Tip#1112: 8 Reasons Why I Love Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

I recently watched Scott Pilgrim vs. The World for the first time in years and had forgotten how wildly entertaining, fun, clever and inventive this movie was! It is so packed full of witty dialogue, awesome movie stars and brilliant scenes that I wondered why this wasn’t one of my favourite films of all time! So I made a list of why I loved this movie and to see how many people out there felt the same way.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) is an action comedy film based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley about Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), a slacker musician, who must battle the seven evil exes of his newest girlfriend Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).

See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

1. The Best Unexpected Superhero Film

The film starts out as a fun slacker comedy but then unexpected moments unleashed mild-mannered characters into their kick-ass superhero personas! Their transformations still surprised me after all these years especially when… okay no spoilers if you haven’t seen yet!

2. All the Awesome Movie Stars in It

Check out this cast: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman and more! Wow!!! This film was the first time I’d seen Brie Larson and it was years before she’d win a Best Actress Oscar and then become Captain Marvel. Chris Evans was also just a year away from becoming Captain America. It was also cool to see Brandon Routh in white hair after playing Superman.

3. Filmed in Toronto as Toronto

Since Toronto is my home town it excited me to see so many recognizable locations throughout the entire movie. And now years later the film has become a historical archive because the beloved Honest Ed’s has since been torn down, Lee’s Palace has changed and the Second Cup location (that I used to go to regularly) is no longer there at Queen St. West and Augusta Ave. Here are some visible locations:

Casa Loma
Pizza Pizza
Honest Ed’s
Sonic Boom 
Lee’s Palace
Goodwill Store
Second Cup
TTC buses
Read more: Reel Toronto

4. The Great Songs

This film is filled with a mix of classic rock, alternative rock, indie, garage and post-punk some of which are performed by the actors themselves. The highlights for me were written by Beck performed by Sex Bob-omb in the film. Beck also wrote the short ditty called “Ramona" that Michael Cera sang. And my favourite song was "Black Sheep” by the band The Clash at Demonhead with Brie Larson singing vocals.

5. Lots of Marvel & DC Superhero Actors in It

Brie Larson - Captain Marvel
Chris Evans - Human Torch & Captain America
Brandon Routh - Superman & The Atom
Thomas Jane - The Punisher
Aubrey Plaza - Lenore "Lenny” Busker (villain in Legion)
Michael Cera - Robin (voice in The LEGO Batman movie)
Mae Whitman - Batgirl (voice in DC Super Hero Girls)

6. Super Witty Dialogue & Director

I just loved the fun, hilarious dialogue like in one of my favourite lines about “the L word”. The film was co-written and directed by Edgar Wright who also did Baby Driver, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. If you’ve seen Baby Driver you'll see that Wright is a visionary filmmaker who made sure Scott Pilgrim has every frame brimming with creativity and wit! You could watch it over and over just to study the transitions, camera effects and performances. HIGHLY recommend you see this super fun cast discussion with Wright moderating: Scott Pilgrim panel, San Diego Comic-Con 2010

7. The Playful Life Lessons

I laughed when the film's life lessons were so blatantly, yet playfully declared by Scott. SPOILER ALERT! Here are other examples of the life lessons: Scott challenges the final evil ex to a fight for Ramona's affections, earning the "Power of Love" sword. Later Scott makes peace with his friends and challenges the evil ex again, this time for himself. He then gains the "Power of Self-Respect" sword.

8. My Crush on Ramona Flowers

I was immediately smitten with Ramona Flowers played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead! I loved how her hair looked in magenta, blue and green. She just looked hot! And when she finally kicks ass in the film she looked even hotter. Plus, since I see myself as a SCI FI/superhero movie geek, Ramona is truly a fanboy’s dream girl! Only thing is if I got to date her I know I’d have to battle her 7 evil ex’s!

How about you? Do you agree with my list? What would you add?

And if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend you do. It's highly entertaining on so many levels. And if you live in Toronto this is a must-see historical archive of places familiar to you. There are many reasons why I love movies and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is overflowing with some the reasons why cinema is so important to me. Hope you have favourite movies like this that you are wildly passionate about!

See 100's of inspirational movie tips from this blog listed A to Z!

Click here: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1111: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 - TIFF 2018 - CLARA

One of the key factors that helped me survive years of dealing with unexpected crisis, clinical depression and other adversities was believing I’d get through it all. Even if I couldn’t see a solution I pushed myself to believe everything would be alright and I’d make it through the storm. Believing was necessary in building what I like to call my indestructible optimism!

While growing up I loved to believe there was life on other planets. That’s why I absolutely loved SCI FI films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Contact where I identified with characters like Roy Neary played by Richard Dreyfuss or Dr. Ellie Arroway played by Jodie Foster. These movie heroes inspired me to keep believing in whatever dreams and goals I had because I was able to witness how they trusted their own inner voice to persevere through their challenges.

Listening to my own inner voice is how I'm led to seeing movies that affected me in a positive way. It’s a gut feeling that tells me I need to see something specific and when I do the film always triggered an epiphany or answer to the next step in solving a problem in my life. Movies are also healing for me. This happened recently when I received a press preview screening invitation for TIFF 2018. Despite other invitations to other previews my inner voice told me to see a movie called CLARA. Once again I had an unexpected cinematic experience that lasted for days!

CLARA (2018)

The science fiction drama film, CLARA is about professor and astronomer Isaac Bruno (Patrick J. Adams) consumed by the search for life beyond Earth and meets an artist named Clara (Troian Bellisario) who helps in his search while profoundly changing his views about life and his own personal pain. Filmed in my hometown of Toronto, this engaging, moving film also stars Ennis Esmer, Kristen Hager, R. H. Thomson and Jennifer Dale. See: movie trailer

Right after seeing this movie I realized this was one of the best SCI FI films I’d ever seen brimming with life lessons on perseverance, hope and indestructible optimism! Big congratulations to the Toronto based writer and director, Akash Sherman for this remarkable achievement. It kept me highly engaged while feeding my passion for believing in life on other worlds.

It also excited me to recommend this as an ideal movie to use as an inspirational learning tool. Clara and Isaac are both compelling cinematic role models for demonstrating perseverance, resilience, teamwork and optimism. And yet it is Clara’s inner strengths and beliefs that are the keys to not giving up when everything looked hopeless.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Resourcefulness
• Hope & Faith
• Power of Believing

This is a must see film for anyone who has a dream and wants to believe the impossible is possible. It is also a story about healing. It left me feeling so full of hope and positive energy that I immediately wanted to see it again! I highly recommend seeing this movie to inspire you not to give up on your goals when things look dark and that trusting in other people is an important key to helping you move forward.

So remember that believing helps fuel your indestructible optimism. And whether you call it inner voice, intuition or a gut feeling do your best to trust it. It could lead you to people with an answer or to the perfect movie with an inspirational message just for you. This is how your indestructible optimism activates and allows you to enjoy the journey for accomplishing your goals!

Related Tips:
Tip#998: Top 20 Inspiring Movies for Indestructible Optimism!
Tip#1097: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 7 - Depression - Breathe 
Tip#1111: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 - TIFF 2018 - CLARA

See 100's of inspirational movie tips from this blog listed A to Z!

Click here: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1110: See How Fast The Internet Connects You To The World, Part 2 - Searching

I recently did a thrilling Labor Day weekend road trip with friends from Toronto to Milford, Pennsylvania! During that time I was able to stay offline with social media and fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and live human interactions. But normally I am on social media and google several times a day and even get my news on Twitter which I find to be the fastest resource online. Times have changed growing up when there was no internet!

I really love the internet because I can get information fast and instantaneously. For example when I write a post on this blog I can instantly google the film title and find the cast, photos and trailers for that movie. And then I can post a link to my write-up onto my social media channels that include Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. I also love Instagram and YouTube for finding information and sharing my writing, photos and videos to help others around the world with inspiration and motivation.

I recently saw a film that demonstrated the many benefits of the internet and social media while also being a powerful commentary on the pitfalls. This is a must see not only for entertainment but also for a movie used as an inspirational, learning tool.

Searching (2018)

The thriller drama film, Searching, is about single father David Kim (John Cho) using online technology to find his missing 16-year-old daughter Margot (Michelle La). This highly engaging, gripping and original movie has a powerful cast that includes Cho as well as Michelle La, Debra Messing and Joseph Lee. See: movie trailer

This film has been called a cinematic masterpiece and I agree! This was a real achievement that was shot entirely from the point-of-view of smartphones and computer screens. It surprisingly generates many emotionally engaged moments that we all take for granted when using a computer or mobile phones. David is also a great cinematic role model for demonstrating passion, perseverance, resilience, resourcefulness, leadership, teamwork and indestructible optimism.

Ultimately David uses his wits to utilize personal technology and online resources like social media to gather information, clues and contacts in order to find his daughter. His passion was his fuel to accomplish his goal.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Resourcefulness
• Social Media & Communications

Some people may have a fear about online technology or of social media. But like anything in life there are always pros and cons. The key is to activate your indestructible optimism and find the silver linings that benefit you. Information that you need can be found instantly on your computer, laptop or mobile phone. Just remember that human interaction is important too so make sure you find a healthy, satisfying balance as well!

Related Tips:
Tip#34: See How Fast The Internet Connects You To The World
Tip#1110: See How Fast The Internet Connects You To The World, Part 2 - Searching

See 100's of inspirational movie tips from this blog listed A to Z!

Click here: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1109: Feel a Sense of Community, Part 3 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

One of the many reasons I love watching movies is they always help take me to another world for awhile. They can help clear my head and fill me with positive thoughts and emotions without me even trying! And sharing this cinematic passion has connected me with other movie lovers around the world.

My social media channels of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin have been wonderful tools for connecting me with movie lover communities. And sharing my challenges in life on this movie blog has also connected me with others dealing with the same issues. That’s a sense of joy that always comforts me and helps feed my indestructible optimism whenever I’m feeling down or alone.

Here is a film that celebrates the power and benefits of a community that came together during a dark time in history.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

The historical romantic-drama film, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is about London-based writer, Juliet Ashton (Lily James) who uncovers the story of a book club community living through the German-occupied island of Gurnsey during WWII. The cast also includes Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Matthew Goode, Tom Courtenay and Penelope Wilton.
See: movie trailer StudioCanalUK
See: movie trailer Netflix

The gorgeous country vistas in this film made me feel like I took a short vacation to the island of Gurnsey. The chirping of the birds and the wind through the trees were so serene and soothing. Ashton was also inspiring as she demonstrated many inner strengths such as passion, perseverance, resilience and the will to make life-changing decisions that supported her own dreams and goals.

It was also inspiring to get to know the book club members that supported one another during WWII. One of the scenes that brought them together was the roasting of a pig which was against Nazi rules. As a food lover I really enjoyed the sight of the juicy pork roast!

That delicious moment contrasted with the group’s signature potato peel pie that was not as tasty but was one of the luxuries they could enjoy when much of their food was taken away. The pie still represented the love and tradition of having a book club for them to meet during difficult, harsh times.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family & Community
• Power of Stories & Books

Movies have the magic of taking you away to another place and time for a few hours and re-energize your positivity and well-being. They can inspire you with cinematic role models and show you the importance of a supportive, loving community. Feel a sense of community today with others that are like-minded or share similar passions. It's a wonderful feeling to feel part of a loving group!

Related Tips:
Tip#566: Feel a Sense of Community, Part 1 – Red Dog 
Tip#705: Feel a Sense of Community, Part 2 - The Shop Around the Corner 
Tip#1109: Feel a Sense of Community, Part 3 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

See 100's of inspirational movie tips from this blog!

Click here: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018