Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: November 2020

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Tip#1224: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 30 – Moonstruck

This is Day 257 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

There were many ups and downs this week while in the first week of the latest Toronto lockdown and store closures. There was a family crisis and then a few days later the shocking news of the passing of someone I greatly admired. Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, died from injuries due to a house fire and it left me deeply saddened.

Tony was so nice to me from the very first message I sent him via Twitter which led to him inviting my mom and I to a tour of the Zappos Las Vegas headquarters in 2018. Since then his leadership and visionary work cultures and customer service continued to inspire me professionally. He also contributed to my Amazon Kindle book, Movies for Motivation. Rest in peace Tony.

It’s sad news like this that reminds me to cherish every moment of life and the people we love. This is why I am so grateful I joined my dear friends in Vermont via Zoom for their US Thanksgiving turkey dinner! It was a wonderful experience filled with laughter, the sight and taste of delicious foods and, most of all, the tangible love of friendship and family.

So it was very synchronistic that I recently watched a beautiful, remastered BluRay of a movie that celebrated all these uplifting qualities about life!

Moonstruck (1987)

The romantic comedy film, Moonstruck, is about Loretta Castorini (Cher), a widowed, 37-year-old, Italian-American woman who falls in love with her fiancé's estranged, hot-tempered younger brother, Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage). This modern day screwball comedy is brimming with hilarious, memorable scenes and wonderful performances by the entire cast that include Danny Aiello, Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia and Feordor Chaliapin Jr.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This Oscar winning movie is absolutely note-perfect, from every character to the amazing script, dialogue and direction by Norman Jewison. Every person is so lovable and seeing this film again is like visiting a loving family during the holidays. Even with all the arguments! It’s also a mouthwatering foodie film with scenes I’ve always loved like the breakfast with the Egg-in-the-Basket (or Egg-in-a-Hole) being cooked!

More: “Moonstruck” Eggs with Fried Italian Long Hot Peppers
More: Here’s How to Make Moonstruck Eggs, the Very First Egg-in-a-Hole

Heartwarming movies with lovable characters can lift your spirits when dark days loom over you. They can remind you of the rejuvenating power of family and friends and of delicious foods! Find a film today to feed your optimism and resilience and remind you that you are never really alone.

Please join my free monthly Zoom chat: High Notes Movie Club

Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter
Part 12 – Amélie
Part 13 – Hail the Conquering Hero – The Lady Eve
Part 14 – Back To School
Part 15 – Project Power – An American Pickle
Part 16 – The Secret: Dare to Dream
Part 17 – Chadwick Boseman – 42 – Black Panther
Part 18 – Phenomenon
Part 19 – Mulan 2020
Part 20 – Waitress - Labor Day - Michael

Part 21 – Enola Holmes
Part 22 – Kiss the Groun d
Part 23 – Top 5 Inspiring Thanksgiving Movie Scenes
Part 24 – Hubie Halloween

Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit
Part 27 – Trading Places
Part 28 – Greenland
Part 29 – Logan’s Run

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 2020

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Tip#1223: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 29 – Logan’s Run

This is Day 250 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

In Toronto we are going into a new lockdown with malls and many other services shutting down for a month. I’m not even able to do my regular donation drop offs at Value Village Thrift Stores because they’ll be closed. This year continues to be so surreal and frustrating but this is just another test for me, and anyone, to remain resilient and optimistic.

Thankfully I’ve been enjoying hosting my new free monthly Zoom gatherings called High Notes Movie Club. It’s an opportunity for people in isolation to get re-energized by lively discussions and sharing of favourite films that we each love and find uplifting. And these interactions help my mood as well aid in managing my seasonal depression symptoms. I invite you to join us!

See this link for more info: High Notes Movie Club

As discussed on these Zoom chats, films are powerful tools and methods for transforming low moods. I recently revisited a science fiction classic I loved when it first came to theatres in my early teens. And now I found it powerfully uplifting and revitalizing while in isolation!

Logan’s Run (1977)

The science fiction action film, Logan’s Run, takes place in a dystopian future where pleasure is the focus of life but must end at age 30. Logan 5 (Michael York) and Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter) decide to fight their way out of this controlled society and being terminated. This visually stunning movie is filled with classic iconic scenes and memorable performances by the leads as well as Richard Jordan, Roscoe Lee Browne, Farrah Fawcett, and Peter Ustinov.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

The fantastic soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, the stylish visuals and the story instantly transported me back to my youth. It just felt so comforting and nostalgic seeing Logan and Jessica again whose adventures fired up my imagination back in the mid 70’s. The scenes of Carrousel, New You Shop, the ice cave and the epic visuals of the Lincoln Monument covered in vines re-ignited a sense of excitement and wonder inside me! It’s a wonderful feeling to have for two hours that eliminated any sense of isolation or other negative feelings.

Favourite movies we loved growing up can become the perfect cinematic tonic for when you’re feeling alone and cut off from the world. The comforting images, music and characters can help lift your spirits and give you hope when life appears hopeless. Find a film today to re-activate your happy, nostalgic feelings!

Please join my free monthly Zoom chat: High Notes Movie Club

Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit
Part 27 – Trading Places

Part 28 – Greenland

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, November 15, 2020

Tip#1222: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 28 – Greenland

This is Day 243 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I’m a hugger. I love hugging. Unfortunately because of this pandemic I haven’t had a physical hug since March, which is over 8 months as I write this. When I think about it I get a bit depressed. But then I do my best to switch my focus onto what I’m grateful for in my life. I flip on that optimism button inside me that automatically reactivates my resilience!

I also remind myself that no matter how down I get there have been good people near to help me up. They may be strangers, family, friends or even a social media connection. I am thankful for all these times that feel like little miracles that arrive exactly when I need them most.

It was recently World Kindness Day and it was a wonderful synchronicity that I felt guided to watch a new film (currently available in some countries) that celebrated the power of random acts of kindness. And it really moved me deeply.

Greenland (2020)

The disaster drama film, Greenland, is about architect, John Garrity (Gerard Butler), and his wife and child fighting for survival while travelling to a safe zone as a planet-destroying comet approaches the Earth. This gripping movie has as many emotionally charged scenes as spectacular disaster visuals with strong performances by all including Morena Baccarin, Roger Dale Floyd, Scott Glenn, David Denman, and Hope Davis.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now:

I grew up loving disaster films and although this one reminded me of Hollywood blockbusters like 2012, The Day After Tomorrow and Deep Impact this film felt real with a real family I felt for. I was with them each step of the way as they faced one frightening obstacle after another. They also demonstrated inner strengths that were inspiring such as: Courage, Perseverance, Resilience, Leadership, Adaptability and Indestructible Optimism.

What inspired me the most were the many random acts of kindness that arrived during seemingly hopeless moments. These acts came from strangers offering compassion, support and exactly what the family needed at that moment. This film was a powerful reminder that there are good people in this world even though it feels like it doesn’t and everything is crashing all around you.

Always remember that you are never really alone in times of struggle. Dark situations may seem hopeless but help will arrive as long as you keep believing in the positive and be open to where the help could come from. And to inspire your belief just watch an uplifting film today to remind you that hope, help or a warm hug could be just around the corner!

PLEASE JOIN my new monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit

Part 27 – Trading Places

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, November 08, 2020

Tip#1221: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 27 – Trading Places

This is Day 236 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I continue to declutter my home and workspace and am so happy I finally found the courage to let go of very old items such as a 20 pound 2009 iMac that no longer works, a recliner chair I never use and an old, dusty desktop globe. They all felt like anchors and it was time I let them go. It took some time but was able to do it! And when I donated the globe to a local Value Village Thrift Store I posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “Today I let go of my old world. And it felt good.”

This same week the world got a new US President that sent massive waves of joyful emotion everywhere. This was another example of an old world ending (at least the last surreal four years). And what I truly believe, and have seen evidence over the years, is that whenever I let go of something old I always make room for something new and exciting into my life.

“Today I let go of my old world. And it felt good.”

Sometimes I have the inner motivation to initiate the letting go but sometimes external forces step in to give me a push or light a fire under my butt! Either way it always takes a sense of surrender because it is always an exercise in resilience. Here’s a movie I had not seen in decades that I saw this pivotal week that celebrates the benefits, hilarity and pain in letting go of an old life.

Trading Places (1983)

The comedy film, Trading Places, is about upper-class commodities broker, Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), and a poor street hustler, Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) whose lives are suddenly exchanged for an elaborate bet. This highly entertaining film is filled with many memorable scenes and includes a fantastic supporting cast with Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This is one of those films I loved when it first came out in theatres and many years later has become a favourite feel-good film and to watch for warm nostalgic reasons. Every performance is wonderful and both Murphy and Aykroyd created many hilarious scenes as well as some heartfelt moments.

There are also inspirational life lessons about adapting to unexpected crisis and learning compassion for others. There is also the fun of Louis and Billy Ray’s goal for retribution and redemption that leads to an exciting climax. Mostly what I loved about the film are the lessons in true friendship, love and loyalty and how the power of teamwork can lead to accomplishing any dream!

Sometimes leaving an old life behind can lead to something even more fantastic and fulfilling. Letting go of the old can make room for more abundance if you believe and allow it to happen. Find a film today to inspire you to believe in amazing new possibilities and gifts to enter your life!

PLEASE JOIN my new monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit

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

Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Tip#1224: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 30 – Moonstruck

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Tip#1223: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 29 – Logan’s Run

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Tip#1222: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 28 – Greenland

Sunday, November 08, 2020

Tip#1221: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 27 – Trading Places

Follow by Email

Get new posts by email:

Total Pageviews

For over 11 years I've poured my passion into these movie tips! Please donate and support this blog.

About Me

Join on Social Media

Check out my websites:

Email Subscriptions

Blog Archive

Google Analytics