of Iran is toppled from his throne of power and the Ayatollah Khomeini takes leadership. The United States then acts as an ally to the exiled Shah and allows him to seek refuge in the country while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Back in Iran, citizens are upset with America and its refusal to return the Shah back to his home country for trial and execution. But when the country refuses to bring back the former king, Iranians attack the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979 and take 52 Americans hostage.
Among the chaos and commotion, six Americans are able to escape safely and find protection with a Canadian diplomat. However, with the revolting Iranians getting closer and closer to discovering the identities of those who fled from the incident, a master plan is needed to get the refugees to U.S. soil.
Enter Affleck’s character, the Central Intelligence Agency specialist Tony Mendez. Sent to Iran to rescue the Americans clinging to their lives, he must devise a master scheme to get them into American territory. His plan? Acting as a Canadian film that needs find recording locations in Tehran for its new movie. And the name of that movie? “Argo.”
Despite what could be considered a boring introduction, the film quickly grabs the viewers’ attention with the violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy. From then on, the audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the escapees are forced to endure the long anticipation of their rescue.
Upon Mendez’s arrival to Iran, “Argo” explodes with even more intensity, and it doesn’t stop until the plan is set in motion. The crew arrives at the airport in Tehran, bracing itself for the results that may lay ahead: capture and execution by the paranoid Iranians who are bloodthirsty to find any Americans attempting to leave the country, or sweet freedom in the United States.
Yet in spite of what could be considered a more intense and serious movie centered on historic events, the movie contains several instances that will make watchers chuckle. Thanks to roles by famous actors Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who serve as the producer and makeup expert for the fake film, respectively, comical relief is brought to the generally serious film.
The thrill of “Argo’” will hold audience members hostage throughout and is a must-see for anyone looking for a heart-pounding and exhilarating experience.
