Argo, See it. Sherlock, watch it.

I rushed out last Sunday after a camping trip with PhilB to see "Argo," and it didn't disappoint. It lived up to the hype and continued the rejuvenation of Ben Affleck's career as an actor/director. With a strong support cast and storyline, it will be an oscar front-runner.

 The long and short of it -- in 1979 the U.S. embassy is overrun by protesters in Iran and hostages are taken. Six U.S. citizens manage to escape and take refuge with the Canadian ambassador. The CIA formulates a plan, led by Tony Mendez (Affleck), to mask the escapees as a film crew scouting locations. It doesn't seem plausible, but was the best strategy at the time.

It is a perfect balance of drama and comedy. The really fun parts involve Mendez assembling a fake hollywood team of producers and directors. John Goodman and Alan Arkin repeatedly steal the show with their limited screen-time. The fake script that was written plays like a flash-gordian/middle-eastern/star wars sci-fi flick. Could you imagine the kind of cult following that film would have these days? I think the pre-viz cards used to begin the movie symbolize the perfect blend of storytelling that the movie aims for, while giving viewers a peak of the actual story the hostages are pretending to film.

 It is readily apparent that Affleck went through great pains to match scenes and actors with historical accuracy. This pays dividends throughout the film. You can easily determine which additions were tacked on, but that doesn't prevent any nail-biting.

Also worthy of mention are Bryan Cranston and Kyle Chandler who turn mundane characters into memorable and exciting figures.

 The only sad thing is that we as an audience have to wait 'till the end of each year to see these oscar-calibre films. It is almost as if movie companies continually throw their hands in the air, and say screw it for every other romantic comedy and Adam Sandler dud that comes their way before September. The paying audience has more of an obligation these days to stop forking their cash over for these types of movies, and demand more movies like Argo. It is the golden standard by which studios should abide.

 On a barely relatable note, Affleck and Matt Damon should team up again soon or at least collaborate on something. They are both at the peak of their respective careers.

 BUT CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SHERLOCK?

 This show is so goddamned good, I can't stop recommending to friends. Forget the two mediocre Robert Downey Jr. films and the blatantly cheap new rip off "Elementary." The second season of this show is amongst the best seasons of television of the past two years. It rivals the first two seasons of "Lost," the fourth season of "The Wire," and any AMC show (besides the second season of "The Killing")

 It manages to weave separate mysteries each episode, while continuing over arching plot themes and villains. Andrew Scott, as Jim Moriarty, is fantastic. I've already praised Cumberbatch and Freeman as Holmes and Watson, but they deserve every accolade this show continues to receive.

 Might be a long wait for season three, so enjoy the first two seasons on netflix for now. A good netflix alternative might be the other BBC favorites, "Downton Abbey," or "Doctor Who."

 Random Notes: 

 - Iron Man 3 Trailer -- Looks darker with a vastly more formidable villain. Comparisons to Rocky III?
 - Still need to see "Seven psychopaths," and "Cloud Atlas." The latter, I can recommend from having read the novel.
 - If you want to read up on source material before seeing "Lincoln," check out "Team of Rivals," by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was what Spielberg based the majority of his Lincoln biopic on.