Argo Review

Ben Affleck's Argo seems to have quietly slipped under the hype radar, working it's way into the cinema with just a handful or articles in the likes of Empire and a few film festival appearances. It's almost as if Affleck's transition from actor to director is still being treated as a phase he'll likely grow out of, bless him. Here's hoping for the opposite. Argo is quite simply one of the best pieces of cinema this year.

Affleck was on the right foot from the start, with an inspiring and engaging story, yet a story which in the wrong hands could have been dull or just rather silly. The true story of one CIA operative's attempts to rescue six hostages from civil-war ridden Iran. His plan? To use the cover of a fake Hollywood film to gain entry to the country and extract the American citizens. Argo approaches a serious subject with all the tact it deserves, and just the right amount of humour to prevent the audience becoming overwhelmed by the political tale it tells. It's informative, opinionated and entertaining all wrapped up in a stylishly directed bundle which swings from subtly funny, to deadly serious, to quite literally edge of your seat stuff.

An excellent script, brilliant premise and exceptional directing from Affleck is cemented together by an outstanding cast. Affleck takes the helm, looking dishevelled, producing a solid performance. It's the support cast that's truly impressive though, with the likes of the always fantastic Brian Cranston and Alan Arkin coming out with some amazing one-liners as well as Tate Donovan and company, stranded in Iran, providing some truly genuine performances.

If you hadn't already guessed, Argo is rather brilliant. However, it was always going to be a tricky film to market. Look past the posters, which simply scream 'Look! This film stars Ben Affleck looking serious!', and prepare yourself for for one of the films of the year. And if anyone crosses you, be ready to tell them: 'Argo f*ck yourself!'