Argo (2012)

I hate Argo. Alright, alright I don't hate Argo. In fact what I hate about it is that I enjoyed it so much. Why,might you ask, does me enjoying Argo a considerable amount cause so much hatred? Simple: I don't have much to say about the movie.

I can't entirely explain why but nothing gets me worked up for a post quite like having something to rant against. Sure, going all lovey dovey for a movie ought to inhibit an equal, albeit opposite, response from, but it really doesn't. Oh, see a move I've paid for and ultimately found myself wanting and the angry fireworks explode from my fingers into print form. Pay for a movie I enjoy, don't have much negative to say, and my fingers ultimately come out more wobbly than spaghetti.

One of the great difficulties I find in writing a review of Argo is that it's every bit the kind of film that I enjoy from beginning to end but don't have any particular attribute to latch onto. Everything about the film feels so well balanced that throughout the picture just about nothing stood out and made me really grasp onto it. All of the actors are equally well matched. All of the scenes are equally well shot. All the writing just as fluid as what came before it. So what's there to talk about?

I suppose the rarity of me experiencing something like this in a movie is, on its own, worth talking about. I can't remember the last time I watched a movie and at no point did I feel a sudden inclination to perform a quick witticism, mocking the sequence that just occurred. By the same token I also never felt a moment come along where I was enthused with over joy, and a want to express my profound respect for the execution of a single scene.

I expressed laughter at the scenes where Argo asked for it. My hands were well clinched to the chair during those scenes where Argo supplied tension. And I expressed relief and satisfaction when Argo offered that up. The appetizer. The meal. The dessert. Argo is a full course movie and I lapped up every bit of it.

Not exactly the most hard hitting review you'll read all year. Then again, when you like something, you like something. Not every review needs to be overly negative, does it?


Fine Print: For those thinking "yes, dear god, year every review must have balance. There must be a negative!" Then here you go: Ben Affleck's beard is clearly the scene stealer in all of his scenes. Happy now?