Tip#1156: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 8 – Hobbs & Shaw – The Parent Trap – Easy Living

I recently saw a white butterfly fluttering around on a subway platform. It looked so surreal. And it looked trapped. I instantly felt this butterfly reflected how lost I’ve been feeling this summer. I walked past the butterfly and when the subway train arrived and I got on I turned around and saw it was right behind me as if to make sure I got the message it was telling me. Then the doors closed and hoped the butterfly would find its freedom.

The message I got was that, like the butterfly, I wasn’t really trapped and that I always have the freedom to exit my stuck situation. I thought about all options it had. The butterfly could take the east or westbound trains or tunnels, stairways or escalators if it wanted to. This was a reminder for me to do the same. I just needed to choose a direction to move towards.

So while I was waiting on the subway platform of life I’ve been grateful for three new movies I discovered that helped to lift my spirits and fill me with hope.

Easy Living (1937)

The screwball comedy film, Easy Living, takes place during the Great Depression where a wealthy banker, J. B. Ball (Edward Arnold), throws away his wife's expensive fur coat and lands on the head of Mary Smith (Jean Arthur) triggering a series of humorous misunderstandings. And despite her financial woes this leads to special treatment and offered a special deal of living in a luxury hotel.
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This was the first time I’d seen this black & white movie and was so happy with how it helped me escape my own world of woes. It transported me to older times of late 1930’s America where I enjoyed seeing old methods of dining like the Automat where fast food restaurants serve food and drinks by vending machines. Old ticker tape machines that transmitted financial information was also fun to see. I also loved seeing actors Jean Arthur and Edward Arnold from beloved Frank Capra movies.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

The action film, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, is about Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), characters introduced in the main film series, forced to work together to find rogue MI6 agent (Vanessa Kirby) carrying a deadly virus and being hunted by cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba).
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Despite numerous flaws, plot holes and scenes defying natural physics this is a classic summer popcorn film that delivers pure escapism fun. It had some Sci Fi elements and was packed with high octane action sequences on exotic locations. The story also highlighted the importance of family which is a theme in the Fast & Furious series. There were also some surprise cameos and these hilarious characters helped elevate the cinematic fun!

The Parent Trap (1998)

The romantic comedy-drama film, The Parent Trap, is about identical twins, Annie and Hallie (Lindsay Lohan), meeting for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to swap places and bring their divorced parents, Nick (Dennis Quaid) and Elizabeth (Natasha Richardson) back together. Adding to the fun were butler, Martin (Simon Kunz) and housekeeper, Chessy (Lisa Ann Walter).
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I was so surprised at how note-perfect this movie was and wished I had discovered it sooner in life! It had an amazing script and amazing performances of the twins by Lindsay Lohan in her first film role. The entire cast was excellent and they delivered many hilarious and heartwarming moments. I really loved seeing Annie and Hallie meeting their mom and dad for the first time as well as their parents discovering who they really are.

All these films felt like cinematic tonics that helped alleviate the lost feelings I was stuck in. They each had the secret power of seeping into my numb brain and re-inject some positive energy and thoughts for the rest of the day. And in the end these three films filled me with awe and gratitude for the continued magic of movies in my life.

If you are feeling stuck or lost always remember the power of cinema. Your favourites as well as new movies you discover can transport you to a different world for a few hours, clear your dark moods and rejuvenate your thoughts and feelings. They can help you to feel good again. Find a film today to re-vitalize your spirit and hope!



Related Tips:
Tip#1115: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 7 - A Simple Favor
Tip#1127: Top Feel Good Movies, Pt 7 – Green Book
Tip#997: Discover Hidden Gem Movies, Part 3 - The Public Eye
Tip#1016: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 7 - La La Land

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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