Ben Affleck’s new movie “Argo” takes the audience hostage right from the opening sequence and never lets them go. Set during the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979-81, “Argo” provides quite a thrill ride.

In 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was stormed and hostages were taken. Only a handful of Americans were able to escape before the Embassy was completely overrun. They were not, however, able to get out of Iran. Ben Affleck plays CIA operative Tony Mendez, charged with rescuing hostages before the hostage takers realize that they escaped the embassy.

Perhaps the most compelling thing about “Argo” is the attention paid to recreating the world as it looked in 1979. “Argo” uses real news footage, authentic photographs and product placements. Even the Warner Brothers logo shown during the opening credits was old school. I particularly appreciated the presence of Star Wars action figures, including the Millennium Falcon, and other toys I grew up with, being displayed in the bedroom of Ben Affleck’s son.

The story itself is riveting. “Argo” takes us through the twists and turns of the rescue mission as it unfolded. Affleck’s agent Mendez uses the production of a fake movie as his cover to get into Iran. John Goodman and Alan Arkin provide a little comic relief as the creators of the fake film while Affleck plays it straight.

Many historical dramas are long and frankly boring, but “Argo” keeps the pace riveting using quick camerawork and lively dialogue. Ultimately, “Argo” builds a to a climax rivaling the best of spy and undercover films as Agent Tony Mendez holds the lives of these hostages, as well as his own, in his hands.

Fans of “007,” Jason Bourne and Sidney Bristow will not be disappointed. Ben Affleck plays a shady goon operative as well as anyone ever has.

“Argo” will hold it’s own as Oscar season approaches. It is worth the price of admission. I give it two thumbs up.