Oscar Challenge: Argo

Only 2 days until the Oscars and I doubt that I will meet my goal of seeing all of the nominated pictures.  Did manage to sneak in Argo, the true story about CIA agent Tony Mendez who rescued six U.S. diplomats trapped in Iran during the infamous Iran Hostage crisis of the 1979.  Argo is nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay (Chris Terrio), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Arkin), Film Editing, Music (Original Score), Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing. 

The story begins with the Iranian takeover and then shows the six U.S.diplomats fleeing the embassy.  A Canadian ambassador holes them up in his cellar where he, his family, and the U.S. diplomats risk their lives as the Iranians figure out they are unaccounted for while tallying up their hostages.  Tony Mendez played by Ben Affleck thinks up a childish scheme to get them out of the country alive, claiming they are in Iran to film a movie, Argo-hence the name of the film.  The hoax is so elaborate that real Hollywood directors and a real fake movie are invented to add credibility to their international claims of being in Iran.  Spoiler alert-the childish scheme worked.
My Thoughts and Views: I loved this movie and was surprised not to see Ben Affleck get nominated as Best Director.  His edge-of-your-seat suspense was unexpected.  Didn't know he knew how to direct.  His acting has been in question over the last few years, starring in crap and preferring huge pay checks over quality work.  His acting wasn't crappy in this film, but very convincing-low-key, but I don't think it was anything that would fit into the Oscar worthy category.  On the other hand, Alan Arkin's nomination was a mystery.  He was good-he's always good-but a nomination?  C'mon?  He was playing a stereotype B-rated Hollywood director/producer.  He must have friends in very high places for this current nomination.  The screenplay was excellent and hope Chris Terrio wins for taking a true story and bringing it to life.  He obviously did his homework.  Bill Clinton declassified this story in the '90s.  Strange that we are now hearing about it.  Overall, this was a fascinating story and applaud Ben Affleck and his movie star friends, Grant Heslov and George Clooney, for producing it.  5/5 stars  Stay tuned as I blog about favorite fashions on the red carpet.  Now go get some popcorn and enjoy!