Year: 2020

Movie of the Week: ‘The Straight Story’

Jeff Mitchell

AHFW’s Movie of the Week is a David Lynch’s film, but not a typical one.  “The Straight Story” (1999) is based on a true tale of an elderly man traveling from Iowa to Wisconsin on a John Deere lawn mower.  No, this movie doesn’t feel like one of Lynch’s projects, but “The Straight Story” rightfully earns high critical praise alongside “Mulholland Drive” (2002) and “Blue Velvet” (1986).  In fact, it’s our favorite Lynch picture! Richard Farnsworth’s performance as Alvin Straight earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination in a poignant…

‘Chemical Hearts’ has some magic

Jeff Mitchell

“Chemical Hearts” – “You’re never more alive than when you’re a teenager.” – Henry Page (Austin Abrams) Raise your hand if you’ve heard a version of Henry’s aforementioned statement during your teenage years.  Parents, teachers, or older brothers or sisters are usually the main prophets to bestow this wisdom, but in this case, Henry is narrating his story, as he looks back on his high school senior year.  Before meeting Grace (Lili Reinhart), Henry never really believed it, though. He never felt it. Nothing emotionally noteworthy rocked Henry’s universe, but…

Movie of the Week: ‘Burning’

Jeff Mitchell

Bong Joon-ho and his landmark film “Parasite” (2019) made Oscar history with his Best Picture Oscar win on Feb. 9, 2020, the first foreign language movie to win the award. South Korea has a long, fruitful history in cinema, and this week, AHFW looks to a brilliant film from Bong’s countryman Lee Chang-dong.  “Burning” (2019) is potent drama that sparks unconventional mysteries. “Burning” (2018)– Director Lee Chang-dong’s picture – which is South Korea’s 2019 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar entry – is about haves and have-nots, belief and uncertainty, clear direction…