The internet had a collective seizure last week as it was announced that Ben Affleck would be assuming the role of the caped crusader in the sequel to Man of Steel. The reaction was overwhelmingly negative with a very small few offering kind gestures like “well, let’s just see how he does”. We here at LTBM are somewhat split on the matter. Continue Reading
Review by Gene
The Academy Awards have developed a bit of a reputation for themselves of nominating movies for the Oscar for Best Picture which the general public either missed entirely, or didn’t find it the gem of a production that the Academy did. This year that was not the case. Argo took the Oscar amongst a number of films that were hits at the box office, with the exception of Beasts of the Southern Wild. I did not catch Argo in the theater, though now having seen it I wish I had. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Argo tells the true story of the escape of 6 Americans from Iran in 1980. Affleck plays Tony Mendez, a CIA agent who specializes in exfiltration from hostile territory. Ben’s portrayal of Tony Mendez, while seemingly bland, emotionless and expressionless, is right on the money once you see interviews with the real man. And really, thinking back, his demeanor is perfectly fitting of a CIA agent. Oh, and he’s rockin’ a beard. I would highly recommend checking out the extra features with interviews of the actual people if you purchase or rent this movie.
In 2010 it was approaching a decade since Ben Affleck had been associated with a good movie, or played a good role period (Jersey Girl not withstanding. I might also accept Clerks 2… but probably not). He came on the scene like a firecracker with great ones like Good Will Hunting, Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. He then decided to follow those up with Daredevil and Gigli. *smh* I like Affleck as an actor and in the right role. I don’t think his range is too wide. He’ll never be a great action or comedy guy but he’s been real solid in most of the drama’s he’s done. Hopefully 2010’s The Town is a step back in that right direction. Alongside Affleck in this film is Hawkeye…errr… Jeremy Renner, who seems to be in about the same place in his career right now as Affleck was a decade ago. Maybe he has some better arrows in his quiver.
