Year: 2020

Movie of the Week: ‘Once’

Jeff Mitchell

AHFW’s Movie of the Week is a beloved Irish flick that we’ve seen several times!  “Once” (2007), starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, is an 86-minute arthouse musical that you might watch twice in one night. “Once” (2007) –  Writer/director John Carney shoots his no-frills musical in dimly-lit rooms and on bustling Dublin sidewalks, while the audience follows a friendship and possible romance between Guy (Glen Hansard) and Girl (Marketa Irglova).  Guy suffers from a broken heart, and he can be often found crying out his songs on Grafton Street…

July’s ‘Kajillionaire’ pays out some eccentric riches

Jeff Mitchell

“Kajillionaire” – Old Dolio Dyne (Evan Rachel Wood), 26, frequently sports a clashing green and blue tracksuit – a polyester fashion nightmare that was probably last seen in 1982 – and lives a happy life with her two loving, supportive parents. Well, scratch that last part. Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) don’t exactly hold Old Dolio’s best interests in mind, either for the long term or in the immediate present.  First of all, they named their only child after a homeless man, which would probably trigger any capable…

Movie of the Week: ‘Wadjda’

Jeff Mitchell

AHFW’s Movie of the Week is a thoughtful, groundbreaking drama out of Saudi Arabia about Wadjda (Waad Mohammed), a 12-year-old girl and her singular pursuit! “Wadjda” (2012) – In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive, and apparently, girls are not allowed to ride bikes.  Don’t tell that to Wadjda (Waad Mohammed).  This 12-year-old girl is happy to question – like a preteen-Gloria Steinem – societal laws and rules assigned to women and is determined to own and ride a bike. Writer/director Haifaa Al-Mansour must be determined as well,…