Sunday, July 31, 2011

Tip#478: Great Teamwork Movies Part 2 – Red Cliff

I have been working on a highly enjoyable book project that is helping focus my direction as a motivational speaker AND has become another social media success story. Back on June 14, 2011 I posted a simple request for recommendations of movies that show great leadership via 3 channels: Facebook, LinkedIn and direct emails from my database. The results have been incredible.

Using social media has been an amazing team spirit experience. To date I have received over 200 movie recommendations from several LinkedIn group discussions with members from around the world! One of these film write-ups came from Kaushal C, an Independent Music Professional in the Bengaluru Area, India, Somehow his description of a movie called Red Cliff inspired me to quickly see the stunning movie trailer and then purchase the 2-disc Edition DVD right away! See: movie trailer

Red Cliff 2008

The 2 part movie called Red Cliff is a Chinese epic war film based on the Battle of Red Cliffs (208-209 AD). It demonstrates great leadership and teamwork among a number of outstanding leaders forming an alliance against a common enemy. Among these many leaders is Grand Viceroy Zhou Yu (Tony Leung), his sister Sun Shangxiang (Zhao Wei) and Chief advisor Zhuge Liang (Takeshi Kaneshiro).

This John Woo directed film shows a number of stunning battle sequences that demonstrate the creativity and strategic thinking of diverse leaders working together. The teamwork is a success because they each share their own unique skill sets and wisdom with every battle they face. And while the violence is extreme the movie successfully shows the beauty and richness of the people and land they are all fighting to maintain and preserve.

If I hadn't utilized the power of LinkedIn and social media I may not have discovered this rich, inspiring movie as well as collect a vast number of movie recommendations. And now I get to share my discovery of a new film showing great leadership and teamwork with you via this blog. Social media once again demonstrates the amazing power of teamwork via online.

What movies have you seen that show great teamwork?

What films do you think demonstrate great teamwork and team spirit? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

More Teamwork Movie Tips:
Tip#399: Find Your Dream Team – Micmacs
Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus
Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tip#954: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 8 - Captain America: Civil War
SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2

Seeing Captain America was very exciting (see tip#476) because of the sneak preview after the end credits. What you see is a glimpse of The Avengers movie that combines several Marvel superheroes into a super team. The films Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America were all strategically produced to lead into a big movie team up in 2012! Joining this team will be Black Widow and Hawkeye.

There are so many movies that demonstrate great teamwork and I'd like to share some titles that are more superhero and animation based…

X-Men: First Class 2011

The prequel, X-Men: First Class takes us to the early 60's and shows us how Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) first formed his school for gifted youngsters (mutants). You see how he trains each of them on how to control their unique powers like sonic screaming (Banshee) and magnetism (Magneto). Though most are young and inexperienced they quickly learn to work together in their first battle with evil mutants. See movie trailer

Kung Fu Panda 2 2011

In this animated sequel, Kung Fu Panda 2 finds Po (Jack Black) and the Furious Five battling a new enemy Shen (Dustin Hoffman) who has a deadly weapon that destroys Kung Fu. From the moment this group springs into battle you see how clearly they work as a team. Many times Po will leap into the air (like off a cliff) to save someone because he knows and trusts there is always a team member to help him from falling. And Po is there for his teammates as well like Tigress (Angelina Jolie). Every battle is successful because they work as a team, as one. See movie trailer

I grew up loving the X-Men comics which always highlighted the importance of teamwork and support of one another to achieve a goal. I'd like to think that movies like this and Kung Fu Panda are inspiring people of all ages of how essential it is to foster team spirit and of working together. It's a great lesson to take away from the magic of movies!

What movies have you seen that show great teamwork?

What films do you think demonstrate great teamwork and team spirit? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

More Teamwork Movie Tips:
Tip#399: Find Your Dream Team – Micmacs
Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus
Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tip#954: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 8 - Captain America: Civil War
SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Tip#476: Do You Know Who You Are? - Captain America: The First Avenger - 5 Movie Tips


Toronto experienced an extreme heat wave this week and to find relief from the oven-like weather I enjoyed the cool comfort of movie theatres. I went to see 5 movies that amazingly had a similar theme that spoke to me on a deeper level. They were asking me if I knew who I really was.

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011)

This documentary is about how late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien dealt with his shocking dismissal from his NBC show. This situation helped remind him of what he loved most which was being in front of an audience.

The King's Speech (2010)

This best Oscar film was showing free at a local library and reminded me that both King George VI (Colin Firth) and his speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) were strong, commanding leaders. They were inspiring me to bring out the leader in me.

Zookeeper (2011)

Despite mixed reviews, I was drawn to this family film about how zookeeper Griffin Keyes (Kevin James) is helped to become a strong-willed, assertive man by talking animals at his zoo. For example Joe the Lion (Sylvester Stallone) helped Griffin bring out his inner lion.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

I was drawn to see this a 2nd time and always amazed at the powerful motivational messages in this animated wonder. Po (Jack Black) is compelled to discover who he is and where he came from. Along the way he learns about inner peace and that unhappy beginnings do not make you who you are, it is the rest of your story and who you CHOOSE to be right now.


Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

The movie Captain America: The First Avenger is based on the Marvel Comics character about a sickly man from Brooklyn who is transformed into a super soldier during World War II. Despite his scrawny appearance, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) knew he was brave, persistent, caring of others AND stood his ground with bullies.

These leadership qualities were simply magnified with an experimental formula along with a powerful physical upgrade making Rogers super strong and super fast. And even though Rogers wears his famous red, white and blue costume and slings his indestructible shield at villains you are always reminded of that simple good-hearted man inside the masked superhero.

Movie Heroes Are Mirrors

Was this movie hero a mirror for me? Big time! I grew up a scrawny kid who loved superhero comic books and just wanted to make people smile. I was able to do this and turned it into a career with my artwork and illustrations (see here) AND now I inspire people with my motivational stories. I even gave myself a superhero name!

And since I saw J.K. Rowling's inspiring Harvard speech (see tip#475) I've been intent on focusing my identity and career path. These 5 movies helped reinforce the need to do what excites me the most about my life and work AND help others to feel good. I'm progressing well and happy I have my movie heroes to help me move forward with confidence!

What movie heroes do you resonate with?

What movie heroes speak to you on some level? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

Related Tips:
Tip#363: Discover Your Life Purpose – Accepted
Tip#1009: Discover Your Life Purpose, Part 2 - Moana
Tip#277: Unearthing Your Passion & Purpose - Get Shorty
Tip#476: Do You Know Who You Are? - Captain America: The First Avenger - 5 Movie Tips

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tip#475: The Benefits of Failure – J.K. Rowling – 4 Movie Tips


As mentioned in previous post tip#474 I was deeply moved by seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. Afterwards I was compelled to see a video online of J. K. Rowling's speech she gave Harvard University Commencement in June 2008. Though I had seen this before my soul needed to hear her powerful, uplifting messages.

Rowling spoke of how her extreme adversities of being a single parent, broke and nearly homeless helped strip away the inessential. Failure helped direct her to finish the only work that mattered to her which was the first Harry Potter book. I was very emotional hearing her say this and felt she was speaking directly to me about my similar life challenges and the motivational books I've been writing.

"And so rock bottom became the solid foundation
on which I rebuilt my life."
J.K. Rowling


• See clip of this segment of J. K. Rowling's speech: click here
• See full Harvard Commencement Speech: click here
• See transcript of speech: click here

There are many movies based on real-life heroes who overcome failures to achieve personal and professional successes. Here are 4 of my favourites:

Cinderella Man 2005
Boxer, James Braddock (Russell Crowe) survives near homelessness and raising a family during many years of the great depression with an injured hand.

Eat Pray Love 2010
Elizabeth Gilbert (Julie Roberts) survives a divorce, losing her money and home and goes on a trip around the world to re-ignite her passion, purpose and spirit.

The Pursuit of Happyness 2006
Chris Gardner (Will Smith) survives homelessness while raising a young boy on the streets at night while at the same time goes to train as a stock broker by day.

Rudy 1993
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) survived the lack of family support and years of failing to graduate in order to enter the University of Notre Dame to follow a life-long dream of playing football there.

Do you have a real-life hero who has overcome failure?

Do you have a real-life hero that inspires you with their story? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author & Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Tip#474: Growing Into A Leadership Role - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

I just saw the final Harry Potter movie and I was extremely thrilled, entertained and deeply moved. So many thoughts and feelings have surfaced. The first film came out in 2001 and it reminded me that so many highs and lows have occurred since (see tip#400). I feel the 8 films and Harry Potter's challenges AND growth from boy to man to leader mirrored my own growth and learning. And ultimately this final chapter forever cements the enduring power of friendship and love.

Norm Wilner, film critic of Now magazine has a review that also mirrored my thoughts about the movie so please check it out: click here

Lisa Schwarzbaum, film critic of Entertainment Weekly also has a review that expresses my feelings of this film chapter: click here


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 2011

The movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is the epic eighth and final installment in the Harry Potter film series. The story continues Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) quest to defeat his arch-nemesis Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Despite the immense adversities and the painful losses Harry faces he has physically and mentally grown into a full-fledged leader.

Witnessing Harry transform into a strong, resilient and compassionate leader was inspiring. There are powerful scenes where he displays great courage and will. There are many times he is quick and resourceful in finding which direction to move forward on. And there are scenes where he inspires outstanding loyalty when others are willing to risk their lives to stand by him.

And despite being head strong Harry is still open enough to stop what he is doing when a friend insists they listen to their insights and direction. All in all you will recognize growth in many of the characters of this final film chapter. Let whoever you connect with onscreen inspire you deep inside to recognize your own strengths and potential. Let them show you how to become the leader in your own life.

What have you learned from Harry Potter?

Have you learned anything from the Harry Potter series that’s inspired your leadership, teamwork, friendships or life lessons? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author and Professional Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Tip#473: How To Feel Good When You Feel Horrible - Horrible Bosses

Since my previous blog post I counted the birthday wishes I received on my Facebook wall and was stunned to discover over 225 messages! It simply made me feel so good to receive so many positive acknowledgements. I appreciated the kind gestures so much that I thanked each and every Facebook friend personally!

Doesn't it feel good when someone wishes you a happy birthday or to be acknowledged for what you say or do in a positive way? On the flipside being treated negatively feels horrible. I've been bullied in school and had unpleasant professional relationships as well as dealing with abusive people in general. So sometimes a movie that lives out dark fantasies of retribution can be a release and satisfying way to feel good again!

Horrible Bosses 2011

The dark comedy Horrible Bosses is about 3 friends who hate their bosses so much they conspire to help one another kill them off. Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) all have extremely abusive bosses which generates much of the raunchy humour in the film. And there is a lot! FYI!

It's hilarious seeing what each of these friends must endure to earn a paycheck. Kurt's boss is cocaine-addicted Bobby played by Colin Farrell (wearing a balding hairpiece!) While Dale must endure over the top sexual abuse from his boss Dr. Julia Harris played by an extremely naughty Jennifer Aniston.

In the end it was fun to see these friends try to support one another and receive some satisfying retribution. No one deserves to be treated badly. And sometimes a dark comedy such as this can lift you up if you are dealing with abusive relationships. Treat yourself and have a good, re-energizing laugh! You will feel good again!

Do you have solutions for dealing with a horrible boss?

Have you discovered ways of enduring a horrible boss or other unpleasant relationships? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author and Professional Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Tip#472: Welcome Good People Around You - Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Today is my birthday and I awoke this morning to find my Facebook wall covered with birthday wishes from friends and contacts from around the world! What a fantastic feeling to receive all this positive energy! I welcomed it wholeheartedly! See Facebook: Click here

And these well wishes came at a good time, so far this summer has been an emotional rollercoaster. There have been lots of highs and lows. I've been meeting some amazing new friends and business connections. And yet I've been feeling overwhelmed with numerous paths my speaking career can move on. My optimistic mindset is telling me I am learning to manage this overflow of opportunities!

One of the ways I moved through one heavy day recently was going to an outdoor screening of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World at the Free Flicks series at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre. The weather was gorgeous and the air was electric being right by the glistening harbour. The theatre was filled with enthusiastic fans and when the sun set and the movie started there was nonstop, exuberant laughter. I laughed along with everyone and celebrated seeing my hometown of Toronto in the film. I felt my soul re-energizing with all these wonderful people!

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 2010

The movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 2010 is based on a graphic novel series about Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) and his life in Toronto as a musician and his quest to defeat the 7 evil exes of the girl he loves named Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). This is a very surreal, smart and sassy film that will take you on a non-stop ride.

See Toronto locations used in the movie: Click here
See amazing, cool 3D-like poster: Click here

The energy of the film AND the crowd I was with seemed to re-activate my inner superhero! Pilgrim is a character that inspires me to have fun, be silly and mostly to always be MYSELF. So it doesn't matter that this summer is an emotional rollercoaster. What matters is that I can re-energize my positivity with my passion for films AND with good people I surround myself with.

If you are on an emotional rollercoaster remember to stay energized with things you love to do. And make sure you've surrounded yourself with good people. Whether it's online like Facebook or in a crowd of like-minded people you will feel RE-ENERGIZED!

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author and Professional Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Tip#471: Escape for Awhile – Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon

I just spent 3 gloriously hot summer days up at a friend's cottage on the Canada Day long weekend. Swimming in the northern lake energized me as much as soaking up the sizzling sunshine. The air was so crisp! And I love the taste of toasted marshmallows all golden brown and bubbly! Read more about cottage bliss: Tip#367 and Tip#181

I needed to escape for awhile to clear my thoughts and heaviness I'd been feeling. I've been overwhelmed with personal challenges the week leading up to my cottage vacation and knew I had to get away. It always amazes me how many insights come when surrounded by a change of scenery. Sometimes a hot shower can do the trick or a long walk. For me seeing a good movie ALWAYS helps me to step back and see life from a fresh perspective.

Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon 2011

The movie Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon is the 3rd part of the Transformer series about Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his ongoing adventures saving the Earth. He is helped by his mechanical alien friends called Autobots. Based on the Hasbro toys of the 1980's, the Autobots can transform into specific vehicles like cars and trucks as they battle the evil Decepticons.

This film was one of those enjoyable blockbuster summer movies that simply helped me escape the stresses of my day. There were lots of exciting action and special effects, an engaging story and many funny moments and characters. For over two hours I was taken away to another time and space and came out of the theatre feeling refreshed. Just like a few days at a cottage I felt re-energized and revitalized!

What do you do to escape life for awhile?

What activities do you do to clear your head? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author and Professional Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Tip#470: Be Open To New Friendships – Cedar Rapids


I continue to be amazed at how utilizing my Facebook wall helps me find some fast answers. For example I was looking for print shops in downtown Toronto that do high quality laser prints and posted a simple inquiry on my Facebook wall. Within an hour I received 2 recommendations from Facebook friends.

New, unexpected friendships have been coming into my life recently and I feel so lucky and blessed. Rebuilding my life and business since my financial collapse last year (see tip#400) has been made so much easier with the help and support of old friends as well as the new. They've come via email introductions and social media like Facebook or from the professional development workshops and seminars I've been attending. I've just stayed as open as I could to whoever entered my life.

Cedar Rapids 2011

The movie Cedar Rapids is about a naïve, idealistic insurance agent Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) sent to represent his company at a conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is a whole new experience for Lippe and has never even flown on a plane before. He meets extroverted individuals like Dean Ziegler (John C. Reilly) who seem untrustworthy at first but soon learns they are all reliable and supportive new friends.

Lippe finds himself in many predicaments during the conference but no matter how dire and hopeless everything seems his newfound friends are quick to support and help him. Whenever his victim mindset kicks in they are there to listen to his problems and offer solutions. By the end they help him unleash his leadership mindset and Lippe takes charge of his life and career.

This movie reminded me of the importance of giving people a chance to show their integrity and true selves. Only time will show whether they are fair-weather friends, "frenemies" or true friends.

Have you experienced all kinds of friendships?

Have you encountered fair-weather friends, "frenemies" and true friends? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below OR click on the blog title above and scroll to bottom.

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE NEW SPEAKER PROMO ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author and Professional Speaker
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011