Argo

Everyone thought Ben Affleck's career was over after a string of box office flops. But lately he has revived his career with a string of critically successful films he directed.

It is amazing how people can reinvent themselves. As a director Ben Affleck just keeps on getting better and better with each film he makes. There is already talk of all the awards he will receive for 'Argo'. And they are very deserving. Many of us would know about the American hostages taken in Iran in 1979. But you would not know that there was a second group of people hiding out at the residence of the Canadian Ambassador. Affleck and writer Chris Terrio have made a really tension filled thriller that is also incrediblt funny. With the inclusion of film makers into the plot this lets them add some much needed levity to the film so it is not just all tense moments. Affleck is a skilled director who can nicely balance the humour and the tension so that the hour never compromises the seriousness of the situation which the American workers are in. The film's ending would have to be one of the most tense moments I have experienced in a film in a long time.
Ben Affleck director really knows how to get a good performance out of Ben Affleck the actor. While Ben plays the hero of the film he does not do it in a big showy sort of way. Tony Mendez is a quiet unassuming sort of guy and Ben plays it that way. Ben has also gotten himself some excellent actors to support him. Brian Cranston is finally getting the exposure he deserves and is his usual brilliant self here. As Tony's Hollywood contacts John Goodman and Alan Arkin are hilarious. Especially Alan who seems to be sending up the typical low budget Hollywood producer he has now doubt known over his career. Victor Garber and Tate Donovan are also very good in their roles too.
Another one of those true story films that features a plot which does not seem it could be true. A clever mix of tension and laughs which firmly establishes Ben Affleck as an all round film maker.