Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: Tip#1230: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 36

This is Day 299 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

Two exciting opportunities came to me during this pandemic which were the invitations from two mental health organizations to speak on what I love: Food and Movies! These passions not only helped me cope with clinical and seasonal depression over the years, they empowered my mental health and resilience during the last 10 months in isolation and lockdowns.

High Notes Avante Productions

The first opportunity was from High Notes Avante Productions, a Canadian mental health organization that reached out and hired me to host a monthly Zoom group called High Notes Movie Club. This was an online service where people in isolation could have lively discussions and share favourite uplifting films and discover new ones to help them through depression and difficult times.

See my intro video: High Notes Movie Club, 1 min.
Join free monthly Zoom: High Notes Movie Club

The Stability Network

The second opportunity was from The Stability Network, a group of international professionals dealing with personal mental health challenges that support one another and speak at organizations about their experiences and coping solutions. I was honored to have been asked to do a Zoom presentation about my journey with food and mood. I was thrilled to share tips from my research on Dr. Weston Price and the benefits of eating nutrient dense foods as well as comfort foods.

Listen to 20 minute audio: Emmanuel’s Food & Mood Tips
Download transcript: Emmanuel’s Food & Mood Tips PDF

These wonderful opportunities actually relate to an entertaining 2006 film I just watched again about following your passions called Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah. It is also about the joy of cooking and food which has been my passion during this pandemic and lock down! And to my surprise I recently discovered it was actually a remake of a 1950’s film of the same name starring Sir Alec Guinness aka Obi Wan Kenobi!

Last Holiday (1950)

The dark comedy drama film, Last Holiday, is about an ordinary middle-class salesman George Bird (Alec Guinness) diagnosed with a fatal illness, spending his few remaining days in luxury at a posh seaside resort. Also starring Beatrice Campbell, Brian Worth, Kay Walsh, Wilfrid Hyde-White and more.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

It was fascinating to see the similarities between this darker version and the 2006 romantic comedy especially in the scenes where George uses his savings to buy a fancy new wardrobe and then project himself as a wealthy businessman at the resort. And it was fun to see George’s luck change like winning at gambling, offering invaluable advice other affluent hotel guests that enthusiastically offer him exciting job opportunities. I didn’t like the ending but I still recommend you see this version.

Last Holiday (2006)

The romantic comedy-drama film, Last Holiday, is about a humble department store assistant named Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) who is told she has a rare brain condition with a few weeks to live and decides to spend her remaining funds on a luxury holiday in Europe before she dies. Also starring LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, Giancarlo Esposito, Alicia Witt, Michael Nouri and Gérard Depardieu as Chef Didier.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This feel-good version is filled with hilarious and memorable scenes of Georgia’s transformation into a fearless, highly confident woman, speaking her mind unfiltered, ordering every special off the posh dinner menu and base-jumping off a very high bridge. She also indulges in her passion for cooking with the aid of renowned French Chef Didier. Her Book of Possibilities was also an important, inspirational part of this film. Georgia is a fantastic cinematic role model for taking charge of one’s life, living it to the fullest and transforming hearts and lives. Highly recommend!

There are times in our lives, like a long pandemic, that can appear to be a hopeless, dark period. And yet it can also be a profound time of introspection and self-discovery of the things you truly love and love to do. Harness the silver linings of these dark times to identify and embrace your passions. In return, your life and work could be re-energized, rejuvenated and re-vitalized in new and exciting ways!

Please join my monthly Zoom group: 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

Part 30 – Moonstruck
Part 31 – Remember the Night
Part 32 – Tenet
Part 33 – Noel
Part 34 – Soul
Part 35 – Feel Good Energy of Movies & TV Shows

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 2021