Argo 

Argo, an old-school political thriller from director and star Ben Affleck, tells the true but little-known story of a daring CIA rescue mission that spirited several American hostages out of Iran in the first weeks of the 1979 crisis. Affleck plays the role of CIA agent Tony Mendez, an "exfiltration" expert whose specialty is getting U.S. citizens out of dangerous spots overseas, and his plan here is a doozy. The film's most inspired maneuver, though, is putting Alan Arkin and John Goodman together for some very funny scenes in Hollywood. Throw in ace supporting turns from veterans like Bryan Cranston, Victor Garber and Phillip Baker Hall, and you've got a hell of a good time at the movies. Argo is one of the best films of the year. By Glenn McDonald