Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: May 2019

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Tip#1147: See Life As An Adventure, Part 8 - Alabama Moon

I just had a fantastic, super active week at Collision Conference 2019 in Toronto! I was working as Social Media Wingman for the second startup name contest for Name Ninja where I photographed startups with cool, catchy, simple, memorable and functional names and then posted them on my client’s Instagram and Twitter accounts. See: Name Ninja on Instagram

I am actually shy when I’m in new situations and places for first time since I feel I am out of my comfort zone. But I then gradually relax and enjoy the new experiences unfold! At the conference I met so many interesting people from around the world and enjoyed several presentations like actors Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon Levitt talking about their passion projects!

There was a multitude of startups showcasing their unique ideas and business services and also lots of free gift incentives (SWAG) that I always love getting! And then the evenings were filled with social events at local pubs and venues to network at. The whole conference ended up being a big, exhilarating adventure! See more: Emmanuel's Instagram

Right after the conference I was exhausted and got out of the city for a vacation in the quiet town of Midland to re-energize and revitalize myself. The warm sunshine, clear skies, blue lake and lush country greenery was exactly what I needed. This was just my next adventure! I do my best to see life as an adventure whether it’s for work or play. I always feel like a kid exploring something new and exciting. It's like the way I feel when discovering a hidden gem of a movie like my latest discovery!

Alabama Moon (2009)

The coming-of-age film, Alabama Moon, is about eleven-year-old Moon Blake (Jimmy Bennett) raised in the wilderness and suddenly adapting to life in the modern world after his father passes away. This highly entertaining adventure story is filled with wonderful and hilarious characters like Clint Howard as Constable Davy Sanders, John Goodman as Mr. Wellington and the kids Uriah Shelton as Kit and Gabriel Basso as Hal.
Watch now: Amazon Prime

This is one of those hidden gems that’s great for the whole family. Moon is a wonderful cinematic role model for all ages who quickly demonstrates his many inner strengths after he is orphaned. This included courage, confidence, leadership, perseverance, resilience, resourcefulness and strategic thinking. It was fun to see him lead a mass breakout from a boy’s home and show his survival skill sets with Kit and Hal as they live in the wilderness.

Movies can help inspire us to see life as a big adventure! They can remind us to see that unknown or unexpected situations may take us out of our comfort zones but lead us to meeting new people and discover new places and ideas that make a positive impact on our lives. Be inspired today to see your day as a new, exhilarating adventure!

Related Tips:
Tip#883: See Life As An Adventure, Part 7 - The Last Legion

SEE EMMANUEL's:

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

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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

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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2019

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Tip#1146: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 5 - A Dog’s Journey

Something that surprised me from my weekly group therapy sessions was discovering how much pain and tears I still carried about my dad’s passing 19 years ago. I am still emotional when sharing stories about this great man. Thankfully I was encouraged by the psychiatrist to see my tears as a positive rather than the negative perception that sadness or regret are feelings I needed to “let go of” or release. I simply needed to allow myself to “feel” these feelings.

During some of these sessions I’ve also talked about the shiny dimes I’ve found that I believe my dad’s spirit lets me find in order to lift me up at specific times. These dimes sometimes let me know that whatever decisions I just made were confirmed to be the best and then encouraged me not to question it.

This happened recently as I made my way to see a matinee movie on a sunny Saturday morning. As I walked along Eglinton Ave. West amidst the construction of the new subway line in Toronto I found a shiny dime glistening in the sunlight and I knew that my dad was saying the film I decided to see would be extra special. And he was right!

A Dog’s Journey (2019)

The comedy drama fantasy film, A Dog’s Journey, is the sequel to A Dog's Purpose where Ethan (Dennis Quaid) instructs his beloved dog Bailey (Josh Gad) to find and protect his granddaughter CJ (Kathryn Prescott). This emotional journey once again shows the different lives, dog breeds and genders that Baily goes through to find CJ. The movie also stars Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin and Henry Lau.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I loved the first film, A Dog’s Purpose (see tip#1026), and had no idea there was a sequel being made until I saw the trailer. It was such a welcomed surprise though the film unexpectedly explored darker areas of life. And yet it helped make the payoffs for the human characters much more emotional and satisfying. Bailey once again was hilarious and highly entertaining as: an elderly St. Bernard/Australian shepherd mix; a female beagle named Molly; a male mastiff named Big Dog; and a male Yorkshire terrier named Max.

The story was very inspirational in demonstrating Bailey’s passion and perseverance for his mission to continuously find CJ as she got older. The film also showed the power of friendship, family, love, trust and forgiveness when faced with pain and loss. And for me I was sobbing by the end at the message that the people and pets we lose still live on in some other form. The film was a reminder that my dad’s spirit was truly alive and was watching over me with love and continued guidance.

Movies have the power to allow each of us to feel our feelings whether they are happiness, anger, sadness or other emotions. They can give us permission to express trapped emotions that could not have been expressed over the years. Find a film today to help you have a good cry at. Your tears will allow some sunlight to shine through the dark cloud you are under!

Related Tips:
Tip#1007: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 4 - Manchester by the Sea
Tip#436: 12 Healing Movies For Grieving The Loss of a Loved One
Tip#1114: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 10 - Moonstruck – Unleashed

SEE EMMANUEL's:

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

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Tip#1145: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 6 - Long Shot

I am always inspired by anyone who can immediately speak their mind with confidence and fully articulate their feelings. I’ve entered my fourth month of my weekly group therapy program and I am so grateful I’ve been learning many tools and methods to empower myself!

New solutions I’ve discovered have come from getting to my core values and using them as a compass for choices I need to make in my life, work and career. And then taking steps to believe in myself come into play. This means reprogramming my beliefs. Positive affirmations are a key tool I’ve used for years to help re-energize self-worth and confidence and continues to be an empowering daily practice for me.

My current affirmation I say several times a day is...

“I AM connected to my most powerful and positive version of myself.”

This statement was inspired by future self meditations (see tip#759) and TV Shows like Star Trek Discovery, The O.A. Part 2 and The Orville. I was also inspired by recent movies like Avengers: Endgame because all these shows highlighted the concept of multiple universes and multiple versions of a person that exist (read more in tip#1139).

To my surprise I recently discovered a romantic comedy that had showed the power of affirmations. It made me smile as it mirrored my current experiences in life!

Long Shot (2019)

The romantic comedy film, Long Shot, is about Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) a gifted and free-spirited journalist who is hired as a speechwriter by his former babysitter, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), now the United States Secretary of State. This entertaining, hilarious and raunchy comedy also stars O'Shea Jackson Jr., June Diane Raphael, Bob Odenkirk, Alexander Skarsgård and Andy Serkis unrecognizable under amazing make-up.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

The chemistry between Rogen and Theron was wonderful, funny and electric! I was also thrilled by the life lessons that came through loud and clear throughout the story. Each of the leads, Fred and Charlotte, demonstrate personal strengths in character when tested with their core values. They were able to successfully use these values as their compass for making life and career decisions.

Also, when Fred faces fears and issues of self-esteem and self-worth he is reminded by his best friend Lance (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) to believe in himself through an affirmation. He tells Fred to repeat to himself is this simple phrase...

“I am worthy of love.”

He resists this at first but later embraces this affirmation and begins to feel worthy and confident to follow his passionate feelings for Charlotte.

I’m not sure how the general audience reacted when seeing these affirmation scenes but I hope it resonates deeply with anyone familiar with this practice and exploring their own personal growth and development. It’s moments like these cinematic life lessons that makes me love movies the most!

Movies can be so much more than entertainment because they could contain life lessons that inspire positive, exciting change in your life or career. Your favourite films could actually be holding answers you’ve been seeking to overcome challenges you’ve faced for years. They could also feature empowering statements you could use as an affirmation. Find that special movie today to re-vitalize your positivity and inner strengths!

Related Tips:
Tip#1123: Learning to Love Yourself, Part 3 - Ralph Breaks the Internet
Tip#331: Remember Your Self-Worth - Seabiscuit
Tip#76: Rebuilding Your Self-Worth, Part 3 - The Sixth Sense
Tip#984: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 5 - The Godfather

SEE EMMANUEL's:

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

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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

Sunday, May 05, 2019

Tip#1144: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 8 – The Sound of Music – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The feeling of nostalgia can be a profound and powerful experience. I recently saw two favourite childhood films that instantaneously transported me to joyful times when I first saw them! The Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang both had a grand impact on me as a kid and I listened to their movie soundtracks over and over again. Even decades later I can still sing some of the lyrics of these songs!

Seeing the crisp Bluray versions of these two films were a truly stunning, nostalgic experience! The visual richness of each film was so beautiful to watch again as it triggered many happy memories. And what also struck me was how uplifting and empowering some of the song lyrics were. As a child I just enjoyed the tunes and now as an adult I can feel inspired by the messages of these wonderful songs!

The Sound of Music (1965)

The musical drama film, The Sound of Music, is about Maria (Julie Andrews) sent from an Austrian abbey to become the governess of seven children of a widowed naval captain (Christopher Plummer) prior to World War II. Based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, this beloved, Oscar-winning movie is overflowing with memorable songs and iconic cinematic moments.
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I was in awe watching the gorgeous, lush scenery of the Austrian landscapes and every setting of the songs I grew up loving! Songs like "My Favorite Things", "I Have Confidence” and “Something Good” have such uplifting, inspirational lyrics. While songs like "Edelweiss" and the title track “The Sound of Music” still make my heartache with an indefinable longing I feel deep inside me.

I recently gave my mom an 80th birthday gift of a double glass framed original 1965 vinyl soundtrack album. Seeing this album I adored after so many decades was so heartwarming and was the beginning of a floodgate of memories flowing from my childhood! I soon watched the movie and felt re-energized. I highly recommend seeing this movie whether its by yourself or shared with your friends or family.

Original Soundtrack Listing:

1.Prelude / The Sound of Music
2.Overture and Preludium (Dixit Dominus)
3.Morning Hymn and Alleluia
4.Maria
5.I Have Confidence
6.Sixteen Going on Seventeen
7.My Favorite Things
8.Do-Re-Mi
9.The Sound of Music
10.The Lonely Goatherd
11.Edelweiss
12.So Long, Farewell
13.Climb Ev'ry Mountain
14.Something Good
15.Climb Ev'ry Mountain (reprise)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

The musical adventure fantasy film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is about inventor Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) transforming a broken-down Grand Prix car into a magical car and going on adventures with his children, Jeremy (Adrian Hall), Jemima (Helther Ripley) and Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), the daughter of a wealthy sweet factory. This highly entertaining family film is filled with memorable songs and scenes starring an array of colourful characters and settings.
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Seeing this movie triggered so many happy childhood memories and was surprised to learn it was almost 2 1/2 hours long. Didn't feel long as a kid! It truly ignited my imagination and cherished the Corgi and Mattel car toys I wished I had kept. It had fold out wings and an inflatable cushion to put the car on top of when playing in the tub. I found out that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson owns one of the original cars and likes to drive his actors in it between shoots!

There are also so many memorable songs with my favourite being “Doll On A Music Box” and the “Truly Scrumptious” duet with Sally Ann Howes and Dick Van Dyke. The lyrics and tune are so beautiful but also tinged with a touch of melancholy. I was surprised to learn that James Bond writer and creator Ian Fleming wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It makes sense with all the fun inventions and the name Truly Scrumptious that could have been a Bond girl name too!

Original Soundtrack Listing:

1.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
2.You Two
3.Toot Sweets
4.Hushabye Mountain
5.Me ‘Ol Bam-Boo
6.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
7.Truly Scrumptious
8.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
9.Lovely Lonely Man
10.Posh!
11.Hushabye Mountain (Reprise)
12.The Roses of Success
13.Chu-Chi Face
14.Doll On A Music Box & Truly Scrumptious
15.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Finale)
16.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Main Title)

We all have favourite films as kids that inspired our imaginations or filled our heads with memorable tunes we’d sing over and over again. And as adults it’s empowering to realize that these films and songs can fill us with positive emotional energy, joy and even hope and optimism during difficult times. If you are feeling down or depressed just find one of your childhood favourites to triggered your happy nostalgic feelings and get ready for some bright sunshine to warm up your heart!

Related Tips:
Tip#356: Feel Good from Nostalgia - Big Trouble In Little China
Tip#1126: Family & Nostalgic Memories, Part 6 – Bumblebee
Tip#1099: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 7 – The Movie Music of John Williams

SEE EMMANUEL's:

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

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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