Tip#734: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 3 – Harold Ramis – Alice Herz-Sommer – The Straight Story

During high school I remember first seeing actor/writer/director Harold Ramis in the comedy TV show SCTV. I loved the hilarious show and later saw Ramis in the Ghostbusters movies and in bit parts of other comedies. It would be later in mid-life that films he directed would be deeply meaningful to me such as Groundhog Day. His recent passing on Feb. 24, 2014 was sad and unexpected. I am very grateful he left a legacy of one of my top favourite films in Groundhog Day that continues to inspire me every time I watch it.

Alice Herz-Sommer was the oldest known Holocaust survivor who recently passed away at age 110 on Feb. 23, 2014. She is the subject of the Oscar nominated documentary The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life. I have yet to see this film though I was moved by the movie trailer. Her joyful spirit, passion for music and her laughter touched me immediately and her legacy was instantly impressed on my heart. See: movie trailer

The Straight Story (1999)

The drama film, The Straight Story, is based on the true story of elderly Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) and his 240-mile journey on a lawn tractor to visit his ailing brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton). Directed by David Lynch, the film is a slow, meditative story of a man’s passion, perseverance and stubborn devotion to travel a far distance at 5 miles per hour, with hip problems, to make amends with his estranged brother. Along the way Alvin inspires each person he meets in some way. See: movie trailer

Alvin’s scenic journey is inspiring especially in how far he will go to forgive and be forgiven by his brother. And so the real Alvin Straight’s story from 1994 becomes a big part of his legacy shared with the world through cinema. Hopefully his story along with the accomplishments of Harold Ramis and Alice Herz-Sommer will inspire you to be mindful of the legacy you’d like to leave the world. What will your legacy be?

Related tips: 
Tip#354: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 1 – Iron Man 2 
Tip#709: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 2 – David Bowie Exhibit – Paul Walker – Good Ol’ Frida
Tip#734: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 3 – Harold Ramis – Alice Herz-Sommer – The Straight Story
Tip#923: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 4 - Alan Rickman – Top 5 Films 

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

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© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#733: You Are Making a Difference - The Monuments Men

I was surprised and excited this week to find out one of my blog posts was referenced in a book by Dr. Gene Orlowsky called The Principles of Inner Success: How to Make Your Dreams Your Reality. In the chapter “Inner Success is a Shedding Process” my blog post of April 15, 2009 (Tip#248) is mentioned about the negative emotions and thinking that overwhelmed me from wave after wave of negative news on my TV. It mentions how I was able to transform my heavy state by catching myself, changing the channel and focusing on positive emotions.

Friends and colleagues often remind me that writing this movie blog for over seven years is making a difference with people around the world even if I never hear from them. And though I do get wonderful email messages from thankful readers I have moments wondering if people read posts I’d written years ago. And though I have never met Dr. Orlowsky I am grateful he read that blog post from 2009 and included it in his self-help book that can further inspire others to stay positive!

Read excerpt in the book: The Principles of Inner Success: How to Make Your Dreams Your Reality
Read original blog post: Tip#248: 7 Positive Emotions That Energize – Stranger Than Fiction

The Monuments Men (2014)

The action drama, The Monuments Men is based on a true story of a unique World War II platoon tasked with going into Germany to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi Thieves. Lt. Frank Stokes (George Clooney) pulls together art experts of various ages from around the world for the greatest treasure hunt in history. The cast includes Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban and Jean Dujardin. The film’s feel for adventure and music score recalls the cinematic style of films like 1963’s The Great Escape. See: movie trailer

Thanks to cinema the story of this brave platoon, that helped recover over 5 million pieces of art, has now been shared with a larger audience. They were passionate about their mission and they made a difference for future generations of art lovers as well as preserve the memory of the culture and people that created the art.

Let this film inspire you to believe that your positive actions make a difference for others even if there are no immediate results. If you are passionate about a project then keep doing it from your heart. Anything that follows will be a bonus!

 Learn more about the real Monuments Men: Click here

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

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Speaker & Movies for Motivation Expert
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#732: What’s Your Headline? - The Shipping News

As I wrote in tip#730, I am always inspired by people, like Nelson Mandela, who are able to forgive those who had inflicted pain upon them. They are able to re-write their attitude from being the victim to taking leadership in their own lives.

They end up creating a new story that is more positive, optimistic and empowering from the hurtful experience they went through. They chose the half-glass full point of view instead of half-glass empty.

 The Shipping News (2001)

The drama film, The Shipping News, is about a man named Quoyle (Kevin Spacey) who has been a victim all his life and finds redemption and his inner strengths when he goes home to Newfoundland. The story includes other characters who experienced childhood traumas and spousal abuse and how a sense of family and friendship can help heal the wounds. See: movie trailer 

There is a mystical air that permeates the beautiful vistas of Newfoundland contributing to the healing energy for Quoyle and others (Judi Dench and Julianne Moore). The film is also inspiring in how Quoyle discovers his hidden talents as a writer for the local newspaper which leads to rebuilding his self-confidence and self-esteem.

The metaphors for his transformation come in the form of headlines he is learning to create for his column but are narrating his life. For example...

“Headline: Blundering Idiot Stuns Crowd… For a Change”
“Headline: Deadly Storm Takes House, Leaves Excellent View”

This film is a great example of a movie hero who finds the strength to break free from his painful past experiences by re-writing his life’s headlines. This is also an exercise you can do for yourself. For example mine would be…

Old headline: “Mid-Life Crisis Leaves Man Depressed, Broke & Lost”
New headline: “Man Learns Empowering Methods To Overcome Mid-Life Crisis”

 So what’s your headline?

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

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Speaker & Movies for Motivation Expert
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#731: Passion & Perseverance, Part 5 - The Right Kind of Wrong

There are some romantic comedies, such as Jerry Maguire, that are much more than a love story. They contain inspiring insights of key factors for achieving goals in your career and life. I just saw another amazing romcom about a love story that initially looked impossible and yet intrigued me to watch it for the gorgeous Canadian mountain scenery of Banff, Alberta in the movie trailer.

What surprised me right away was a great lesson in blogging and how a simple, intriguing blog title like “Why You Suck” can generate massive success in readership, media attention and a book deal. And since the movie hero was the subject of the blog I was inspired by how resilient he was when he became the ongoing target of mean spirited readers. He would go on to demonstrate much passion and perseverance for a quest that seemed impossible to achieve. Even I thought it appeared impossible and was happy to be proven wrong. The right kind of wrong!

The Right Kind of Wrong (2013)

The Canadian romantic comedy, The Right Kind of Wrong is about failed writer Leo Palamino (Ryan Kwanten) made famous for his many flaws by his ex-wife’s blog turned book, “Why You Suck”. He then falls in love with Colette (Sara Canning) on her wedding day to another man. Despite opposition from friends, the husband and even Colette herself, Leo follows his heart and proves he has many positive qualities not written in the blog and book. See: movie trailer 

The great supporting cast added to many hilarious scenes and insights for chasing after a dream and not giving up. Sara’s mother Tess (Catherine O’Hara) is a big supporter of Leo and shares these two inspiring statements:

“You don’t know a person’s character until the chips are down.” 
“What you did was obnoxious, selfish, superficial as hell. But it took balls!” 

Here’s a list of Leo’s strengths that helped him:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• People support
• Vision
• Resilience
• Courage
• Tenacity
• Risk taking
• Willing to change and face fears
• Show hidden gifts and talents
• Indestructible optimism

I’m not sure if others will see how fun and inspiring this film was to me but I am going to follow Leo’s lead and just say: I highly recommend this brilliant romantic comedy! This movie can really inspire you to persevere with a dream or goal no matter how impossible it appears and how many people try to put you down. Just listen to your heart!

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 

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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Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#730: The Power of Forgiveness - Philomena

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for over 27 years and upon his release chose not to hold onto any anger or resentment towards his oppressors saying,  

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” 

Other insights on forgiveness comes from best-selling author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson. She says your greatest power to change the world is your power to change your mind about the world. So she says to pray for happiness towards those that have harmed you in some way to find inner peace with them. Mandela and Williamson inspire me to look more deeply into the power of forgiveness and how to view hurtful people from an entirely different perspective.

1) Nelson Mandela and the Science of Forgiveness: See video clip
2) Marianne Williamson on Forgiveness - Oprah Winfrey Network: See video clip

Philomena (2013)

The comedy-drama, Philomena, is based on a true story of Philomena Lee’s (Judi Dench) 50-year-long search for her son with the help of journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan). Philomena became pregnant as a teen, sent to an abbey in Ireland, forced to work in their laundry for four years and then experience the pain of the nuns adopting out her son without warning or a chance to say goodbye. See: movie trailer

Philomena’s search with Martin becomes a surprisingly fun journey for her as she experiences the all expense paid benefits of travel and food delights. Despite the positives of their search in Ireland and the US she still feels the pain of needing to find her son. What inspired me most was Philomena’s choice to forgive the nuns of the abbey for what they did to her.

Let this story and other real-life examples inspire you to know how powerful the heart can be to offer compassion and understanding instead of holding onto anger and resentment. The human spirit can be so resilient!

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 

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#729: Staying Young at Heart - At Middleton

This winter in Toronto we have seen a lot of snow and cold days. Seeing the plowed snow almost as tall as I reminded me of the winters we used to have as a child. And being in my middle age years now I am amazed how time seemed to fly by. I still feel like a playful kid inside and sometimes in awe when I look in the mirror and see grey hair and wrinkles that weren’t there before.

At Middleton (2013)

The romantic comedy, At Middleton, is about a middle aged man and woman who take each of their kids on a college tour and fall in love. George (Andy Garcia) is a conservative man who meets the eccentric Edith (Vera Farmiga) and they decide to play hooky and ditch the official tour and go on their own adventure of Middleton College. The playful chemistry between Garcia and Farmiga is so wonderful and humorous with several memorable scenes that will touch your heart. One fun scene involves a duet of playing of “chopsticks”! See: movie trailer

The film takes place on one sunny, bright day and it definitely helped me escape the icy winter weather for awhile! And while the main characters made me laugh constantly the movie also brings up insights about whether or not you are truly happy in life. This movie is a super fun and enjoyable, middle-age romcom and I highly recommend especially if you too are in your middle age years. It will make you feel so young at heart again!

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

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#728: Life Changing Choices, Part 1 – Life of a King

On Sunday February 2nd I enjoyed a screening of Groundhog Day at a friend’s condo theatre. That enjoyment was sharply contrasted with the shocking news of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s untimely death. Thankfully, Hoffman left a legacy of great work. He gave great performances in films like Magnolia, Patch Adams, Mission Impossible 3 and Punch Drunk Love.

His death also made me think of how the choices we make in life that can lead to destructive consequences or life changing benefits. This is fully explored in Groundhog Day where every day of his time loop the movie hero makes different choices that affect his well-being or the lives of other people. Movie heroes can inspire us to look at the choices we make and how we can apply similar choices in our own career, business and life.

Life of a King (2013)

The drama film, Life of a King, is based on the true story of Eugene Brown (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), an ex-con who teaches life lessons through a chess club he initiates for inner-city youths. Brown made decisions in life that put him in prison where he learned to play chess. He discovered that the game was a metaphor for staying strong and resilient in life. He made it a goal to help youths to see other options in life through the game of chess. See: movie trailer

The movie trailer was inspirational in itself and compelled me to see this film. It is reminiscent of one of my favourite movies, Freedom Writers, where both movie heroes persevere to help youths make positive choices in life. It was also great to see Gooding still active on the screen giving us a new cinematic role model who persevered through the consequences of past decisions. He can inspire you to make choices that can lead to positive benefits in your life and for those around you.

“In here and in life, you must think before you move.” 
Life of a King (2014) 

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

Related Tips:
Tip#728: Life Changing Choices, Part 1 – Life of a King 
Tip#964: Life Changing Choices, Part 2 - Eye in the Sky
Tip#946: Trust Your Gut, Part 3 - The Finest Hours 

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
Speaker & Movies for Motivation Expert
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#727: The Power in Repetition, Part 2 - Groundhog Day

In his book Outliers, author Malcolm Gladwell says it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field (See examples of his studies). This theory is brought up in a fascinating essay by Simon Gallagher analyzing how many days Phil Connors spent in his time loop in the film Groundhog Day.

The total comes to 33 years and 350 days! The essay’s conclusions can be inspiring to know that learning new skill sets or even transforming a negative mindset into a positive one is achievable. Just remember that it takes time, perseverance AND repetition.

The article is in 5 stages: Read here
Stage One: Days Shown On Screen
Stage Two: Days Mentioned
Stage Three: Days Spent Learning (Vol.1)
Stage Four: Days Spent Learning (Vol.2)
Stage Five: The “Gesture” Days

Groundhog Day (1993)

The comedy, Groundhog Day, is about a self-centred TV weatherman named Phil Connors (Bill Murray) who finds himself caught in a time loop reliving the same day over and over again. The film explores the pros and cons and the humour and pain of this unique situation.  It would took Connors years of repetition to transform his thinking and attitudes in order to achieve his goals and break free. The film ultimately demonstrates lessons for personal growth that can be applied to your own life and career.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” He also said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” 

This is why I believe Groundhog Day is the greatest self-growth movie disguised as a romantic comedy! The film is a timeless resource for anyone wanting to transform areas of thinking that hold them back from achieving personal or professional goals. And at the same time the movie can encourage you to persevere during the months and even years it takes to transform old habits of destructive thinking.

I hope the movie inspires you to see the power in repetition and to persevere with your dreams and goals no matter how long it takes!



Related Tips:
Tip#77: The Power In Repetition, Part 1 - Groundhog Day
Tip#727: The Power in Repetition, Part 2 - Groundhog Day
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
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Speaker & Movies for Motivation Expert
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014