Ben Affleck directs and stars in Argo, an Oscar-tipped thriller based on an astonishing true story.

He’s Tony Mendez, the CIA advisor who hatches a daring plot when six US diplomats are stranded in revolutionary Iran.

He needs to smuggle them out with fake identities or they risk capture by dangerous rebels.

The usual trick is to attempt to pass them off as teachers but Mendez has another plan: start pre-production on fictional Hollywood movie, Argo, and say the diplomats are Canadian crew scouting for a location.

Of course, he’ll need Hollywood hotshots in on the conspiracy: step forward John Goodman and Alan Arkin as a pair of industry heavyweights more than game for the ride.

The result is a winning mixture of glossy Tinsletown titters and gritty rescue mission thrills.

Even if you know how it all turned out, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as Mendez heads off to Iran.

Despite the subject matter, Affleck goes light on the politics and heavy on the suspense, making this a very entertaining thriller.

Argo is in cinemas now

Watch the trailer for Argo here

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