Ben Affleck Reveals He Stayed in Touch With Ex-Fiance Jennifer Lopez

HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 23: (FILE PHOTO) Actors Ben Affleck and fiancee Jennifer Lopez attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003 in Hollywood, California. Police in North Carolina have issued a warrant for the arrest of Ben Affleck after a woman claimed that he threatened to kill her. In a sworn statement in front of a magistrate the woman, Tara Ray, testified that Affleck had followed her home and communicated threats to her. Aflleck's spokesman called the allegation as absurd and defamatory. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (2003 Getty Images)

With his new film “Argo” getting Oscar buzz and topping box office charts, Ben Affleck is the man of the hour.

Affleck is getting attention not only for his talent on screen but off the screen as well, as a director and producer of the film.

Yet once again his past relationship with Jennifer Lopez is again making headlines as the actor opens up about his healthy friendship with his ex-fiancé.

"We don't have the kind of relationship where she relies on me for advice, but we do have the kind of relationship where there'll be an e-mail saying, 'Oh, your movie looks great.,'” Affleck tells The Hollywood Reporter.

“I remember when she got ‘American Idol.’ I said: 'This was really smart. Good luck.' I touch base. I respect her. I like her. She's put up with some stuff that was unfair in her life, and I'm really pleased to see her successful."

Affleck says that when he reflects on his relationship with current wife Jennifer Garner he is truly amazed at how “kind” she is.

“She means no one any harm,” Affleck tolf THR. “She doesn't have ill will for any person. She's not competitive with other people. She's not spiteful."

"It's one of those things where it becomes almost aggravating at times. Every time I go, 'F--- him!' I see in her face that she just thinks that's petty and small."

Affleck’s “Argo” came in at No. 2 in the box office just behind 20th Century Fox's action sequel "Taken 2," which came in at No. 1 with $22.5 million in its second weekend. "Taken 2" raised its domestic total to $86.8 million.

Affleck's "Argo," an Iranian hostage thriller from Warner Bros., opened in second-place with $20.1 million, settled in for a long stay at the box office thanks to its great reviews and Academy Awards buzz.

Affleck directed and starred in the real-life story about a CIA operative who concocts a plan to rescue six Americans hiding in Tehran after the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover by disguising them as members of a fake movie crew.

Revenues on the film ticked up a whopping 47 percent from opening day Friday to Saturday, a sign that audiences were talking it up exuberantly to friends.

"This is a really good indication of how quickly word of mouth can spread," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros. "The critical acclaim in this case is going to translate into commercial success."

"Argo" played almost entirely to older crowds that do not necessarily rush out to see movies over opening weekend but often check out well-reviewed films in subsequent weeks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.