Argo (2/19/2013)

Rated R for language and some violent images.

Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Kyle Chandler, Scoot McNairy, Clea DuVall, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishe, Michael Parks, Tate Donovan

Directed by Ben Affleck (The Town and Gone, baby, Gone)

This film lives up to all the award-buzz hype.

Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis–the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. 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. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

As I settled into my seat I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Ben Affleck has always been hit or miss with me and with his outspoken political views I find it more and more difficult to support his projects. But this is a true story and you know I’m a sucker for the true stories.

The crazy thing is I remember being in second grade and changing the number of days the hostages were in captivity on the blackboard every day. I remember watching the news with my parents and praying for those hostages. But I did not remember this part of the story. I didn’t remember the Canadians “being involved.” I didn’t know if all or if any of these six hostages survived. Needless to say the level of intensity was extremely high and that intensity was the appeal of the film.

But that wasn’t the only appeal, Argo has an amazing cast of Hollywood veterans as well as fresh faces. However the true star is Ben Affleck. Not only does he direct a great film, but as the main character he also carries it. I also loved his attention to detail – from the unfinished Hollywood sign, to the huge mustaches and oversized glasses.

Color me impressed Ben Affleck I’m giving this a “Theater Worthy.”

One last thing, do yourself a favor and stay for the credits. The pictures of the actors next to the pictures of the actual people involved are worth the price of admission.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The violence is very realistic and intense. The Americans are blindfolded, threatened with guns and shoved around when the embassy is overrun. Months later, a handful of hostages are taken by their captors and led to the basement, their faces covered with bags. They’re lined up in a row as their captors point rifles at them. The order is given to shoot. (The guns turn out to be empty.) ?

The f-word is used about 25 times, the s-word another 10 or so. Jesus’ name is abused three or four times, while God’s name is misused more than a half-dozen times.

The language is the main reason why it is rated R and violence is at a PG-13 level. I would say Argo is appropriate for those 16 and up.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. Why didn’t Tony Mendez get the credit he deserved for his work in this operation?


2. Have you ever worked really hard on something and not received the credit for it?


3. How did that make you feel?


4. Harry S. Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

5. How is that quote true in the church? In your youth group?


6. Are you willing to accomplish great things for God even if you don’t get the credit?