Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!

Sunday, May 08, 2022

Tip#1270: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 76 – Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness

This is Day 777 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

For the past several weeks I’ve faced many fears and now feel everything around me and inside myself has transformed. One of the big fears was finding the courage to fly down to see my mom in the US for the first time since the pandemic started over two years ago. With the loving support of my siblings and help from close friends I overcame deep-rooted fears around safety and came back home to Toronto feeling great and proud of myself for persevering.

Soon after I arrived back home I returned to Meridian Hall for the reopening and live concert screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. It was so surreal being back after two years and seeing Toronto Film Critic and Poplife TV Show Host, Richard Crouse who I last saw here in this exact place. I also saw my friend and violinist for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Yolanda Bruno whom I also met for the first time here.

Then the day after I went to see the Doctor Strange 2 movie on opening day. While in the theatre I contemplated how surreal the past few weeks had been, flying to the US, observing people wearing and not wearing masks, and how the pandemic life feels like it is finally lifting. I looked back at my life in isolation and saw how unreal the past two years had been!

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness (2022)

The superhero, fantasy film, Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, is a sequel and continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The story is about Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his attempts to save a young new hero America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from the Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). This highly entertaining and visually explosive movie also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong and Rachel McAdams.

Watching this film on the big screen blew my mind! It truly is a multidimensional experience with a story that is full of madness. And every scene is a spoiler so I highly recommend you see this ASAP so you can enjoy all the surprises that left me gasping with inner glee.

And if these Marvel movies have become part of your life as it has mine you will be amazed at how this latest chapter fires up the imagination and takes you on a surreal journey through different forms of existence. It will also remind you that there is hope in the darkest of times.

Life can be as surreal as those seen in fantasy films. And these films are brimming with central characters facing their fears and finding the courage to deal with them even if it takes years. They also remind you that you always have help near when you need it. Let these films mirror or inspire your own life to persevere and empower your indestructible optimism and resilience today!

Click here to watch my recent interview:
Emmanuel’s Interview FTV Daily

Join my free monthly Zoom group where we discuss and share favourite, uplifting films: High Notes Movie Club

Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter
Part 12 – Amélie
Part 13 – Hail the Conquering Hero – The Lady Eve
Part 14 – Back To School
Part 15 – Project Power – An American Pickle
Part 16 – The Secret: Dare to Dream
Part 17 – Chadwick Boseman – 42 – Black Panther
Part 18 – Phenomenon
Part 19 – Mulan 2020
Part 20 – Waitress - Labor Day - Michael

Part 21 – Enola Holmes
Part 22 – Kiss the Groun d
Part 23 – Top 5 Inspiring Thanksgiving Movie Scenes
Part 24 – Hubie Halloween
Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit
Part 27 – Trading Places
Part 28 – Greenland
Part 29 – Logan’s Run
Part 30 – Moonstruck

Part 31 – Remember the Night
Part 32 – Tenet
Part 33 – Noel
Part 34 – Soul
Part 35 – Feel Good Energy of Movies & TV Shows
Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006
Part 37 – Synchronic
Part 38 – Appetite for Love
Part 39 – Tomorrowland
Part 40 – Cinderella 2015

Part 41 – Top Secret! – Real Genius
Part 42 – Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind
Part 43 – Coming 2 America
Part 44 – In & Of Itself
Part 45 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Part 46 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Part 47 – Bill & Ted Face the Music
Part 48 – Housesitter
Part 49 – Tampopo
Part 50 – You’ll Never Get Rich

Part 51 – The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Part 52 – Avatar 2009 – Forest Bathing
Part 53 – WarGames
Part 54 – Oxygen
Part 55 – Cruella
Part 56 – History is Made at Night
Part 57 – The Celestine Prophecy
Part 58 – The More the Merrier
Part 59 – Born a Champion
Part 60 – Chef

Part 61 – Night at the Museum Trilogy
Part 62 – Free Guy
Part 63 – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Part 64 – Source Code
Part 65 – Super Me
Part 66 – Battlestar Galactica 2003
Part 67 – No Time To Die
Part 68 – The Eternals
Part 69 – They Call Me Trinity – Trinity is Still My Name
Part 70 – Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Part 71 – Spider-Man: No Way Home
Part 72 – A Boy Called Christmas
Part 73 – Delicious 2021
Part 74 – CODA 2021
Part 75 – The Power of Movies

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2021

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Tip#1269: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 75 – The Power of Movies

This is Day 750 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

This has been an exciting week as I felt the rejuvenating energy of Spring time! March and April is also a time when my symptoms of seasonal depression (winter depression, SAD) begin to lift and I start to feel like my old self again.

I was inspired to redecorate my home office wall that’s seen in my Zoom meetings. I chose posters that inspire my mental health and wellness like Serendipity, Tomorrowland, The Shawshank Redemption and Gladiator. I also experienced several thrilling events this week.

FTV Daily Interview

The first event was a TV interview I did for FTV Daily where I discussed how I’ve remained resilient throughout the two years of pandemic isolation and depression. I shared how writing this movie blog was a form of writing therapy and how hosting my monthly High Notes Movie Club was helping revitalize people with their own isolation. I also shared my enthusiasm for the nutritious and delicious foods I’ve discovered, photographed and shared on Instagram.

Click here to watch my interview: Emmanuel’s Interview FTV Daily
Follow me on Instagram: @motivatorman1 and @moviesformotivation

Returning to Movieposters.com

The second event was returning to the warehouse of Movieposters.com after 6 years here in Toronto so I could pick up new film posters in person. It is truly a movie lovers dream here with 1,000’s of old and new movie posters, mini posters and lobby cards. Two new posters I got were Groundhog Day, one of my all time favourite films if not my top favourite, and Chocolat that represents my love for foodie films!

Hudson Film Festival 2022

I’ve also been hired by a friend to help consult on the social media marketing of the 2022 Hudson Film Festival located in Hudson, Quebec. I wasn’t sure of what made this film festival unique until he shared this insightful text…

“This is not the Toronto International Film Festival - it’s a tiny small town with a theatre that started a film festival for local viewing only. My dad (the Founder) is a super deep collector of film… so their budgets are tiny as they make no money and always strive for nonprofit… Last year - COVID drove them to streaming via Eventive - and that was super successful…”

This film festival, the beauty of movie posters and my TV interview stories are examples of how the power of movies can inspire and bring people together. Cinema isn’t just about the emotional experiences of watching meaningful films, it’s also in the joy of sharing and discussing that power with other movie lovers in your own town or around the world online.

Be mindful today of how cinema can do wonders for your mental health and wellness!

Join my free monthly Zoom group where we discuss and share favourite, uplifting films: High Notes Movie Club

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Tip#1268: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 74 – CODA 2021

This is Day 737 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

With the warm Spring weather in the air I’ve had a very special week of insights and opportunities thanks to two reunions with friends I had not seen in years. The timing felt profound as the first occurred exactly when mask restrictions lifted here in Toronto heralding a new chapter to this two year pandemic.

The first reunion was with a dear friend I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. Vanessa Vaughan is an artist, actress, film producer and an advocate for the deaf community. She has been enjoying my foodie posts on Facebook and Instagram and we were excited to finally meet over delicious fish n chips.

Check out my wellness posts and join my Instagram: @motivatorman1

Vanessa also expressed an interest to purchase products I posted such as key vitamins, minerals and foods so I took her on a thrilling Wellness-shopping-spree to four stores in the Stockyards area of Toronto. We even went to my favourite Value Village thrift store where she found many exciting books and beautiful shoes! We were both dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD, seasonal depression) but our wellness shopping therapy did wonders for uplifting our moods!

During our fun day together Vanessa insisted I see the Oscar nominated film CODA. It’s been on my list to see so I moved it to the top. I watched it the next day and it immediately filled my spirit with so much hope, bright light and love!

CODA (2021)

The coming-of-age comedy-drama film, CODA, is about Rudy (Emilia Jones) who is a CODA (child of deaf adults), the only hearing member of her deaf family, who struggles to balance attempts to help her family's struggling fishing business and her dream to sing and attend Berklee College of Music. This highly entertaining film showcases excellent performances from the entire cast that also include Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Eugenio Derbez, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Amy Forsyth.
See: movie trailer
Watch: AppleTV

This film started out as a familiar coming-of-age story but then extraordinary little moments came up and touched my heart deeply. It’s best that you don’t know anything more about the movie and just know that you will experience deep feelings as you watch a powerful, unique story about family that you may not have seen before.

The story also highlights many life lessons such as resilience, perseverance, indestructible optimism and the love and support of friends, family and teachers. As of this writing the 2022 Oscars will begin in a few hours and I am rooting for this amazing film to win Best Picture! (Just hours after posting this CODA did win Best Picture along with two other Oscars!)

The loving support of people may be the ultimate gift one could ask for and receive in life. Seeing examples of this in the movies can help inspire this possibility in your own life despite any disabilities, physical or mental, you feel are blocking your path. Find a film today to activate this positive vision to elevate your life to a higher, joyful level!

Join my free monthly Zoom group where we discuss and share favourite, uplifting films: High Notes Movie Club

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Tip#1267: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 73 – Delicious 2021

This is Day 723 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

It’s been over two months since my last blog post and it’s because of several challenges I was dealing with that included seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D. or winter depression). I also just needed to take a break. During this time I continued to host my free monthly High Notes Movie Club on Zoom and engage in my passion for documenting and photographing my latest wellness, comfort foods and restaurant discoveries on my Instagram Channel called Recipe for Resilience.

Please see and join my Instagram: @motivatorman1

To help me cope with seasonal depression I’ve also been attending a weekly group therapy program on Zoom and doing weekly morning Qigong classes in a Zoom group hosted by my friend, client and colleague Steffi Black Coaching. Both have been helping me through this snowy, chilly winter and bringing clarity for my dream project of taking my Recipe for Resilience wellness content to the next level.

All of this was during 6 weeks of house sitting a wonderfully bright and spacious Toronto home. I’m now home and the first movie I was compelled to watch helped me through a day of high winter depression symptoms. It was this new French foodie film that truly fed my imagination for an uplifting vision of hope!

Delicious (2021)

The French drama film, Delicious, is about chef Manceron (Grégory Gadebois) who is fired by his master, Duke of Chamfort (Benjamin Lavernhe), and creates the first restaurant in 1700s France with the help of a mysterious woman and protégé (Isabelle Carré) along with his son Benjamin (Lorenzo Lefebvre).

See: movie trailer
Watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube or AppleTV

This movie instantly took me away to the lush beauty of the French countryside and immersed me in a story that spoke deeply to my heart about following a passion no matter what and persevere despite terrible things that happen to chef Manceron. The film was also brimming with life lessons such as trusting in a team of support, being open to new ideas and the power of community through food.

And, of course, every scrumptious food and cooking scene is a feast for the eyes and will definitely make you hungry for delicious food! Highly recommended to anyone who loves food and are dealing with some kind of adversity, depression or isolation in life.

The movies you feel compelled to watch can be filled with magic to take you away from your problems for a few hours and also deliver life lessons and answers you may have been praying for. Be open today for that perfect movie to fall into your lap that will lift your spirits sky high!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

Sunday, January 02, 2022

Tip#1266: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 72 – A Boy Called Christmas

This is Day 657 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I just spent Christmas and New Year's Day alone again this year because of the new Omicron variant that’s disrupted all our holidays. And though this has also has been an extra dark winter of seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder, SAD, winter blues) I just did my best to engage in activities that lift my spirit like watching uplifting movies and eating delicious foods.

One activity I’ve enjoyed is researching the exciting Japanese term and lifestyle called Ikigai. What immediately caught my attention about Ikigai was that it’s meaning was “reason for being”. Losing my sense of purpose usually happens during seasonal depression so I was very intrigued. It originated in Okinawa and is said to be the reason there are so many people there that live to 100 and beyond!

I watched many YouTube videos on Ikigai that inspired me to work on the chart and discover my “reason for being” because it also connects with how I can help others with their needs, through what I love and what I am skilled at. It also reveals how I can get paid for my Ikigai too.

See video: Find Your Ikigai
See video: How to Ikigai | Tim Tamashiro | TEDxYYC
Read article: Ikigai and the Four P’s: How to Get Paid, Enjoy Your Work, Solve Problems, and Find Purpose

At the same time I was recommended to see a new Netflix Christmas movie during the lonely holidays which further lifted my spirits with inspiring themes that mirrored Ikigai beliefs!

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

The Christmas fantasy film, A Boy Called Christmas, is about an ordinary young boy called Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) setting out on an adventure into the snowy north in search of his father (Michiel Huisman) who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. The wonderful cast also includes: Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Merchant, Joel Fry, Rune Temte and Maggie Smith.
See: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

There was a wonderful, magical feeling throughout this family film thanks to all the performances and visuals! And it was also filled with inspirational quotes like:

“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.”
“Hope. We all need hope. A spark of magic to keeps us going.”
“And just like that, Nikolas had a purpose. A mission.”
“if you believe you can do something, you’re halfway there.”

Along with themes of dealing with the loss of a parent this film also focuses on finding your sense of purpose and how you can help others. Nikolas finds his purpose while saving a hidden, mythical village and then bringing their love and joy of Christmas to the sad children and people in the outside world.

The New Year of 2022 has now begun and unknown challenges may lie ahead for some of us. It could threaten to through us off coarse in pursuit our dreams and goals. Knowing our sense of purpose or reason for being could be the compass within each of us that guides us through the storms. Here's wishing you find your inner compass today!

Happy New Years All!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation