Tip#973: How a Movie That Was Never Made Can Inspire! - Superman: Flyby

This is going to be an unusual post because it is about a movie that was never made but has a concept that moved me deeply. I am inspired to write about it because of the same positive emotional energy I've been feeling from my recent birthday celebrations and the hundreds of birthday wishes I received on Facebook and Linkedin. This positive energy is what I talk about in my popular speaker topic, How to Re-Energize Yourself and is about being more conscious of what activities, passions or movies lift you up and fuel your drive when you feel stuck or lost.

The irony is this inspiring movie I want to share with you was never made but the writer/director's brief comments about his approach to a classic superhero excited me so much that I wished it was made instead of the version that was released! The writer/director was J.J. Abrams and his script was for a 2004 reboot of Superman called Superman: Flyby. Here is what he said in Empire Magazine...

“The thing that I tried to emphasize in the story was that if the Kents found this boy, Kal-El, who had the power that he did, he would have most likely killed them both in short order. And the idea that these parents would see – if they were lucky to survive long enough – that they had to immediately begin teaching this kid to limit himself and to not be so fast, not be so strong, not be so powerful.  

“The result of that, psychologically, would be fear of oneself, self-doubt and being ashamed of what you were capable of. Extrapolating that to adulthood became a fascinating psychological profile of someone who was not pretending to be Clark Kent, but who was Clark Kent. Who had become that kind of a character who is not able or willing to accept who he was and what his destiny was.  

“The idea in the movie was that he became Superman because he realized he had to finally own his strength and what he’d always been.”

Isn't that inspiring? I wrote in the previous post (tip#972) that Spider-Man 2 is the greatest self-help superhero movie. And yet if Abrams had made the film he describes here that might have changed my opinion! The concept he describes is so powerful it could've been a film that many would relate to. It would have many life lessons to help people overcome their own self-doubt, self-confidence and self-worth issues. It would have been a fantastic teaching tool for kids and adults to embrace their inner strengths, gifts and talents!

This photo shows actor Henry Cavill auditioning for Superman: Flyby in 2004. He eventually went on to star in Man of Steel (2013)

In the end the concept of this Superman movie excited me so much that I could feel my positive emotional energy flowing! That positive energy is fuel that could then be applied to my work, my relationships or other areas of my life. I ended up applying that energy to write this blog so you can receive some inspiration or motivation!

So let this remind you to be conscious of what excites or energizes you so you know what resources to engage in when you are feeling stuck or lost. And if a movie or any idea inspires you then let that energy flow and grow! It will re-vitalize your enthusiasm to move forward and unleash your inner strengths!

Read more: Superman: Flyby, J.J. Abrams' Superman Movie

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MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#972: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 5 – Spider-Man 2.1

Today is my birthday and the past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of feel-good events! I’ve been spending time with my mom, a family birthday dinner treat, work opportunities are flowing and I’ve been exploring the vibrant downtown Toronto neighborhood where I am house sitting for the summer!

I’ve really been feeling different and that my energy has been in an expanded state rather than contracted. I know it’s all thanks to the personal growth work I’ve been doing, meditations and gut health diet. Plus I found two shiny dimes on each of the two days leading up to my birthday. And as I’ve written before I always know deep in my heart these are signs from heaven that my dad’s spirit is with me. See: Tip#966

Synchronistically, I was guided to see a movie that mirrored how different I’ve been feeling. Spider-Man 2.1 is the extended edition of the second Tobey Maguire film and this was the first time I saw it. It has 8 minutes of extra footage or alternate scenes and some actually reinforce my original review on believing it is the greatest self-help superhero movie! See: Tip#850



Spider-Man 2.1 Extended Edition (2004)

The superhero film, Spider-Man 2.1, is about three stories. One is about Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s (Tobey Maguire) fight with Dr. Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and his best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco). The second is a love story between Peter and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) and the other is a personal growth story of Peter struggling with his self-identity, self-confidence and direction in life. See: extended edition trailer

Some of the new footage expand on action scenes and yet my favourite adds to an already insightful scene. It’s when Peter sees a doctor trying to figure out why he has lost his spider powers. The added dialogue from the doctor is thought provoking for anyone having doubts about their life or career. Peter is reminded that he always has a choice. He has a choice about his duties as a superhero or to having a normal life and be with the woman he loves.

This leads Peter to making personal growth changes in his life in a charming, playful montage (to the song Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head) making him feel positive and radiating that positivity for others to see as well. This is the moment that mirrored my feel-good events at the time of this writing! And when Peter tells Mary Jane that he is different and can commit to a relationship she still has her doubts. But as she is about to leave in a cab she turns and says encouragingly, “You are different.”

Inspiring Themes:
• Personal Growth & Development
• Self-Confidence
• Focus
• Life & Career Choices
• Resilience

Life and career can cause us to have doubts and question the paths we are on. And yet movie heroes can mirror our situations and inspire us to remember we always have a choice. Choose the path that makes you happy! And then you’ll be radiating that positivity for the world to see!

Related Tips:
Tip#530: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 1 - The Color of Money
Tip#570: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 2 - Nim's Island
Tip#693: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 3 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – Iron Man 3
Tip#972: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 5 – Spider-Man 2.1 
Tip#850: The Greatest Self-Help Superhero Movie - Spider-Man 2



ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
The latest eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – PTSD – Iron Man 3

It’s been a week since I chose to be a little relaxed with my gut health diet (see tip#945). And yet I believe the results are feeling much more healthier and vibrant while at family gatherings since my mom is in town visiting. These annual get-togethers are like markers in time where I can remember being unwell over the years and now feel in awe how good it feels to be free of depression symptoms. I am much more present, alert and energized!

I recently watched a beautiful Blu-ray version of Iron Man 3 and appreciated more of the sub-plot of Tony Stark experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This was a result of the almost fatal events in New York City from The Avengers (2012) film. He was suffering anxiety attacks and yet wasn’t aware he had PTSD. It reminded me of my own long journey of not knowing what I was dealing with for decades. Seeing this film again in my current positive state made me feel more empathetic and connected to this movie hero!



 Iron Man 3 (2013)

The superhero film, Iron Man 3, is about Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) battling multiple villains as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. This exciting and highly entertaining third chapter of the trilogy features returning actress Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and new villains Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) and The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). See: movie trailer

At the start of the story Stark tries to explain to his girlfriend Pepper of the distress he’s been experiencing for several months. Part of how he’s been coping with sleepless nights and anxiety attacks is to be productive in his workshop. Did did what he loved to do and it was being a mechanic. He ends up creating over 30 Iron Man suits! I’ve seen this film several times since it’s release but this was the first time I recognized how it mirrored my own creative coping methods for depression.

For over 15 years I spent many hours alone doing what I loved. I created countless artworks, music, poems, motivational products and children’s books that helped reduce the ruminating of negative thoughts I experienced and other depression symptoms. These are works I dream of one day sharing with the world as they are uplifting and beautiful results from not knowing what I was dealing with. In the film you eventually see Stark’s fantastic creations and it inspired me to feel that others will see mine as well!

See video clip: Iron Man 3 - All Suit Names (Mark 1 - 42) 

See great article by Travis Langley Ph.D. for Psychology Today:
“Does Iron Man 3's Hero Suffer Post-traumatic Stress Disorder?”

The same movie seen at different times in your life can mirror and remind you of your inner strengths and greatness. That’s why you can benefit by analyzing why you enjoy watching favourite movies over and over again. The scenes you feel an emotional charge from are speaking to you. Be open today to receive the answers and insights you’ve been seeking!

Related Tips:
Tip#530: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 1 - The Color of Money
Tip#570: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 2 - Nim's Island
Tip#693: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 3 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – Iron Man 3
Tip#972: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 5 – Spider-Man 2.1 
Tip#850: The Greatest Self-Help Superhero Movie - Spider-Man 2



ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
The latest eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#970: Movies Can Be Healthy Distractions - The Shallows

Feels like summer is really here! Hot sunshine and some cool breeze coming in as I enjoy a delicious melt-in-your-mouth mango with mint leaves in a glass of quenching water. My house sitting adventure just began for the summer months with a magical, lush backyard garden. Fresh organic vegetables here and mint plants growing wild around a bubbling fountain and pool. It's a blissful slice of heaven!

On my first house sitting day I walked 7 km in hot weather and by the end of the day my legs and feet were very sore. I then went to see The Shallow movie and realized afterwards how this movie completely distracted me away from the physical pain for about 90 minutes!

As I’ve written before on this blog that movies are a healthy distraction for coping and managing depression. Therese J. Borchard author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg, author of The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques both support the use of films as healthy distractions.

See Therese J. Borchard article: “10 Movies to Uplift You From Depression”
See Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg, article: “Lighten Up Your Depression With a Movie”

Distraction is also part of the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) toolbox. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. EQ suggests that in dealing with negative emotions it is sometimes better to shift your awareness toward something completely different that makes you forget about your troubles. And so entertainment becomes a powerful role in managing stress, anxiety, depression and negativity. See article: "Healthy Escapism: The Emotional Intelligence Behind Fantasy and Distraction"

Of course healthy distractions has to be in moderation or else escapism can go overboard and bite you in the ass! Too obvious a segway? :)



The Shallows (2016)

The horror thriller film, The Shallows, is about medical student Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) who gets stranded 200 yards from a secluded beach after a great white shark attack. This gripping, tense story of survival also features gorgeous tropical scenery and a strong performance by Lively. Check out the unique trailer using an old motivational speech on self-reliance: movie trailer

Though some of the scenes were hard to watch (Lively in a swimsuit was very easy on my eyes) Nancy demonstrated amazing resiliency in using her medical experience to attend to her shark wounds. She is able to use her wits and determination to survive when her situation appeared hopeless.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism 
• Strategic Thinking
• Problem Solving

One interesting scene about distractions comes at the beginning where Nancy is being driven to the secluded beach by a local resident. She is on her mobile looking at photos and he insists she looks at the beauty of the jungle instead. She realizes he is right and turns off her mobile. My being here and house sitting with this lush garden is training me to to stay off my iPhone, social media or laptop as much as I can. Spending time in nature not only helps mental health but also helps in finding moderation with healthy distractions.

So remember that consciously indulging in entertainment can improve mental health and wellness when faced with negative situations. Watching a movie, playing video games, listening to music, socializing with friends, reading a book and going on vacation are all healthy distractions. What healthy distraction will you take today?



ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
The latest eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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


Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#969: You Can Choose Alternate Endings, Part 2 - The Magic Story - X-Men: Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut

I was so stunned to have suddenly discovered an inspirational book called The Magic Story after decades of reading countless classic self-help books. It was written by Frederick Van Rensselaer Dey in 1899 and it seemed to come out of nowhere! It’s as if I slipped into a parallel universe where it has existed all this time. A friend recommended it to me and it filled me with wonder, enthusiasm, hope, confidence and indestructible optimism! It’s a very short book and I highly recommend it without you knowing any more about it.

The Magic Story: Audio version on Youtube
The Magic Story: Free PDF Version

One aspect of the story I can share is it explores the profound idea that two possible realities (positive and negative) exists and that we get to choose which one we want. It’s concepts like this that I love in movies exploring parallel or alternate universes. Films about time travel and changing the future and present by changing the past and present has always activated my imagination and expanded my problem solving abilities.

If you enjoyed the time travel aspects of the superhero film X-Men: Days Of Future Past then I highly recommend seeing the alternate version called “The Rogue Cut”. It adds 17 minutes of new footage while re-imagining certain scenes. The great irony is that for a movie about altering the past this new footage actually alters the story about altering a story! Get it?



X-Men: Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut (2015)

The superhero film, X-Men: Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut, is the seventh installment of the X-Men film series and acts as a sequel to both 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand and 2011's X-Men: First Class. The story is about the X-Men from the future sending Wolverine/Logan (Hugh Jackman) back in time into his younger self to alter events that cause their extermination. This visually stunning film is filled with fantastic action sequences and thought provoking lessons about how a person’s actions in a single moment has benefits or consequences. See: movie trailer

Inspiring Themes:
• Have a Vision/Goal
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Healing

The Rogue Cut Version with Rogue (Anna Paquin)

Theatrical Version with Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page)

Young Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) meeting old self (Patrick Stewart)

This version is called The Rogue Cut because of the X-Men member named Roque (Anna Paquin) who has the power to absorb and utilize other mutant powers. Her new scenes sets off some different outcomes and explains certain aspects of the absorbing powers of the future villains called The Sentinels not explained in the theatrical version.

The dynamics of this alternate cut is similar to watching the film, Back to the Future 2 where you see Marty McFly witness himself and events that unfolded in the first Back to the Future movie. Or it’s like seeing the fifth Terminator installment, Terminator Genisys, where events of the first film have been altered and we get to see the original young Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) battle his older self. It can really twist and delight the brain thinking about it!

Time travel and alternate universe concepts can be confusing and yet they can help expand your sense of perspective and problem solving abilities. They can help to activate your imagination and see challenges and problems from new angles. The can also help you see the magic of transforming your story into a successful one!

There are always positive endings and solutions to adversities and tasks that may seem impossible to accomplish. You first have to choose to believe in the reality you want and envision a positive alternative. And watch films that help expand new thoughts and ideas. Movies have the power to help you manifest the future outcomes you desire!

Related Tips:
Tip#143: You Can Choose Alternate Endings, Part 1 - 3 Movie Tips 
Tip#969: You Can Choose Alternate Endings, Part 2 - The Magic Story - X-Men: Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tip#840: Activate The Power of Your Mind, Part 4 – Top 20 Movies for Quantum Physics & Quantum Realities
Tip#682: What if You Could Go Back in Time? - Back to the Future Trilogy
Tip#867: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 3 - Terminator Genisys



ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
The latest eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016