Tip#1091: How Superhero Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Avengers Infinity War

It was such a thrill to celebrate the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 10-year anniversary at the opening day release of Avengers Infinity War! This ambitious cinematic series all started with the Iron Man movie in 2008 and spanned 19 fantastic films. Each film was a continuing chapter that featured exciting visuals, spectacular action and heroes that could inspire people to be the best they could be in life and at work.

Whether they were flawed people like Tony Stark/Iron Man, teenagers like Peter Parker/Spider-Man, women, Natasha Romanova/Black Widow or people of colour, T’Challa/Black Panther these Marvel heroes have become thrilling cinematic role models for young and old, individuals of all genders and colour across our world. You just need to see how the Black Panther film became an instant cultural phenomenon on social media (see tip#1081).

After the opening day screening we immediately had delicious shawarmas! If you saw the first Avengers film you know why!

Here is the list of Marvel movies (as of this writing) to remind you, or introduce you, to the amazing number of motivational resources you can discover and access to help you tap into your inner strengths and potential:

• Iron Man (2008)
• The Incredible Hulk (2008)
• Iron Man 2 (2010)
• Thor (2011)
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
• The Avengers (2012)
• Iron Man 3 (2013)
• Thor: The Dark World (2013)
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
• Ant-Man (2015)
• Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• Doctor Strange (2016)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (2017)
• Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
• Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
• Black Panther (2018)
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

This 10-year anniversary of Marvel superhero movies made me reflect on my own journey and all the ups and downs during this period. These films inspired my creativity and confidence that led to successes with my motivational speaker services and my Movies that Motivate blog. They fed my positivity, resilience and indestructible optimism when faced with bankruptcy, losing my home and belongings due to undiagnosed mental illness (see tip#400). These movies gave me hope when I felt lost with nowhere to go or turn to.

These superheroes also demonstrated that, despite our human flaws, we could rise above any adversity as long as we believed in ourselves and embraced the power of teamwork and family. Marvel’s latest epic movie chapter embraces all the inspirational themes of previous films and takes them even higher!

Avengers Infinity War (2018)

The superhero, action film, Avengers Infinity War, unites The Avengers and their Earth allies and from outer space to battle the evil Thanos bent on collecting six Infinity Stones to rule the universe. This highly entertaining, exciting, thrilling and emotional movie is the culmination of stories told over 10 years and 19 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Note that this movie is part 1 of 2 parts. See: movie trailer

The cast is so massive that I recommend seeing list here: Starring...

Like all previous films this one features shining moments of courage, confidence, facing fears, resilience, strategic thinking and, above all, the power of leadership and teamwork. Every hero has specific talents and skill sets that enable them to contribute to each problem that arises. Yes there is lots of action scenes but they are preceded with team discussions even when dealing with personality conflicts of meeting other characters for the first time.

If you are a fan of this film series I highly recommend you see this movie as soon as possible and avoid online spoilers at any cost! And if you are new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe seeing this film will definitely intrigue you to learn more about each of the many characters through their individual movies. These films can teach you to maintain a positive attitude even when things look absolutely hopeless.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Courage
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Sense of Family & Community

Superhero movies can inspire you to believe any overwhelming obstacle could be removed from your path. They can help you believe in yourself and be the best version of yourself possible. They can help activate your indestructible optimism and recognize that teamwork is a big part of overcoming adversity. Find a superhero film today and enjoy the ride to your self-empowerment!

Related Tips:
Tip#359: How Superhero Movies Inspire - Top 10 Superhero Movies
Tip#1091: How Superhero Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Avengers Infinity War

Read my Marvel Movie blog posts by looking up the titles here:
Movies Listed A to Z 



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1090: Just Have Fun, Part 8 - Pacific Rim Uprising

The sun has been shining bright these past few days and I’ve been joyfully soaking up its warm, glorious rays! I’ve also been feeling much better (no symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or clinical depression) and feeling like a bear coming out of a long hibernation! It’s been a good week that was full of fun!

I started a new, unique project that combines my love of food, photography and social media as a hired social media consultant and content developer for Marcheleo’s Gourmet Marketplace. I’m working with them to raise awareness of their beautiful second store in Toronto (Don Mills and Wynford Dr.) where I get to taste samples of their delicious hot table and international kitchen. I then photograph these foods and post them on their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook channels. Click on these channels so you can follow my posts!

Marcheleo’s Gourmet Marketplace 

I also had so much fun at my friend Jamie’s wedding where we were all so grateful it happened on a perfect sunny Saturday instead of the ice storm weekend that hit just one week ago! It was warm and sunny! The reunion of friends, the ceremony and the reception was so enjoyable and uplifting. And each course of the dinner was absolutely outstanding and beautiful to look at. So I let my eyes eat up each course before savoring each delicious, tantalizing bite!

 Fantastic desserts at my friend's wedding dinner!

These two events were free of stress and anxiety and I’m so grateful for the energy of fun that was overflowing. It’s just like certain movies that allow you to escape reality for awhile and just enjoy the ride of the story, characters and visual sensations. Here’s one film that accomplished all the above!


Pacific Rim Uprising (2018)

The science fiction action film, Pacific Rim Uprising, is a sequel featuring Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) reluctantly recruited to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including his rival Lambert (Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old hacker Amara (Cailee Spaeny), against a new Kaiju threat. This highly entertaining movie explodes with giant robot fights and exciting moments with all the characters. See: movie trailer

This is one of those sequels that I enjoyed more than the first Pacific Rim film. It somehow grabbed my attention and I went for the ride right to the end! I loved the new, imaginative designs of the Jaegers (massive mechanized mobile fighters) as well as their names like Bracer Phoenix, Gipsy Avenger, Obsidian Fury and November Ajax.

I also enjoyed the inspirational themes of teamwork and the high spirits of indestructible optimism and resilience of the new generation of Jaeger pilots. I also loved how many visible minorities were featured in this film! And despite the need to let go of realistic logistics of the story, this is a comic book style film that I highly recommend seeing on a big screen!

Whether its enjoying delicious foods or escaping in an engaging movie, allow yourself to be in the moment and have fun! You’ll also re-energize and re-vitalize your spirit that will always help clear your head so you can return to life and work refreshed and ready to deal with anything you need to face. So today remember to just have a little fun!

Related Tips:
Tip#1045: Just Have Fun, Part 7 - The Fate of the Furious - The Great Wall 


DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1089: The Power in Silence, Part 2 - A Quiet Place

One of the biggest keys to finding solutions to my life and career challenges has been to get to a quiet place in my mind. I needed to go inward where the answers were always waiting to be recognized.

Meditation has become a daily practice whether it’s at home or during walking meditations. This inner work practice is what helps energize my resilience and constantly rejuvenates my indestructible optimism!

Resilient People Website

I am so happy that my inner work over the years has inspired people through this movie blog and my motivational speaker presentations. I recently had the honour of having my story featured on a new website called Resilient People created by an old friend of mine Janet Petruck Fanacki. You can read my story as well as other inspirational people here: Resilient People

The Mastery of Self-Expression Reunion

Also I recently had a wonderful reunion dinner with fellow graduates and facilitators of The Mastery of Self-Expression workshop that I took in 2010 (see tip#538) just weeks after I lost my home and illustration business (see tip#400). The workshop helped save my life thanks to the gifted facilitators Tammy Cunningham and Larry Gilman. The workshop was originally created for actors who’d lost their passion and drive and some of the famous names that have taken it are Sigourney Weaver, Ted Danson and Marisa Tomei.

Larry made my day at this reunion because he said he’s been following my Movies that Motivate blog over the years and always thought this venture was unique and special and encouraged me to keep going. Writing this blog is always done in silence (no music, no TV, no distractions) to allow my inner voice to come through loud and clear!

Larry’s supportive comments meant a lot to me because he used to be a Hollywood actor (Cool Runnings, Final Destination) and  I love sharing how films are a huge passion and coping tool for my life’s challenges. Cinema always help me go inward to recognize and re-ignite my inner strengths. Here is the latest movie I discovered that actually demonstrates the benefits of silence.



A Quiet Place (2018)

The horror film, A Quiet Place, is about a family in 2020 forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt exclusively by sound. This gripping story was directed by John Krasinski who stars with real-life spouse Emily Blunt and with Millicent Simmonds as their deaf daughter Regan. See: movie trailer

This film is such a unique experience because of how little dialogue is in it. Also Millicent Simmonds is deaf in real life, not a trained actor and gives a great performance in her second starring film. She, along with each of the family members, will demonstrate how they've taught and trained each other to be resourceful, disciplined, resilient and optimistic without speaking.

The lack of speaking in the movie takes you to another kind of conscious awareness similar to learning how to meditate. It can be a little uncomfortable at first but, through perseverance, can lead to deeper experiences and personal insights. In the end the film shows you how being in a quiet place, despite frightening situations around you, can ultimately teach you how to find your inner strengths and potential.

If you want to try a new experience in receiving answers to life’s challenges try being silent. Spend time in a quiet place with no distractions, music or people around you. It takes perseverance to be comfortable with silence but the rewards will be abundant. Try it right now even for just 5 minutes. Close your eyes, breathe, and take yourself on a new journey inward!

Related Tips:
Tip#513: The Power in Silence – Drive 
Tip#1089: The Power in Silence, Part 2 - A Quiet Place
Tip#530: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 1 - The Color of Money 



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1088: How To Feel Good When You Feel Horrible, Part 2 - Ready Player One

The past few days have been brutal with continued symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) such as the loss of focus, concentration, drive, confidence and even a loss of hope. And I’m not the only one because I’ve talked to several friends and colleagues who experienced similar symptoms the past few months.

Thankfully my challenges over the years have taught me to be more aware of my tried and true methods for feeling good when I feel horrible.

The Crave Canada Florida Foodie Event

I recently attended a truly epic food lover’s event called The Crave Canada Florida Foodie Event where the guests were treated with a memorably delicious three-course meal with cocktail pairings by visiting chefs and a mixologist from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I also met many friendly representatives from Florida as well as other social media bloggers. The added bonus was I also won a draw prize of a trip for two to Fort Lauderdale! All these factors led to a tremendous feel-good energy I felt that truly boosted my mood for days later. My SAD symptoms were gone for a while! See photos: The Crave Canada Florida Foodie Event 

See photos: The Crave Canada Florida Foodie Event  

Be Inspired by Other People’s Achievements

Inspiration and feeling good doesn’t just come from famous historical figures or successful individuals you hear on the news, they could also be friends and family like my cousin Nat aka Napolean Jinnies. He recently made history becoming one of two of NFL's first male cheerleaders for the LA Rams! I was so happy and proud of him when I saw Nat interviewed on Good Morning America: See interview here

That's my awesome cousin Nat aka Napoleon Jinnies in the middle!

There are many other re-energizing tools I’ve used over the past weeks like pet therapy with a close friend’s Jack Russell and tabby (see photo) as well as my daily walks, joy of cooking and taking long, hot showers. And yet cinema therapy is still profoundly one of the best revitalizing methods I recommend especially if it combines the power of nostalgia like Steven Spielberg’s latest movie!



Ready Player One (2018)

The science fiction adventure film, Ready Player One, is set in 2045 where gamers are competing in the ultimate virtual reality universe filled with countless pop culture characters and creatively challenging games. This highly entertaining movie is overflowing with exciting visual effects, CGI scenery and characters starring Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, Simon Pegg and Mark Rylance. See: movie trailer

This movie was made for anyone in love with 80’s music and grew up loving science fiction and fantasy films! I’m not a gamer but it obviously will excite this huge audience as well. For me the sense of nostalgia was so rich and plentiful that I felt injected with constant hits of joy like seeing the DeLorean from Back to the Future or the Iron Giant from the Iron Giant film.

The Joy of Easter Eggs

I won’t give any more spoilers that aren’t already in the trailer but this is the ultimate Easter egg film that also celebrates cinematic Easter eggs! And for those of you not aware of this definition, Easter eggs in movies (or video games) are hidden little surprises, inside jokes, clues or messages for viewers to find that the filmmakers deliberately inserted into the story. This has become such a fun part of repeat movie watching!

The fun of Easter eggs in movies taps into our nostalgic memories of our own Easter egg hunts as kids. And tapping into happy childhood memories are just another method you can use to re-energize yourself whenever you are feeling horrible. It’s what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) calls pleasurable activities. These activities help produce feel-good chemicals in the brain like serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine. Read more of how CBT therapy helped me in my interview with The Toronto Star: Read here

You are already surrounded by a multitude of easy-to-apply ways of uplifting, inspiring and motivating yourself out of your low moods. You just need to increase your awareness that the things you love or love doing are your personal, therapeutic tools.

Whether it’s films, food, friends, pets, gaming, nostalgia or Easter eggs hunts remember to indulge in these activities. They are there to re-ignite your feel-good energy and your enthusiasm for life!

Related Tips:
Tip#473: How To Feel Good When You Feel Horrible - Horrible Bosses
Tip#1088: How To Feel Good When You Feel Horrible, Part 2 - Ready Player One
Tip#1023: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 6 – Rocky Balboa & Creed - Double Feature



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1087: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 8 – Finding Neverland – Peter Pan 2003

I’ve been thinking about my Dad and Mom a lot this week. On my Dad’s recent birthday he would have been 83 and I was reminded of how he, and my Mom, nurtured and fully supported all my creative forms of expression like art and drawing. I know their love and encouragement since childhood led to many artistic awards I won growing up and also the success of my illustration business of over 20 years, Crackers World Communications. See new website of my commercial and personal artworks: EmmanuelLopez.com

Unfortunately, through my current research of inner child healing and reparenting therapy (see tip#1083) I’ve discovered possible consequences of my focus on art that led me to researching the pop-psychology concept Peter Pan syndrome. Doing my art has kept me in a perpetual childlike state and did not prepare me for the full responsibilities of being an adult e.g. marriage, owning a home, family of my own

I also feel these consequences of Peter Pan syndrome include my mental health challenges (clinical depression, anxiety and seasonal affective disorder). This is why I believe the healing research I am documenting on this blog and my Instagram channel is the greatest work I’ve ever done. This work could help so many other people feeling chronically stuck in their life and may realize the answers are buried in their childhood as well. Here are key articles and two movies I highly recommend you check out…

• How To Heal and Reparent Your Inner Child 
• What is Peter Pan Syndrome? 
• How To Deal With Peter Pan Syndrome
• The best Peter Pan film is the one you’ve forgotten about
• Jordan Peterson explaining Peter Pan and how not to become him (video clip)

Finding Neverland (2004)

The historical fantasy drama, Finding Neverland, is about James M. Barrie's (Johnny Depp) friendship with widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. This magical, heartwarming and emotional film features extraordinary performances from the entire cast especially young Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies. See: movie trailer

There are so many memorable moments I’ve always loved about this film that demonstrates how creative inspiration happens. One of those scenes is when James peppers the audience of the debut performance of Peter Pan with children of a nearby orphanage. They end up transforming the snooty attitudes of the adults surrounding them simply with their joy and innocence of life!

But when I saw this film in light of my inner child therapy I resonated deeply with a moment when James witnesses the moment the eldest son of the family became a man in spirit and takes charge of his family’s problems. These are the “aha” moments of cinema that always help inspire and motivate me move forward in life!

Peter Pan (2003)

The fantasy, adventure film, Peter Pan, was the first authorized and faithful film adaptation of J.M. Barrie's play Peter Pan. This visually stunning movie features memorable performances for Peter Pan (Jeremy Sumpter), Wendy Darling (Rachel Hurd-Wood), her mother Mrs. (Olivia Williams), father and Captain Hook ( both played by Jason Isaacs). See: movie trailer

I was immediately hooked (pardon the pun!) in seeing this film because of the article mentioned earlier “The best Peter Pan film is the one you’ve forgotten about”. The unique difference of this cinematic adaptation was the consequences of Peter Pan remaining a boy and refusing to become an adult/man. The uniqueness also extends to deeper insights of childhood vs adulthood through Wendy and even Captain Hook. 

I really felt my life alter with epiphanies I received from watching these two films. I may have an element of Peter Pan syndrome but at least I feel closer to rescuing my wounded inner child more than ever thanks to all the films, articles and resources I’ve discovered these past few months. I hope that this could benefit you or someone close to you in some meaningful way.

Our childhood could be filled with undiscovered treasures of insights and answers that could solve chronic problems plaguing our adult lives. We just need the courage and focus to dive into the depths of our past and be open to whatever our inner child has been aching to tell us. Have a dialogue with your inner child today or enjoy an uplifting movie together real soon!

Related Tips:
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies 
Tip#909: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 2 - The Little Prince 
Tip#917: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 3 - Joy 
Tip#928: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 4 - Hector and the Search for Happiness
Tip#1082: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 5 - The Florida Project
Tip#1083: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 6 – I, Tonya 
Tip#1084: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 7 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 
Tip#1087: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 8 – Finding Neverland – Peter Pan 2003



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018