The Easie Precis: Ben Affleck rescues a bunch of Americans from Iran after the US Embassy is invaded, buy pretending to be making a film. Good because it is based on an exceptional true story.
Compatible Movies: ...
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 74%
Watch the Trailer? Be aware that it has all the best lines in it, and probably makes the film seem a little more stylish than it is, but it's here. You probably know how it ends anyway.
A Little More Detail...
This film won Academy Awards, so you may not believe me when I say it is almost a little dull. John Goodman saves this film. Don't get me wrong, aside from everything else it is very well-made (type of film you never think during it: "this is a good film" because you never think about the fact you are watching a film). Perhaps because the story is so compelling (especially since it actually happened - to an extent), this film rests on that just a little bit.
There are also many typical Hollywood trappings the film falls into. Yes, while it is very edge-of-your-seat this, "will they get out?" is well overplayed. Just little things like a car taking a bit to long to start. There is also the typical "let's meet the main characters family so we become emotionally involved in his life, despite the fact they have little or nothing to do with the story" - if you're going to be spending screen time on the fact that the main character doesn't see his son much, explore it properly.
Let me balance this by saying these negatives are minor. This film makes me feel like I should justify the 26% it didn't get rather than the 74% it did. I think that sums it up nicely.
Oh, and points lost for not being filmed on location in Iran, because that would be beautifully ironic.
What's it About?
Hostages. Iran and America. 1950s. Espionage. CIA.
Best Viewing Company: Anyone is fine
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