Report Card---"Argo"

"Argo" is a perfect example of the kind of movie that should be reviewed Report Card
style.
The less you know about it going in, the better.
They tell you at the beginning that it is based on a true story, and even that seems like almost too much information.
"Argo" is a great movie.
A great story.
The fact that it is true only enhances its value.
It takes place during the Iran Hostage crisis in 1980, and involves the attempt to get at least some of the hostages out of Iran.
The approach to this problem is a unique one, and I'm not going to be the one who tells you what it is.
The story did eventually become public, but that was quite a while ago, and it slipped under my radar at the time.
Having it slip under your radar at the time makes "Argo" that much more of an enjoyable experience.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

It is fascinating.
A+.

Compelling even?

Fascinating is even better than compelling.
A+

Is it controversial?

To a large extent.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is great storytelling. A ripping, and in some ways, hilarious yarn.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is first rate.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?, Well shot?

Perfect in all respects.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Time was never a factor.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It happened. It's hard not to believe it. The perfect comp for this movie is "Schindlers List", and for specific reasons which I will not elaborate on, I cared about the characters in "Argo" far more than the characters in "Schindlers List".
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It is predictable. It can't help itself. Once the premise is established, you know that it has to end a certain way, or it would never be worth making a movie out of it. But predictability is not a problem. The issue is not how it ends. You get caught up in the intricacies of how it gets there.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

I've already thought about it quite a bit.
A+.

Is it funny?

Often. And when it is, it is hilarious. Kudos to Alan Arkin and John Goodman for that.
A+.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Every dollar.
A+.

Is it impressive ?

Extremely
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

Ben Affleck did a great job in the leading role and in directing it.
Do not miss this one.

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My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel,"Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne & Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
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Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperback, "Mark Rothman's Essays" is still available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings remaining, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne & Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

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