Argo (Warner Bros.)

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Autumn season brings colorful leaves, cold air and a new batch of movies destined to bring home Oscar gold.

No other film so far this year brings plenty of critical acclaim, box-office success and Oscar-buzz as the new political thriller Argo.

Ben Affleck’s third directorial effort after "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town" is one part a powerful visceral drama and another as a humorous Hollywood satire. This one is sure to be nominated for the big two, Best Director and Best Picture.

In November of 1979 at the height of the Iranian revolution, six Americans managed to escape the clutches of the rioters and hide in the home of a Canadian ambassador (Victor Garber).

With the world glued to the developing news of the hostage situation, the CIA tries to come up with a plausible solution to get the six out of Iran alive.

One night, specialist Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with an idea after talking to his estranged son on the phone. He proposes that he’ll pose as an associate producer for a Canadian crew scouting locations for a low-budget sci-fi/fantasy film.

With some help from veteran producer Leslie Siegel (Alan Arkin) and make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman), Mendez was able to finance his “fake” movie before heading to Iran to find the six missing Americans.

His next part of the plan is to have the six pose as a Canadian film crew before trying to casually sneak them out of the country. With the Iranian forces on the movie, it will take a miracle for this escape plan to pull off successfully.

Argo is based on such an extraordinary true story that when you watch it, you’ll find it unbelievable that it actually happened. Even if you know the whole story, the movie treats it as a fresh, new concept for the thriller genre.

Plus, having the story set during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s enhances the experience. The production and costume design are outstanding enough to take the viewer back in time to one of the most turbulent times in American history.

It also succeeds in balancing the film’s tone by combining the grim nature of the hostage crisis with the humorous Hollywood satire not normally seen in any gritty thriller.

As with his two other films, Affleck once again proves to be a very capable director letting both the story and characters plenty of moments to shine in between the action. He’s also great in his lead role of Mendez; his character comes off as both courageous and understandable to the audience.

The movie boasts a solid cast with Goodman and Bryan Cranston (as a CIA operative) delivering their scenes with ease. However, Arkin steals the show as Siegel with his delightfully grump personality and humorous dialogue.

It’s enough for him to surely make an Oscars repeat with the Best Supporting Actor category, which he won in 2007 for "Little Miss Sunshine."

Argo is sure to be the top contender as one of 2012’s very best films. If you’re curious about it, it’s well worth your time.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for language and some violent images)

THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.75 Stars (Out of Four)