Tip#693: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 3 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

I am always amazed when I see a movie I loved as a kid and see something new and inspiring decades later. I recently saw E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the first time in years at a fundraiser for Variety Village hosted by my pals Tammy Cunningham and Vijay Mehta of Socially Conscious Geeks. What inspired me was witnessing the film’s young hero transform into a strong, confident leader way beyond his age.

At the start of the movie, Elliot is picked on and taunted by his older brother and friends. Through meeting the extraterrestrial Elliot gradually finds his inner strengths and confidence to take charge of helping the stranded alien. His older brother and his friends later follow Elliot’s leadership to help E.T.. I wasn’t feeling well when I attended this special screening as I felt overwhelmed with life challenges I've been facing. And yet days later I was still thinking about Elliot’s transformation. He became a mirror reminding me of my own inner strengths.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The science fiction film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, is about a young boy Elliot (Henry Thomas), who befriends an alien who is stranded on Earth. Together they bond on a deep level and help each other in many ways that are both heartwarming and funny. This classic film by Steven Spielberg has great performances by Thomas as well as an adorable young Drew Barrymore. And John Williams’ timeless soundtrack transported me to my youth and fond memories of the magic I felt when the movie was first released. See: original trailer

This film is just another example of the inspirational and uplifting power of our favourite movies and how they can affect us in new ways depending on where we are in our life. For me, films entertain and help me escape life for awhile. And if they re-energize and help me gain insights for moving forward in my life then I am eternally grateful to the world of cinema! Perhaps your favourite movies can help you in the same way.

What favourite movies remind you of your inner strengths? What movie heroes inspire you to find your confidence? Please let me know.

Related Tips:
Tip#530: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 1 - The Color of Money
Tip#570: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 2 - Nim's Island
Tip#693: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 3 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – Iron Man 3
Tip#972: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 5 – Spider-Man 2.1 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

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“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#692: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 1 - Shadowlands

I recently heard sad news that a friend received a terminal prognosis from her doctor. I was stunned. This news shook my world and reminded me, once again, how precious every moment in life is and how meaningful friendships are during a time of distress. This news also reflects how I felt watching one of the saddest movies I’ve ever seen recently. So yes, I had a really good cry watching this film. 

Shadowlands (1993)

The biographical drama film, Shadowlands, is about the love-relationship between Oxford academic C.S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) and American poet Joy Gresham (Debra Winger). Lewis is the author of The Chronicles of Narnia book series and a reserved, middle-aged bachelor whose life changes when he meets the outspoken and feisty Gresham. See: movie trailer

For the first time in his life, Lewis experiences joyful love as well as unexpected pain when he learns of Gresham’s cancer diagnosis. Together they teach each other how to face the pain together and grow as adults, as a couple and as parents to her young son. This emotional story will touch you deeply and when it does let the tears flow. And you may already know how better you feel after a good cry. Crying can have healthy benefits as outlined in the following article called: 7 Reasons Why Crying Is Good for You

1. Tears help us see.
2. Tears kill bacteria.
3. Tears remove toxins.
4. Crying can elevate mood.
5. Crying lowers stress.
6. Tears build community.
7. Tears release feelings.

Do you have a favourite movie you know will give you a good cry? Do you feel good after a good cry? Please let me know.

Related Tips:
Tip#692: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 1 – Shadowlands
Tip#703: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 2 - Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)
Tip#739: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 3 – Winter’s Tale

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism: How Movies Inspire Your Best At Work & In Life"

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#691: Passion & Perseverance, Part 4 - Rocky

As of this writing the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival has just ended and one film stood out for me called Jodorowsky's Dune. It’s the story of cult filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky’s vision to create the most mind-blowing film adaptation of the Sci-Fi novel Dune. This documentary shows, in detail, why this was the greatest Sci-Fi movie NEVER made and yet influenced many other successful Sci-Fi movies and careers! (Note: I will be posting a full article in Spring of 2014 when this film is released in theatres).

At age 84, Jodorowsky still exhibited great passion for his vision of Dune from the mid-1970s. It reminded me of inspiring stories I’ve read of Sylvester Stallone’s passion and perseverance for getting his script for Rocky turned into a film.

Here are some inspiring factors…

• While trying to sell the Rocky script Stallone was so poor he had to sell his dog for $25
• United Artists offered Stallone $330,000.00 for the script and to let either Ryan O’Neal, Robert Redford or Burt Reynolds to star but Stallone declined despite his current poverty as his vision was to play the lead
• The budget for the film was only $1 million and shot in 28 days
• Film composers turned down the film due to the low budget
• The film received many negative reviews upon its release such as The New York Times review by Vincent Canby: a “sentimental little slum movie … an unconvincing actor imitating a lug.” “Be warned.”

See this informative 4 part video interview: “The Rocky Story by Sly Stallone”

Rocky (1976)

The film Rocky is written by and starred Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa a small-time boxer who is given the opportunity to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). It is also a love story with a meek pet store clerk named Adrian (Talia Shire). This film is a great example of one man’s passion and perseverance to go the distance and without compromising his heart or ideals. It was a mirror for Stallone’s real-life challenges, hopes and dreams.

The film became the highest grossing film of 1976 and went on to win three Oscars including Best Picture. It spawned five sequels including a very successful and inspiration finale, Rocky Balboa in 2006.

Do you know any inspiring stories of film-makers that demonstrated passion and perseverance with their dream projects? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#534: Passion & Perseverance, Part 1 – 100th Year Anniversary - Titanic 
Tip#543: Passion & Perseverance, Part 2 – The Natural, Director's Cut 
Tip#652: Passion & Perseverance, Part 3 - The Company You Keep 
Tip#691: Passion & Perseverance, Part 4 - Rocky
Tip#731: Passion & Perseverance, Part 5 – The Right Kind of Wrong
Tip#752: Passion & Perseverance, Part 6 - Dolphin Tale
Tip#760: Passion & Perseverance, Part 7 - Today’s Special
Tip#864: Passion & Perseverance, Part 8 - Danny Collins
Tip#885: Passion & Perseverance, Part 9 - Outbreak
Tip#953: Passion & Perseverance, Part 10 - Eddie the Eagle

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
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“Indestructible Optimism”
How Movies Inspire Your Best At Work & In Life

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#690: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 1 – Steve Jobs & Apple - Jobs

I love my iMac! I love my Macbook! I love my iPod! And I love my iPhone! These are all Apple products and I genuinely love how they have made my life and career an absolute joy over the years. So it was even more amazing to learn about the story behind Apple and of Steve Jobs in the film Jobs.

Carmine Gallo, Communications Coach wrote a fantastic article for Forbes called “10 Powerful Quotes From The Steve Jobs Movie And What They Teach Us About Leadership” which echoes how I feel about how inspiring the film is, despite what critics are saying, on the themes of leadership, creativity, communications and success. See: article

Gallo wrote in the comments section of the online article: “I saw the movie and I think this is going to be a good example of critics and audiences reaching different conclusions… That said, for anyone who wants to achieve more in life, I found it inspirational. Ashton Kutcher will surprise many viewers, too.”

Jobs (2013)

The biographical drama film, Jobs, is based on the life of Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) and the early, formative years of Apple Computers. You’ll see how Jobs had a strong vision that attracted his initial team to make a revolutionary home-based computer. You’ll see sides of Jobs that may surprise or even shock you. In the end you will be amazed at how far we’ve come with Apple products as you see the creation of the first Mac!

Here are Carmine Gallo’s top 10 quotes from the film:

1. I’m not dismissing the value of higher education; I’m simply saying it comes at the expense of experience. 

2. The greatest artists like Dylan, Picasso and Newton risked failure. And if we want to be great, we’ve got to risk it too. 

3. How does somebody know what they want if they haven’t even seen it? 

4. Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you, and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. 

5. I would rather gamble on our vision than make a ‘me, too’ product. 

6. We’ve got to make the small things unforgettable. 

7. Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. 

8. You’ve got to have a problem that you want to solve; a wrong that you want to right. 

9. It [what you choose to do] has got to be something that you’re passionate about because otherwise you won’t have the perseverance to see it through. 

10. In your life you only get to do so many things and right now we’ve chosen to do this, so let’s make it great. 

What movies based on real-life heroes do you love? What heroes have inspired you in your life or career? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#690: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 1 – Steve Jobs & Apple - Jobs 
Tip#897: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Bridge of Spies 
Tip#921: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 3 - The Revenant
Tip#922: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 4 - Spotlight  
Tip#1039: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 5 - Maudie 
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How Movies Inspire Your Best At Work & In Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#689: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 2 - Riddick

Resilience: Defined as the ability to recover quickly from illness, change, or misfortune.

64 year old Diane Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the help of a shark cage on September 2nd. That was roughly 110 miles and 53 hours she maintained her focus and strength. After arriving on shore she was quoted in saying, “We should never, ever give up.”

Real life stories like Nyad’s as well as super hero like characters in movies always inspire me with their resilience. They give me a positive emotional charge to keep moving forward even whenever I feel exhausted, hurt or in pain. They remind me that what seems impossible to get through IS possible.

Riddick (2013)

The science fiction action film, Riddick, is the third installment of the film series where we find Riddick (Vin Diesel) stranded on a desolate planet. He learns to survive on this unknown world and later comes up with a strategy to lure in two ships of competing bounty hunters to escape the planet. The film is rich with imaginative alien creatures and action packed scenes. What really attracted me was Riddick’s steely confidence, strategic thinking and resilience.

For a good portion of the film’s opening we see Riddick injured and alone in a harsh environment with several alien creatures to deal with. These scenes show us how resilient and resourceful Riddick is. And even though this was a fictional character with superhuman abilities he still inspired me to see that kind of strength within me. Riddick reflected my own hidden super powers while I was entertained by the exciting sci-fi visuals of another world!

What movie heroes do you feel demonstrate resilience for you? What films inspire you to feel your own hidden powers for staying strong? Please let me know!

Related Tips on Resilience:
Tip#47: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 1 - 18 Movie Tips
Tip#689: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 2 – Riddick
Tip#741: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 3 – Film Critic Richard Crouse - Amazing Grace
Tip#742: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 4 – The Pianist 
Tip#801: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 5 - Whiplash
Tip#134: You Can Bounce Back - Resiliency - Pixar's Boundin'
Tip#260: Be Resilient & Absolutely Confident - You’ve Got Mail
Tip#725: Focus & Resilience – Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 42

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
"Indestructible Optimism"
How Movies Inspire Your Best At Work & In Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#688: What Are You Grateful For? – Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Whenever life gets a bit overwhelming and isolating I have made it a practice to focus on what I am grateful for. I focus on the great friends I have and feel the gratitude I have for their love and support. I recently saw the film The Butler and watched scenes that depicted the horrible treatment of blacks in the 50’s and 60’s. These emotional scenes made me deeply grateful for living in Toronto in today's age where there is more racial harmony amongst a huge multicultural community.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)

The historical drama, The Butler, is loosely based on the real-life story of Eugene Allen through the character Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker). Gaines is an African-American rising from a cotton farm life to serve 34 years as a White House butler. The film is a powerful and emotional trip through American history showing the fight for civil rights as well as Gaines’s life with his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) and sons Louis (David Oyelowo) and Charlie (Elijah Kelley). See: movie trailer

This is also an amazing journey of Gaines serving a number of presidents that includes a star studded cast:

• Dwight D. Eisenhower (Robin Williams)
• John F. Kennedy (James Marsden)
• Lyndon B. Johnson (Liev Schreiber)
• Richard Nixon (John Cusack)
• Ronald Reagan (Alan Rickman)

More stars with engaging performances include Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Mariah Carey, Calence Williams III, Vanessa Redgrave, Lenny Kravitz and Jane Fonda. They all helped to paint a picture of the dramatic changes in American society that led to the film’s inspiring scenes of the inauguration of the first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.

What are you grateful for in your life? What films inspire you to feel gratitude with what you have in your life? Please let me know!

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release    
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day

I recently gave a motivational talk at the Rotary Club of Etobicoke where I discussed the power of movies, social media and community. It was well received and I really enjoyed the audience because most of them were movie lovers!

One of the films I discussed was Groundhog Day and how it can inspire one to break through repeating negative patterns. I also shared that I believed Groundhog Day was the greatest personal growth movie disguised as a romantic comedy!

The Rotary Club is an international organization which has already been featured in the cinema through Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can film. In an opening scene Frank Abagnale Sr. (Christopher Walken) was a member of the Rotary Club of New Rochelle, NY (a real Rotary Club). He is shown being named as “Rotarian of the Year”.

After my presentation I had a chat with one of the members, Ron Miller, who excitedly shared that his father ran several movie theatres in Detroit, Michigan and in St. Catherines, Ontario. His enthusiasm was catching and he later shared archival photos and details of the theatres via email. Ron and I shared a common interest for cinema and it quickly bonded us. This was a perfect example of how meaningful connections are made that can lead to a warm sense of community!

Groundhog Day (1993)

The romantic comedy, Groundhog Day, is about self-centred TV weatherman, Phil Connors (Bill Murray) who finds himself trapped in a time loop reliving the same day over and over again. After having many positive and negative experiences with this phenomenon Connors finally surrenders and sees his situation as a gift for personal growth. He learns how to ice sculpt, play the piano and be more of service to others.

Connors later shares his new piano skills at a community dance providing music for everyone to enjoy. He has learned to break free of his time loop trap by looking into himself and sharing his skills and talent. This led him to becoming an important and loved part of the community. These life lessons are what make this film much more than a comedy. It can teach people how to break out of their own reoccurring traps in their lives by identifying it as an opportunity for personal growth and being more involved with community.

What movies inspire you about community? What films inspire you with movie heroes who help in community? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#172: Cultivate Community, Part 1 – Witness
Tip#651: Cultivate Community, Part 2 - Defiance
Tip#656: Cultivate Community, Part 3 – Swapsity - Phenomenon 
Tip#658: Cultivate Community, Part 4 – Into the White
Tip#668: Cultivate Community, Part 5 – Be Kind Rewind 
Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man
Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day
Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut
Tip#781: Cultivate Community, Part 9 - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013