Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: March 2021

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Tip#1240: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 46 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

This is Day 376 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

During this pandemic I started to do some surprise food gifts drop offs to friends and family. Since I know the pure joy and bliss of being on the receiving end I wanted to share that wonderful feeling with others! It’s a feeling that got me through spending Christmas holidays alone so I know these acts of kindness can help others also dealing with the isolation of this year long pandemic.

Sharing of this uplifting energy is also a big part of the free, monthly Zoom group I’ve been hosting called High Notes Movie Club. Our recent gathering was so enjoyable and fun and some even shared how these meetings really help them feel good which they look forward to each month.

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

One of the attendees mentioned she liked the actress Frances McDormand in the film Nomadland but never saw her in anything before. Several of us were excited to say that McDormand had been in many great films and I immediately recommended Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. This sharing is what makes our Movie Club fun! We get to share our passion and joy for films we love.

This attendee messaged me later that she saw the film and thought it was phenomenal. Her enthusiasm inspired me to re-watch Three Billboards and it really surprised and reminded me how fantastic this movie was and why it won Oscars for Best Actress for McDormand and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The comedy drama film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is about a divorced mother, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), challenging local authorities to solve her daughter's murder through three bold billboard messages she purchases. This engaging and surprisingly humorous film features outstanding performances that include McDormand as well as Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Samara Weaving and more.
See: Red band movie trailer (warning profanity)
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This is one of those films that draws you in and takes you on a fantastic cinematic ride. I’d forgotten how amazing the script was and how much every character was so fleshed out and performed flawlessly. And I had forgotten how the story’s roughness, cursing and violence led to beautiful, unexpected acts of kindness that really touched my soul.

Seeing this film again made me feel so good and lifted me up during a tough weekend of seasonal depression symptoms. And this was just one example of the positive chain reaction of sharing that originated from what happens in our High Notes Movie Club!

Being in isolation doesn’t mean we have to be alone. We can lift ourselves up by lifting up others and focus on sharing. We can share favourite films we love or delicious foods that bring our taste buds joy and bliss! Acts of kindness truly has a ripple affect that happens to also bring yourself much joy. So have fun re-energizing and re-vitalizing someone today!

Join my free 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
Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006
Part 37 – Synchronic
Part 38 – Appetite for Love
Part 39 – Tomorrowland
Part 40 – Cinderella 2015

Part 41 – Top Secret! – Real Genius
Part 42 – Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind
Part 43 – Coming 2 America
Part 44 – In & Of Itself
Part 45 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League

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

Monday, March 22, 2021

Tip#1239: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 45 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League

This is Day 369 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

Eddie Murphy was recently interviewed on The Drew Barrymore Show where he recommended to Drew to do a victory dance for when she is feeling down. It was about envisioning that you’ve already won life’s challenges and to do a victory dance every morning! This was an exercise in self-love. To me this was also about believing in a positive vision of your ideal future.

See: Eddie Murphy on The Drew Barrymore Show

Having a vision or practicing creative visualization have always been a big part of my life, not just as an artist and illustrator but for getting me out of difficult times and managing depression. Some visions of my future, like happier relationships and improved health, have come true and some still need time to percolate and manifest. I will continue to persevere in my vision of these remaining areas.

Movies have also been a primary tool for developing my skills of visualizing. And there is a fantastic film that allowed a filmmaker to fulfill his artistic vision after it had been taken away from him. Fans lobbied for years for the film studio to release the “Snyder Cut” and, after several years of perseverance, it actually happened!

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

The superhero action film, Zack Snyder's Justice League , is Snyder's definitive director's cut of Justice League originally released in 2017 under another director's vision, Joss Whedon. This four hour version restores Snyder’s original vision of the team formation of Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and the Flash (Ezra Miller).
Watch/Rent or Buy now:

This new movie was a spectacular, cinematic experience! I was in utter awe with just the first chapter (six chapters and an epiloque). And the tone, look and feel is completely different from the original 2 hour version. The pace was poetic and the new movie soundtrack and songs elevated the heartfelt moments and stunning action sequences. Wonder Woman’s new introduction action sequence is so breathtaking and thrilling!

The film is a true work of art and I’m so happy that Snyder, who wasn’t paid, was able to complete his original vision. The film’s completion was also thanks to countless fans who persevered for years with their own vision and efforts of seeing this version released.

Having a vision of the future you desire is the very first key to achieving it. Having a vision also takes you out of the negative mindset that see your current challenges as hopeless or impossible to break free of. Find a film today to inspire you to see a brighter version of yourself and a more exciting and thrilling future!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

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, March 14, 2021

Tip#1238: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 44 – In & Of Itself

This is Day 362 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I am in awe that it is now a year since we went into quarantine here in Toronto. I know my life has changed dramatically over these long months. And I feel there have been many blessings in disguise that have helped me grow as a stronger, more resilient human being. The COVID-19 pandemic offered me a mirror to look deeper into myself. The year has been a period of massive personal growth and discovery for me.

Here is a list of what I learned about myself or changed:

• Decluttered my home/office: Clearing kitchen cupboards, old clothes, papers, unearthing buried boxes of junk etc.
• Donated old belongings regularly to local thrift stores
• Completed many financial tasks
• Vastly improved my personal relationships
• YouTube is a fantastic resource for "How to" videos and entertainment
• Discovered new, local places to shop for healthier foods
• Researched and educated myself on cooking and eating more nutrient rich foods: Read more

In the end all these achievements over the past 12 months helped me feel lighter. I was able to let of so much by having the courage to take inventory of my life.

There is a unique film I saw that also asks the viewer to take inventory of their own lives. It was recommended to me by a connection on Facebook and my intuition told me to watch it without knowing anything about it. Doing this made it one of the most amazing, rewarding cinematic experiences I’ve had right in the comfort of my home!

In & Of Itself (2021)

This will be the first time I recommend a film on this blog without any explanation. In & Of Itself is a powerful documentary that is also highly entertaining and engaging. And as it asks at the start of the film, it is recommended that you watch it uninterrupted as if you were watching a live play. And don't watch the trailer!

Watch free with library card: Hoopla
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Cineplex
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Hulu

I would love to hear your feedback after watching it. Please let me know your thoughts and reactions.

Remember that every cloud has a silver lining. There is always something invaluable to learn from difficult times. And these blessings in disguise could be powerful instigators in pushing you to take inventory of your life, to see what works or doesn’t work and what you can let go of. Find your silver linings today, look in your mirror and then you’ll be on your way to feeling profoundly lighter!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

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, March 07, 2021

Tip#1237: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 43 – Coming 2 America

This is Day 355 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I haven’t been feeling well the past two weeks while in lockdown. Some of it was winter depression (SAD) but mostly I felt spiritually exhausted and an unexpected loss of purpose and drive. This is why I missed writing my blog last week and stayed off social media.

Thankfully I feel the warmth of Spring coming and the days getting longer. The bright morning sun is shining through my window as I write this and am feeling grateful I had several self-care therapies helping me through the darkness:

Music Therapy included listening to several Beach Boys songs over and over especially this one which helped keep my spirit afloat. I believe the title "Don't Worry Baby" was also something I needed to hear:
The Beach Boys and Lorrie Morgan - Don't Worry Baby (1996)

Food Therapy included a lot of comfort foods though I struggled to eat nutrient rich foods. At the same time I was visually stimulated by gorgeous foodie videos from the country of Azerbaijan on YouTube I had discovered. These high quality videos helped take me away to beautiful landscapes and old style outdoor cooking. The sight of these nutrient rich foods made my mouth water!

Here are two examples:

Country Life Vlog - Kand Hayati – Azerbaijan:
Baked Lamb Leg in Charcoal Pit with Garlic and Thyme ASMR food

Wilderness Cooking With Tavakkul – Azerbaijan:
Recipe For Traditional Azerbaijani Pilaf! Real Village Cuisine! No Talk

And, of course, I had Movie Therapy to help soothe my lethargic mind. One of these films turned out to be one of the best feel good films I’ve ever seen!

Coming 2 America (2021)

The comedy film, Coming 2 America, is a sequel to the original 1988 film about Prince Akeem of Zamunda (Eddie Murphy) and his family dealing with the discovery of his American son Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler). This hilarious and highly entertaining film also stars Arsenio Hall, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Shari Headley, KiKi Layne, Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This film was unexpected cinematic medicine that filled all the senses with pure fun and entertainment! There is so much I loved about this movie from all the characters (Wesley Snipes is hilarious!) to the many, fantastic musical performances and all the surprise cameos. Murphy and Hall also reprise their memorable characters that are hidden by rich, prosthetic makeup. It was recently reported that Oprah had no idea that Murphy played the old, Jewish man in the first film!

I was amazed at this movie’s re-energizing power for nostalgia, dance, songs and colourful costumes. And it also had touching moments with important life lessons about being true to yourself and embracing the love of family. And make sure you watch past all the end credits!

Sometimes during dark periods of feeling loss you just need to surrender and go with this flow. You can keep afloat thanks to the power of uplifting songs, visually stimulating videos and eating favourite comfort foods. And also remember the power of cinematic to keep your spirit re-vitalized and resilient!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

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