94% Argo

All Critics (158) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (149) | Rotten (9)

'Argo' is one of the best movies of the year.

Argo has that solid, kick-the-tires feel of those studio films from the 70s that were about something but also entertained. Only it's as laugh outright amusing as it is sobering.

The movieland satire is laid on thick, but it's also deadly accurate. Schlock has never seemed so patriotic, and Arkin and Goodman have rarely been so good.

Argo is a rollicking yarn, easily the most cohesive and technically accomplished of Affleck's three films so far, but a part of me wishes the director hadn't cast himself in the lead role.

If nothing else, it proves that every so often, the CIA can pull something off - and that yes, Canadians are just about the nicest people on the planet.

The film is a whopper of a tale, one designed for Oscar nominations, Best Picture and Best Director among them.

Now that Affleck taken up directing and chosen his acting roles more carefully, the wait between his films seems intolerably long.

"Argo" helps cement his (Afflecks) new reputation as a fine film maker, one who should hear his name called when Oscar nominations are announced.

Affleck's triumph is the way he blends multiple tones in making 'Argo' work as an Iran story, a Hollywood story and a Washington, D.C., story.

When you come to Hollywood to produce a fake, you're in the right place. On the other hand, who says Hollywood can't keep a secret?

Anyone who thinks the cheesiness of the proposed Argo's plot and shameless aping of A New Hope is far-fetched has obviously never seen Battle Beyond the Stars.

Appealing conventional thriller.

Affleck knows how to keep a tight grip on a story, gets better at ratcheting tension with every film, and displays a fearlessness when it comes to mixing genre.

A traditional mainstream Hollywood thriller that mixes humor and serious life-and-death situations. It also has the extra bonus of "historical importance" because it's based on a true story.

An amazingly proficient film ... If the movie gains any traction, expect one of its snatches of dialogue to permeate our collective consciousness.

Argo is a skillful, dramatic entertainment. It's slick. But in its rush to be "feel-good," Argo sacrifices a lot - such as depth and credibility. It has thrills and laughs; it just doesn't have much substance.

The plaudits have to go to Ben Affleck, whose producing/directing/acting trifecta makes 'Argo' one of the top films of the year, and a natural for the Oscar.

The closer the film gets to its big finale, the more we can hear the hum of typical suspense-thriller machinery.

Argo is a gripping, nail-biting thriller whose last act will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

A testament to Affleck's uncanny storytelling ability, making mission impossible possible.

Argo isn't just fascinating because it's a true story, it's fascinating because Affleck tells the story well, building tension while always maintaining a very human-centered approach.

Argo is a feat for Ben Affleck as a director, and this third time as a charm proves he's one of the most promising directors working today.

Ben Affleck, director, can do no wrong with the terrific political thriller Argo. Ben Affleck, actor and star, that's another story.

A nail-biter of the highest order, Argo is crackerjack mix of world politics, classic screen suspense, and knowing Hollywood ribbing.

Taut, intelligent, funny, timely and thoroughly entertaining. Finally, there comes along a Hollywood movie made for adults.

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Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/argo_2012/

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