Argo

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Not to be confused with the book review.

I made the horrible mistake of reading the book. I knew what was going to happen. And when things happened that weren't in the books, it just made it seem like it had an extra-dose of Hollywood Hyperbola, rather than the usual dose. And the scenes added to make it more dramatic made it somewhat comical. Like there were productions meetings where Affleck said we need to add in this scene so I can show off my acting.

I did like the first forty minutes or so with the set-up to the taking over of the embassy. They intercut staged footage with actual footage. It worked quite nicely. And I was also fond of the ten second story board version of the history of Iran. I don't think I was fully aware that the coup we staged was of the Prime Minister who nationalized the oil industry in Iran. Makes the US look a little less heroic.

Maybe if you haven't read the book, this will be a good movie to see.

[The Queen]

FWIW, I didn't read the book, and didn't remember the history, so I enjoyed the movie very much. I think Ben overdid the "tension" of the escape with one too many cliches, but ultimately, it worked for me. I particularly liked the foley work when they're driving through Tehran and have to slowly make it through the angry chanting crowd pounding on the side of the van.

Some really solid performances. I especially liked Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Alan Arkin.

[Drunk Monk]

No swordfights, bollywood numbers, fiery redheads or spitting blood and I was still entertained.

Goodman is killing it - loved him in Flight, enjoyed him here. Arkin was funny too, as always. Garber was good too, although he was the same stoic character he almost always plays. As for Ben, well, I did appreciate a spook being depicted as low key instead of some sexy Bond-ish hero, and his relationship to his son, although cliche, worked for me because there were Star Wars references. The story was interesting, albeit somewhat predictable. I really liked the whole retro 80s feel, right down to the sound of electric typewriters. The symbolism of the housemaid immigrating to Iraq at the end was good.

I can see why it won Best Pic. Hollywood saves the day. Hollywood is so self-centered that way.