Category: Movie of the Week

Movie of the Week: ‘Meeting Gorbachev’

Jeff Mitchell

Werner Herzog turns 80 years young on Sept. 5, so AHFW has to feature one of his movies this week.  With former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev just passing away on Aug. 30, ‘Meeting Gorbachev’ is our obvious choice. “Meeting Gorbachev” (2018) –  Nobel Peace Prize winner President Mikhail Gorbachev introduced democratic reforms that dissolved the Soviet Union and ended the Cold War in the late 80’s and early 90’s, but this vastly important figure of the 20th century has been largely overlooked in the 21st.  Not by directors Andre…

Movie of the Week: ‘Arbitrage’

Jeff Mitchell

Arbitrage (2012) – Webster’s Dictionary defines arbitrage as “the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of securities or foreign exchange in different markets to profit from price discrepancies.” For multi-millionaire Robert Miller (Richard Gere), he lives his life as one colossal, high-stakes arbitrage. As the owner of a sizable NYC hedge fund company, even the smallest of Robert’s decisions generate tremendous waves for both people within his direct sphere of influence and unbeknownst to him. In writer/director Nicholas Jarecki’s thriller, he deals with Robert’s transactions, one that need to fit perfectly,…

Movie of the Week: ‘Sunshine Cleaning’

Jeff Mitchell

“Sunshine Cleaning” (2008) – Even though Albuquerque has 310 days of sunshine a year, Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) doesn’t feel like her hometown life is very bright.  Rose dated the high school quarterback back in the day, but today, this single mom is the other woman in a part-time relationship.  She earns a living by cleaning houses, but it isn’t her dream job, and her son’s (Jason Spevack) behavior problems create a financial nightmare.  Oliver (Spevack) needs to attend a private school.  Rose’s dad (Alan Arkin) is a struggling Willie…