Argo (Ben Affleck) - 2012

Ben Affleck has preserved a piece of history and has managed to create a quick-paced, intense story even though the entire audience already knew the ending.  When angry Iranian protesters stormed the U.S. embassy in 1979, six U.S. citizens slipped out the side door and found refuge at the home of the Canadian ambassador.  Affleck plays the CIA operative who develops the scheme to produce a syfy movie in Iran and train the six embassy workers to be employees of the production company.  Alan Arkin and John Goodman are great supporting actors as the film industry professionals who help to make it happen.  Affleck's attention to detail make this one of the best movies of the year.  Stay for the credits.  President Jimmy Carter has the final word as he takes the high road regarding the event that destroyed his presidency. [JAM 10/17/2012]