Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: May 2016

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Tip#960: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy, Part 2 - X-Men: Apocalypse

I’ve recently been shocked at the number of negative reviews of the X-Men: Apocalypse film because I loved it and experienced many inspirational and motivational moments. I realize that people can see the same movie and experience vastly different opinions and feelings so I will just focus on sharing the value I received from this epic superhero movie.

I felt several positive emotional energy moments during this film. These are times when a message from a scene or movie hero resonates so deeply within me that I feel a surge of energy flowing. My inner voice then tells me that I just received an answer I was seeking for moving forward in an area of my work or life. For example there is a scene where the character Professor X is physically incapacitated yet he remembers that he can deal with his adversity by going within his own mind and use his thoughts and inner strengths as a solution.

This was a big reminder for me to increase the meditation practices I’ve used over the years that will help me focus on my current work goals. Another empowering message I received from the movie was when members of the X-Men team were told it was okay to unleash their full power and to have no fear. Witnessing the visual wonder and spectacle of these heroes take action excited me and made me feel enthusiastic to do the same with my own talents and goals! This too is positive emotional energy flowing!

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

The superhero action film, X-Men: Apocalypse, is about the emergence of an ancient God-like mutant called Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) and the uniting of the young X-Men team to battle him and his four super powered recruits. This epic installment is part of the ongoing cinematic series of the X-Men comic books and showcases many of the visually stunning powers of popular characters like Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and many more. See: movie trailer

One of the highlights of the previous film, X-Men: Days of Future Past, was the fantastic, inventive sequence starring Quicksilver (Evan Peters) and he has another thrilling standout scene in this movie! Returning characters and actors also have their moments to shine such as Professor X (James McAvoy), Magento (Michael Fassbender), Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and Beast (Nicholas Hoult). There are other surprises for X-Men fans so I highly recommend you see this on the big screen as soon as possible. And do your best not to be influenced by any reviews or ratings as you may experience your own inspirational moments.

Inspiring Themes:
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Unleash Inner Strengths, Talents & Gifts
• Be Fearless
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Sense of Family & Community
• Supportive Relationships

Being passionate about something fills you with positive emotional energy. Loving the X-Men comic books growing up fed my imagination and filled me with enthusiasm and optimism! So when I experience a movie version of something I loved growing up it amplifies that positive energy within me and I leave the theatre with my batteries fully recharged. I am then excited to implement the ideas and strategies the movie heroes inspired me to unleash! You can do the same as well.

You can increase your positive emotional energy anytime, all you have to do is be aware of the activities that love doing and that bring you joy. And embrace the movies or subjects you feel strongly about even if others disagree. Be confident in your choices. Your thoughts and feelings are your own. Be empowered by what excites you!

Related Tips:
Tip#164: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy, Part 1 - Kung Fu Panda
Tip#960: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy, Part 2 - X-Men: Apocalypse
Tip#962: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy, Part 3 - The Present
Tip#1046: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy, Part 4 - Wonder Woman Tip#248: 7 Positive Emotions That Energize – Stranger Than Fiction
Tip#231: Foodgasms = Positive Energy! - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#842: Emotional Cinematic Moments, Part 1 - Paul Walker - Fast & Furious 7
Tip#844: Emotional Cinematic Moments, Part 2 – Netflix’s Daredevil
Tip#847: Emotional Cinematic Moments, Part 3 - The Age of Adaline

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Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
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LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Tip#959: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 2 - Micmacs

The recent Victoria Day long weekend was filled with warm sunshine and blue skies! I ended up doing a “staycation” and enjoyed soaking up each sunny day with long, re-vitalizing walks. At times I felt like Superman when he gets re-energized by the sun and I can feel my inner batteries recharging!

Engaging films can re-energize my batteries as well especially ones that are highly imaginative and visually exciting. I remember seeing the Wizard of Oz for the first time as a child and being enthralled by the colourful imagery and characters on the screen. Today there are many movies saturated with interesting computer generated graphics (CGI) but lack an original vision or heart. There is one film I recently revisited and it reminded me of the feeling of pure movie magic!

Micmacs (2009)

The French comedy film, Micmacs, is about Bazil (Dany Boon) getting even with weapons manufacturers in creative ways with the help of a group of gifted outcasts living in Paris. This highly entertaining story is overflowing with wonderful, whimsical performances and every frame is a work of art! See: movie trailer

The French term micmacs roughly translates to funny/fishy business, schemes, dirty tricks or non-stop shenanigans and these scenes in the movie are executed in many clever, hilarious ways! The actors, such as Dominique Pinon, Yolande Moreau, Michel Crémadès and Julie Ferrier as Elastic Girl, also look like distinctive cartoon characters come to life. These outcasts each have unique gifts and talents and they demonstrate amazing teamwork and team spirit.

Inspiring Themes:
• Imagination
• Strategic Thinking
• Resilience
• Teamwork & Team Spirit
• Supportive Relationships

This film comes from the outstanding imagination of French writer and director Jean-Pierre Jeunet who created other memorable movies such as Delicatessen, A Very Long Engagement and the cinema favourite Amélie. He creates wonderful worlds with a very distinctive French flavour in every scene. In fact every location in Paris has such a gorgeous tone and feeling that I can almost smell and taste French pastries and croissants in each shot!

Have you had a taste of pure movie magic recently? Remember there are movies that can entertain and then there are others that take it to a whole other level and immerse you in a highly imaginative, sensory world! This is a place where all your troubles disappear for a few hours and you can re-energize your spirit and mind. See these films as your resources for recharging your batteries and then return you to your life and work revitalized and enthusiastic to enjoy your day!

Related Tips:
Tip#581: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 1 – The Artist
Tip#959: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 2 - Micmacs
Tip#987: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 3 - Café Society
Tip#988: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 4 - TIFF 2016
Tip#1001: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 5 - Amadeus Live at The Sony Centre

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Tip#958: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression

This special post is in response to audience members from my motivational talks asking for my top 10 inspiring movies for managing depression. They were very interested in film resources that could help them understand what their loved ones, friends or coworkers were dealing with.

This list covers life-saving films that got me through my most challenging times as well as continually empower me thanks to repeat viewings. They help me remember my inner strengths and to focus on the positives as I cope with symptoms such as loss of focus, hopelessness, thoughts of death, social withdrawal and mind forms of paralysis. These films empower my mental health and wellness! I believe they can do the same for you or someone you care about.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

This Oscar winning film is based on the true story of Dr. John Nash (Russell Crowe) and his perseverance and resilience through years of mental illness. His will to continue to live and teach others despite his mental challenge is inspiring! Equally important is the unconditional love and support from his wife Alicia Nash (Jennifer Connelly). Together their story is a reminder of how important supportive relationships are during mental challenges and other difficult times.

The Artist (2011)

This is another Oscar winning film that is surprisingly entertaining and uplifting despite being a silent, black and white movie. It’s a story of actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) dealing with an unexpected career crisis and depression and it will remind you that there are always solutions even if you cannot see it in the present. It is also a reminder that love, support and friendship are available as long as you are open to receiving it.

Groundhog Day (1993)

This romantic comedy is brimming with life lessons and is a massive metaphor for the feeling of being caught in an endless loop like living with depression. The movie hero Phil Connors (Bill Murray) discovers and demonstrates multiple coping solutions after identifying the silver lining of his personal hell of living the same day over and over again. His journey will fill you with unlimited hope and laughter to keep moving forward no matter what.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

This third chapter in the Harry Potter film series was always my favourite and became even more meaningful when I discovered that its author, J.K. Rowling, suffered clinical depression while writing the first book. She also created the film’s dark characters, the Dementors, as a representation of what depression felt like to her. As she said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, "It’s that cold absence of feeling – that really hollowed-out feeling. That’s what the Dementors are.". This movie also shares a powerful message that can be applied in real life, through the metaphor of a magic spell, for focusing on positive thoughts and memories instead of the darkness and despair.

Inside Out (2015)

I believe this Disney Pixar film is the greatest all-ages movie about depression! There is a moment that clearly illustrates my experience with depression when 11 year old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is introducing herself to her new classroom and is suddenly disconnected from all her emotions. This powerful scene demonstrates that depression isn’t a feeling of sadness but of being void of all feelings. This film is a fantastic tool to help create dialogue for those needing help both young and old.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

This Christmas classic is actually a prime example of the learning and benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Dr. Stanton Peele wrote more on this in his informative article for Psychology Today. This highly recommended program for helping manage depression and anxiety is basically about training the mind to control and transform the ruminating of negative, distorted thoughts. This is clearly demonstrated by the angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) when he helps George Bailey (James Stewart) refocus his thoughts from suicide and hopelessness to the positive effects and evidence he's had from all his friends and family. The scene where George is praying for help is also a powerful reminder to let go of trying to solve a problem by yourself and open up to external solutions.

Life of Pi (2012)

This Oscar winning movie is a visually stunning adventure with a young movie hero that inspires perseverance, resilience and indestructible optimism. You will see how 16 year old Pi (Suraj Sharma) copes with extreme adversity and how he survives being lost at sea with a Bengal tiger. His spiritual beliefs and willingness to surrender to a higher power is a powerful reminder for those dealing with depression and are seeking spiritual guidance in dark times.

Peaceful Warrior (2006)

This highly inspiring film is overflowing with life lessons shared by the enigmatic gas station attended named Socrates (Nick Nolte). He teaches methods and new perspectives to gymnast Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) dreaming of being in the Olympics. These techniques are designed to rewire his thinking and focus in order to achieve his goal and to overcome unexpected depression. This is another great example of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in action that can be applied to managing depression.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This film about a wrongfully accused accountant named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is an inspiring mirror for your inner strengths and effective methods in dealing with depression. It is Andy’s indestructible optimism, attitude and vision of the life and freedom he wanted that can be applied to coping with seemingly hopeless situations. His creative solutions and projects he instigates while imprisoned can motivate you on how to remain positive and productive during mental health challenges.

Tomorrowland (2015)

Despite this film being considered a box-office bomb I am compelled to share it because there is a powerful message that saved me during brief suicidal thoughts I experienced on the day of the film’s release. It is actually the message of the whole movie which is the importance of focusing on positive thoughts and imaginative ideas over the negative. In the film the young heroine, Casey Newton (Britt Robertson), reminds her dad of this old Indian parable: There are two wolves who are always fighting. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. The question is: which wolf wins? Answer: The one you feed.

The day of this posting is actually the anniversary of the release date and day I saw Tomorrowland (May 22, 2015). I didn’t know this when I felt compelled to write this post and it sent shivers up my spine! I just see it as another magical synchronicity much like the many times a perfect movie came to help lift my spirits and motivate me forward. And so I hope this list of films comes at a perfect time for you or a loved one, a friend or a coworker.

Movies as an effective coping tool is also supported by Therese J. Borchard author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety. She says on her blog, “Watching the right movie has an antidepressant effect, as it relieves the brain of the obsessive, ruminating, self-defeating loop for two consecutive hours. The brain can readjust a little during those 120 minutes and is a bit kinder when the film is over.”

Films can entertain and, at the same time, be uplifting and provide invaluable new perspectives for dealing with depression or other difficult times at your work or in life. They can help you refocus on the positives. Most of all, the movie heroes can help remind you that you are never alone in your struggles. They are there cheering you on to unleash the strengths already inside you!

Other films with insights to help manage depression:
Awakenings (1990), 50 First Dates (2004), Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014), Patch Adams (1998), The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Rocky Balboa (2006), Silver Lining Playbook (2012)

Related Tips:
Tip#834: Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#828: Top 10 Feel Good Movies
Tip#937: Top 15 Inspiring Women in the Movies
Tip#998: Top 20 Inspiring Movies for Indestructible Optimism!
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Movies-for-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Tip#957: Focus & Resilience, Part 3 - Race

“You’ve got to learn to block it all out, it’s just noise! That’s all this is. You hear me?”
Race (2016)

Years ago I remember people telling me not to print business cards for my illustration business that featuring a cartoon face with pencils up his nose because they said I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a professional. But I listened to my gut and intuition and did it anyways. I believed in the idea. I ended up getting so much work with high profile clients like American Express, Procter & Gamble and The Globe & Mail Newspaper.

In my current work as a Movies-for-Motivation Speaker I’ve been told not to use the name Motivatorman or my profile photo of my superhero pose for the same reasons that I will not be taken seriously. But I stayed focused on my inner voice telling me this name and photo will help promote my uniqueness and stand out from my competition. And it works! I continue to receive compliments from clients and fans for the choices I’ve made. I’ve even been told that I was hired based on the fun spirit of the image I projected.

Staying focused can sometimes be a challenge, especially if conflicting opinions are coming from trusted colleagues or even loved ones. That’s why movie heroes can be inspiring to stay true to one’s path. And if the film is based on a true story then it is even more empowering!

Race (2016)

The biographical sports drama film, Race, is about African American athlete, Jesse Owens (Stephen Hopkins), and his journey towards winning a record-breaking four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Despite the movie’s flaws it is a powerful story of overcoming racial discrimination with some powerful moments of triumph and many stunning, exciting visuals. See: movie trailer

Owens was a gifted athlete as demonstrated while a college freshman and yet he was still faced with prejudice and people with their own issues and opinions, both white and black. Add to that the pressures of making the choice to attend the Berlin Olympics hosted by Nazi Germany. And even after he wins his gold medals there is a shocking scene of how he is treated back home. Side note: I read that President Franklin D. Roosevelt never acknowledged Owen's achievements in Berlin or invited him to the White House, when such an invitation was common for Olympic champions.

There is an amazing scene early in the film where Owens’ coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis) teaches him a valuable lesson for not getting distracted while competing. They are in a locker room and another coach and his football team are yelling at him while he is talking to Owen and his team. Snyder is getting them to stay focused on just his voice. And despite the intensity of the shouting Owen soon smiles as he focuses on only his coach while all other sounds quiets down. It is a powerful moment that Owen applies to all his victories especially at the Berlin Olympics.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Courage
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Racism & Prejudice
• Equal Rights

This film also stands out with the historical accuracy thanks to the support and cooperation of Owens’ family. This makes this story of success even more inspirational for anyone facing a multitude of voices trying to block their path. Check out this great article on what is true or not in this film: History vs Hollywood: Race (2016)

Let these movie heroes and real-life heroes inspire you to stay focused and resilient with all the noise and voices shouting at you to do what they want. Do your best to listen and trust your inner voice. Focus and breathe. Only you knows what is right for you.

Related Tips:
Tip#725: Focus & Resilience, Part 1 – Hunger Games: Catching Fire – 42
Tip#893: Focus & Resilience, Part 2 - The Walk IMAX 3D
Tip#957: Focus & Resilience, Part 3 - Race
Tip#936: Cultivate Community, Part 12 – Zootopia
Tip#338: Take the Leadership Role – Remember the Titans
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Movies-for-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Tip#956: Lessons from a High School Reunion – Grown Ups – Grown Ups 2

My recent high school reunion at Georges Vanier S.S. was an absolutely surreal and emotional experience! It had been decades since I returned to the school and when I walked into the cafeteria, hallways and old art classrooms a wave of emotions hit me hard. My art program friends I was with felt it too. Seeing old friends with and without their hair was fun (and funny!) and there was much laughter and light in the air!

Reminiscing about teachers, other students and our wild antics were shared with enthusiasm and nostalgia. There was a classroom where the walls were covered with pages from the two yearbooks I was Editor-in-Chief of in ’81 and ’82 which brought back a flood of memories. I had a fantastic production team and sadly did not see any of them at the reunion. There was still a constant flow of happy long time hellos and an abundance of hugs!

There's always a photo bomber!

This experience reminded me of my many achievements at high school with my artwork, the yearbooks and being Valedictorian of my graduating class. In the end I learned how deeply grateful I was for the loving relationships that helped me grow and for the handful of high school friendships I still maintain after 30+ years. It reminded me of a double feature comedy that celebrates this same time period of the late 70’s and early 80’s!

Grown Ups (2010)

The comedy film, Grown Ups, is about the 30-year reunion of five old friends from 1978 junior high school. Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider, this hilarious, rude and crude adventure shows how they’ve all gone through life, careers and relationships over the years. That’s all you really need to know because this film was made for laughter and a good time Adam Sandler style! See: movie trailer

Grown Ups 2 (2013)

The comedy film, Grown Ups 2, continues the adventures of these junior high school friendships with Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) relocating his family to his Connecticut hometown of Stanton. With lots of 80’s references and music, more wild antics unfold as the returning cast provides funny, silly, gross-out moments (Nick Swardson fills in for Roy Schneider). See: movie trailer

There is a fun segment where Lenny and his wife Roxanne (Salma Hayek) throw an 80’s themed party and features an abundance of guests dressed as 80’s characters. Chris Rock dresses as Prince, Sandler as Bruce Springsteen, David Spade as Oates from Hall & Oats and Kevin James as Meatloaf. See article: 'Grown Ups 2' has worlds-greatest '80s party scene

These comedies aren't for everyone but the beautiful thing about most Adam Sandler comedies is within the dirty jokes and over the top, cringe-worthy visual gags are heart-felt moments. These are moments we can all relate to: the importance of having lasting, loving relationships and friendships.

High school reunions, or any type of reunion, can be frightening and yet can also remind you of good friendships and individuals that helped you grow over the years. And if you’ve been able to nurture friendships for many decades then you’ve discovered a key ingredient to having a happier life!

Related Tips:
Tip#410: Maintain Steadfast Friendships - Grown Ups
Tip#575: Friendships that Feel Good – Grown Ups
Tip#678: What Makes You Laugh? – Part 2 - Grown-Ups 2
Tip#545: Make Time for Face-To-Face Friendships – American Pie Reunion

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Movies for Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016