Beirut

     Jon Hamm is a terrific leading man in this tense political thriller. Working as an American diplomat in Beirut in 1972, Mason Skiles life is shattered one night and the film quickly jumps ten years.  Now self employed as a corporate negotiator in Boston and drinking heavily, Mason is drawn back to Beirut to help rescue one of his best friends, who has been taken hostage by extremists.

     Co-starring Roseamund Pike, Dean Norris, Shea Whigham, and Mark Pellegrino, the film is a real world "adult" drama with a engrossing story of political intrigue. In a past life, Mason Skiles would have a lot in common with Don Draper, Mr. Hamm's character on "Mad Men", so the transition to leading man in this instance is a comfortable one for Mr. Hamm. It's not a total stretch but enough to showcase Mr. Hamm in a solid leading role. Ms. Pike as Sandy Crowder, starts the film with not much to do but her part becomes stronger and more detailed as the film goes on and Ms. Pike handles the role admirably. 

     Tangiers substitutes for Beirut and the film looks very realistic.  It boils over with the tensions of the region and an epilogue reminds us of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Beirut in the '80's.