Argo

Argo

Today sees us enter the top five in our countdown of the Best Movies of 2012 and the films just keep getting better and better.

In at number five is the terrific Argo a movie that really cements Ben Affleck as a directing force and one that is not to be missed.

Now I love a good political thriller and Argo is the best one to have graced the big screen this year - it is even more hard hitting when you realise that this is based on a true story.

On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage.

But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador.

Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country.

Affleck stepped behind the camera for the first time with Gone Baby Gone before moving on to The Town - both of which were huge critical successes that showed he had a real flair behind the camera.

But Argo really does take his directing to a whole other level - and that is evident with the praise and the award nominations that have come his way so far; he really is in with a shot of claiming the Best Director Golden Globe.

He infuses and mixes drama, suspense and comedy into what is practically a flawless movie.

He builds the tension with every frame and for someone like me who was aware of the original story or the outcome it is an incredibly tense and exciting film.

Affleck also delivers a very assured and confident performance in front of the camera but it is Alan Arkin and John Goodman that really steal the show.

The provide the wonderful comedy that is a welcome break from the tension and suspense.

But Affleck balances the comedy with action really well and the funny moments are never overstated or go to far.

Arkin and Goodman are fantastic together and their comic timing and delivery of their lines is just spot on.

With Argo Affleck has leap into the A-list of directors and he surely has a very bright and successful career behind the camera ahead of him - I am already excited to see what he does next.

As for the film Argo is terrific from start to finish and it deserves all of the praise that has been coming its way. You can expect it to be a major player on the awards circuit over the next few weeks and don't be surprised if it waltzes off with a few gongs.

Check out our Best Movies of 2012 countdown so far:

6. Silver Linings Playbook

7. The Dark Knight Rises

8. Looper

9. Rust And Bone

10. Beasts of the Southern Wild

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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