Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Tip#1129: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 4 - Second Act

Second act: Something a person devotes his or her later life to, after retiring or quitting a former occupation

This recent Christmas holiday vacation brought me face-to-face with my previous career as an illustrator and my first successful business. For years I felt a disconnection with that artistic part of my life. But I finally re-embraced the joys of my artworks after seeing many examples of my published works safely stored at my mom and dad’s home. In fact I was in awe that I had accomplished so much! See examples: Emmanuel’s published illustrations

That epiphany led me to a major re-assessment of my key talents, services and purpose in life. And it feels like I need to make some New Year changes. So I would love your feedback on questions I have about three key services I am passionate about...

MY 3 SERVICES:
1. Motivational Speaker/Movies-for-Motivation Expert
2. Award-winning Illustrator & Artist
3. Social Media Consultant & Content Developer

MY QUESTIONS:
A. Do I need to choose one of the above to focus on?
B. Is there a profession that combines all three? What is it?
C. Other factor I need to consider?

After years of getting my mental health stable and manageable (clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder/SAD) I feel I’m entering my second act. So does it really surprise me that I got a special text from a good friend highly recommending me to see film that happens to be called Second Act? After all, this movie blog has been documenting how cinema is my magical oracle and guide in life!

Second Act (2018)

The comedy film, Second Act, is about assistant store manager Maya Vargas (Jennifer Lopez) who, in her 40s, pursues a second chance at a corporate career after a friend creates a fake resume and credentials for her. Maya then sets out to prove that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts. This highly entertaining, quirky and funny movie also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Leah Remini, Milo Ventimiglia and Treat Williams.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

In the film, Maya quickly establishes herself as a keen workplace manager and innovator that is inspirational to watch. In fact this film is brimming with business, workplace and entrepreneurial lessons to apply in your own profession. Examples of leadership, teamwork, passion and perseverance are all demonstrated by Maya.

For me, she instantly became a cinematic role model for resilience, indestructible optimism and having the courage to be truthful to others and especially to herself. She was able to face the darkest parts of herself in order to move forward completely unchained from her past.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Strategic Thinking
• Integrity
• Business & Entrepreneurial Tips
• Supportive Relationships
• Family

If you loved movies like Working Girl or Lopez’s other film, Maid in Manhattan then you’ll enjoy this movie. And if you are questioning your career or entering your own second act this story could be an inspirational learning tool to prime your mind for success and courage!

Sometimes we are faced with unexpected changes in our jobs and careers where we feel something isn’t right or off course. That’s the perfect moment to take a time out and reassess where you’ve been and where you want to go. Thankfully we have cinematic role models to guide us through the dark, uncertain times. Find a film today to inspire you with hope!

Related Tips:
Tip#1116: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 3 - Casino Royale
Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - Top 10 Movie Tips

SEE:

• Top Movie Picks for Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Emmanuel's Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Emmanuel's 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 2019

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Tip#1128: See Life As An Adventure, Part 8 - Roma

My recent annual holiday vacation was another epic adventure that took me to sunny Las Vegas and the eternally serene Santa Barbara! My holiday was full of delicious foods shared among many of my Filipino relatives and friends. It was also the first time I documented the adventure in real time on Instagram. I loved sharing photos I took showing the people I love and new discoveries that helped my mental health.

But with the positives there were also times of chaos, stress and pain. Anyone who visits family for the holidays knows what I’m talking about. For me it’s another opportunity to hone my skill sets in patience, compassion and understanding. No matter how hard I try to keep the adventure pleasant there was always something out of my hands that shook things up! And, of course, I just happened to see a movie that perfectly demonstrated the joys and pains and resilience of family.

Roma (2018)

The semi-autobiographical drama film, Roma, is based on writer, director Alfonso Cuarón's upbringing in Mexico City. It follows the life of a live-in housekeeper, Cleo, to a middle-class family in 1970 and 1971. This magical film features so many beautifully shot moments and powerful performances by its cast that includes Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira and Nancy Garcia.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I was immediately immersed into this richly textured Mexican period piece from the very first scene. Each sumptuous, black and white sequence felt like a work of art that could be framed in a gallery! I also got to learn about the Mexican culture, lifestyles and traditions while feeling the happiness and heartaches of Cleo and the family of four children she cares for.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family
• Hope
• Love

What moved me the most was the love expressed by not only Cleo towards the kids but of them towards her. The mother also shows great compassion towards Cleo when she faced painful times despite the mother also dealing with her own anguish. At its core, this film is about the healing power of love. It is also about rising above the pain in life and see life as an adventure.

Cinema can be a mirror for our own memories of family growing up and the joys and pain they carry. Movies can also inspire us by their movie heroes and their journey to overcome their challenges with courage, resilience, compassion and demonstrating unconditional love of family. Find an uplifting film today to inspire you to see life as an adventure!

Related Tips:
Tip#883: See Life As An Adventure, Part 7 - The Last Legion
Tip#1050: See Life as an Epic Adventure, Part 3 – Okja
Tip#1114: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 10 - Moonstruck - Unleashed

SEE:

• Top Movie Picks for Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Emmanuel's Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Emmanuel's Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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

Sunday, January 06, 2019

Tip#1127: Top Feel Good Movies, Pt 7 – Green Book

Ever since I started posting photos on Instagram of my old illustrations and publications during the Christmas holidays in Las Vegas I’ve been receiving many heartfelt comments from fans and friends from the past! One comment that blew my mind came from an old school friend who wrote on Instagram…

“You’re still one of the most brilliant illustrators I’ve ever met. #drawslikeaboss”
Vivian Vassos, Junior high school friend & Executive Editor of Canada’s Zoomer Magazine

That comment was one of the greatest Christmas gifts I received during the holidays and it really made me rethink my career and how to re-integrate my artistic talents. I have so much art and illustrations people have never seen and am eager to share with the world! On top of that I also have unreleased songs I’ve produced I want to share.

See more of my art & illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

Thanks again to my mom and dad, they kept many creative projects of mine that reminded me of my art and musical talents. This example is one of many custom cassette demos of my songs I composed and performed in 1993 called "Round the Bend". I always believed it is destined to be a hit when I eventually release it! I also illustrated the wraparound cassette cover.

Synchronistically the first film I am blogging about for the New Year is all about embracing one’s creative talents and so much more. It's such a great feel-good movie that I’m rooting for it to win Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor for Viggo Mortensen!

Green Book (2018)

The comedy-drama film, Green Book, is inspired by a true story about Italian American Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) being hired as a driver and bodyguard for African-American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali). As The Don Shirley Trio they go on a tour of the Deep South in 1962. This highly entertaining film is note perfect in its storytelling and cast and is a must see!
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

There are so many reasons why I love this movie! So here are…

Top 10 Reasons You Need To See Green Book:

1. Entertaining
The story, the characters and the period music took me to another world and brought me back to earth feeling so fantastic. It’s also hilarious! I’ve seen it twice as of this post and I now have to fit this into my list of top feel-good films!

2. Life Lessons
The film is brimming with life lessons that highlight examples of: courage, confidence, perseverance, resilience, integrity and indestructible optimism.

3. Business Lessons
Every entrepreneur needs to use this film as an inspirational learning tool! There are tips in negotiation, management, client relations and more.

4. Friendship and Family
The heart of this film is how friendships can develop despite personality differences and racial barriers. The love between a man and wife are also celebrated as is the love of family at Christmas time.

5. Great Soundtrack
This film is filled back-to-back with fantastic songs! You’ll hear popular jazz, rock and roll and Christmas songs of the 60’s as well as selections from The Don Shirley Trio. It definitely triggered a sense of nostalgia for me even though I wasn’t even born in this time!

6. Social Change
The racism explored in this film is still timely for today’s issues and challenges. It also shows how people can change and learn to respect and welcome each other’s differences and appearances.

7. Embracing Your Talents, Gifts & Skills
This film is definitely inspiring for anyone dreaming of or pursuing a career as a musician or an artist. It shows the sacrifices as well as joys one must take to make their creative dreams come true.

8. Foodie Film
As a foodie I was thrilled at how much food is celebrated in this movie! Hot dogs, pizzas, Christmas dinners and even the joys of how to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken are gloriously highlighted in this film! I had a massive craving for crispy fried chicken after we left the theatre!

9. Christmas Movie
This is one of those films I want to watch at Christmas time every year with loved ones and friends! I may have to add it to my top favourite Christmas movies!

10. Inspiring Quotes
This film is brimming with inspirational quotes for living life, business and for following a dream. There is also a funny misquote for you to watch out for.

“You know, my father used to say, whatever you do, do it 100%. When you work, work. When you laugh, laugh. When you eat, eat like it's your last meal.”

Meeting Viggo Mortensen

As I mentioned in Tip#1123 meeting actor Viggo Mortensen back in November made such an impact on me that I think about it almost every day. It’s partly because he was such a nice, down to earth guy but mostly because he had personally invited me to a secret Q&A screening of his Green Book movie that evening. In fact he even ran up to me after we parted to tell me the specific time. I felt bad that I couldn’t go but I just felt that meeting was more important on some higher level.

When I finally saw Green Book while on holidays in Las Vegas I felt I had seen one of the most important films of my life overflowing with life lessons (and business lessons) that I needed to know for the coming year. Green Book will definitely be my cinematic guidebook for the New Year!

Sometimes a movie is much more than a movie when it can inspire change both in yourself or with others around you. A film can help inspire you to pursue your talents and gifts or to find your inner strengths and courage. Find that special feel-good film today to empower you to have the best New Year ever! Happy New Year!

Related Tips:
Emmanuel's Top Feel Good Movies
Tip#1106: Top Feel Good Movies, Pt 6 – The Perfect Game

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: 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

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Tip#1126: Family & Nostalgic Memories, Part 6 - Bumblebee

Happy New Year to all my devoted readers and fans around the world!

I continue to soak up the sunshine’s vitamin D here on my annual Christmas vacation in sunny Las Vegas! I’ve been feeling no seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms! I also continue to see that my mom and dad had kept my artworks especially ones I drew for them as gifts over the years! I found this anniversary card I did displayed on a shelf. Not only was this fun illustration remind me of my artistic talents it also reminded me of the immense love of family I had growing up.

See more art & illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

I also got emotional when I watched Matt Damon's opening monologue on Saturday Night Live's Christmas show. He talked about his dad letting him stay up late to watch SNL with him when he was a kid. To my surprise Matt then said his dad passed away a year ago on Dec. 14th and that got my tears going because it's the same day my dad passed away in 2000. Hearing that touched my heart and I just felt happy feelings that my dad’s love and spirit was with me and my mom this Christmas vacation. See: Matt Damon on SNL Christmas Show

My dad also sent me more dimes from heaven that always surprise me when I see them! On Christmas Day I found two shiny dimes while stepping out of a Walgreens store and then, on another day, in Bath and Body Works store. I plan on publishing a book on my photos of these divine discoveries! In the meantime our family Christmas Day movie choice was so synchronistic in it's heartwarming themes of family and dealing with grief.

Bumblebee (2018)

The science fiction action film, Bumblebee is the sixth installment of the live-action Transformers film series where the title character is discovered hiding in 1987 by teenager Charlie Watson (Hailee Steinfeld) who is struggling with the passing of her father. This action packed, heartfelt story also includes exciting special effects and battle scenes starring John Cena and Jorge Lendeborg Jr..
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

This entertaining movie had a classic family film feeling with a great 80’s soundtrack that triggered happy memories of my own teenage years. And the heartfelt friendship that develops between Charlie and Bumblebee was funny and mesmerizing to watch unfold. For Transformers fans they will get to see how Bumblebee came to Earth and how he became known for transforming into a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family
• Friendship
• Grieving

It was so synchronistic to see this film and witness Charlie deal with her father’s unexpected death at a time when I miss my own dad the most at Christmas and New Years. I loved how Charlie’s mom, brother and step-father did their best to love and support her. In the end the story reminded me how the trauma of losing a family member does heal over time and that the love of family and friendship are key to overcoming these painful times.

Movies can help comfort you by triggering happy, nostalgic feelings of your life growing up. They can remind you that family is so important no matter what challenges they include. Films can also help you see you are not alone when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Cinema can help take you away from your problems and return you feeling happier and even fill you with hope. Find a special film today to be your warm blanket and lift your spirits!

Related Tips:
Tip#436: 12 Healing Movies For Grieving The Loss of a Loved One
Tip#1125: Family & Nostalgic Memories, Part 5 – Mary Poppins Returns

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Tip#1125: Family & Nostalgic Memories, Part 5 – Mary Poppins Returns

It’s a few days before Christmas and I’m with family on my annual Las Vegas Xmas vacation. I’ve been feeling waves of happy memories as I unearth boxes of my published illustrations my mom and dad collected from my years as an illustrator from the 80’s and 90’s! I had forgotten so many wonderful, fun images I had created when I was a regular illustrator for The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and many more newspapers and magazines. Seeing these pictures from the past put a big smile on my face!

These printed samples from my past reminded me of how busy and successful my illustration business was back then. And now I get to enjoy these artworks purely as art while feeling so much joy celebrating my imagination! This re-vitalized my passion for sharing more of these once buried illustrations on my art website so please take a look at my treasure chest of samples! See: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

See more illustration samples: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

Once again I was synchronistically drawn to seeing a new film that captured the joy of my illustration years with its wonderful, vibrant visuals and songs that tickled my spirit and inner child. It was the perfect holiday film to celebrate the imagination and see with my mom and sister at Christmas!

Mary Poppins Returns 2018)

The musical fantasy film, Mary Poppins Returns, is about the iconic, magical nanny of the same name (Emily Blunt) returning decades after her original visit to help Michael Banks’s (Ben Whishaw) children save their home from bankruptcy. This holiday gem is highly entertaining on so many levels with wonderful songs and performances by Blunt, Whishaw, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer and other surprises! See: movie trailer

I don’t remember the original movie leaving a lasting impression when I saw it as a kid but this new film definitely captured the magical feeling and memories of my childhood. This film absolutely celebrates the pure freedom of childhood imagination. It also had the feeling of an instant Disney classic and was filled with original songs and lyrics that were super catchy! My favourite song was “The Royal Doulton Music Hall” performed in a fantastic sequence that recreates classic Disney animation with live action people.

All the song lyrics were also brimming with life lessons for all ages. They spoke about imagination, finding your way home, loss of a loved one and having indestructible optimism. The film finds an amazing balance of fantasy with the realities of grieving, family sticking together or losing a home due to unexpected hardships. I found this balance amazing and it touched my heart deeply. Highly recommend this movie for the whole family!

Inspiring Themes:
• Imagination
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family
• Friendship
• Hope

There is so much magic in happy childhood memories and even forgotten memories as an adult. They sometimes get lost over the years but movies can help unearth these happy thoughts and the love of family. They can help re-energize your imagination and indestructible optimism and give you hope if you are facing your own unexpected hardships. Find a film today to re-vitalize your inner eternal joy!

Related Tips:
Tip#1107: Family & Nostalgic Memories, Part 4 - National Velvet
Tip#422: Keep Your Playful Imagination Alive – Imagine That

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation