Up - The movie

Up - The movie by Pixar (2009)

It's so refreshing to see a movie that portrays an older adult (Carl) in a positive way.  Russell's fierce determination to get his last badge, "Assisting the elderly" is an underlying theme that is a great positive message for our society in terms of helping others who are older and needing help.  Pixar does a great job with "Up".  A great family movie with funny, sad, scary and touching moments.



Click on the arrow above to see the movie trailer, or go to the following YouTube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkqzFUhGPJg

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Go with the Flow and be Happy

I saw a private screening of the film, "Happy" (2012) and in it a pyschologist by the name of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talked about the concept of "Flow".

There is a video on YouTube in which the psychologist describes the concept.



Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjliwSJGDiU&feature=related

A great description of FLOW is described 1:26-3:32.  Flow is "being completely carried away almost like being in a river and the flow of the river takes them on".  Flow happens in Arts, Sports, Music and every time a person is really involved in what they are doing.  They have very focused, and very clear goals.

I know I feel "flow" when I am writing.  It's a creative outlet for me.

When do you feel flow?

Special thanks to Lululemon and Peg City Yoga in Winnipeg for putting on such a great show.  It was fun to be in a room full of happy people, lying on blankets and pillows, eating popcorn and all kinds of candy. Couldn't help but be happy!

The Happy Movie is available online or at Lululemon stores (for about $28).  See the trailer here.

Have a happy day!

Angela Gentile

When in Rome

Want to watch a funny, cute, romantic comedy that the whole family can watch?  "When in Rome"(2010) is a great movie starring handsome Josh Duhamel and cute Kristen Bell that will have you laughing, and believing in magic as well as "real love".  Set in Rome (The City of Love) and New York, this adventure will have you smiling, laughing and the music is great, too.  I will think about this movie the next time someone throws a coin into a fountain!

Check it out for a good time! 

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (Movie Review)

My family and I went to see the high-energy, entertaining, touching, funny movie, "Justin Bieber - Never Say Never".  We saw it in 3D, but overall I think it would be okay in regular theatres (the best 3D part was at the end when the confetti was falling down and it felt like we were at his concert).  Never Say Never is a movie about a young (will be 17 on March 1, 2011), wholesome Canadian boy who's rise to fame happened very quickly. The movie has a strong sense of "Reality", as it includes clips of home video, and concert footage. It's not often that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.  The young guy who likes to wear white, black and purple has the audience tapping their feet to his upbeat songs, and wiping tears from touching moments.  There are references to prayer, and God, and it is a feel-good movie. You can't help but like (or even fall in love) with the little boy that has a cute smile, and beautiful eyes.  It's much like when you fall in love with a puppy. We get to go along with him on his journey.  By the end of the movie, he feels like part of the family, and we all root for his success.     

Touchy-Feely 
In the movie, there is a lot of affection.  The young Bieber is left to be raised by his teenage mother and her parents.  His father leaves him at 10 months of age.  Throughout the movie, you can see public displays of affection as he is hugged, kissed, held and even lovingly/teasingly thrown around a bit.  Bieber is not short on affection himself.  You can tell he was raised with a lot of love, and he is not afraid to reach out and touch his fans as he runs past them.   At one point Bieber is singing with mega-star Miley Cyrus.  At times Bieber gets in really close and touches Miley - the audience screams in delight.  Glimpses of Bieber's budding sexuality thrills the audience. 

Dream Come True 
One of my favourite parts in the movie is when he sings his song, "One Less Lonely Girl".  One young female fan is picked to be the "Lonely Girl".  She is brought up to the stage, and Bieber serenades her.  He presents her with a big boquet of roses.  I think every young girl in the audience wishes it was her.  The "Lonely Girls" in almost every case, sit on the stool, mesmorized, overwhelmed with the attention of Bieber as he sings to her and touches her lovingly.  Bieber does a great job of making his fans feel special.  It's all about the fans at that point. The emotions are over the top, and I could feel my heart swelling.  My heart was happy - happy that such a young man could bring a once in a lifetime experience to an unsuspecting, typical fan.  A gift of happiness.  My second-most favourite part is when you see Bieber's Dad watching his son at his concert.  His pride and love for his son is apparent as he is wiping the tears from his eyes.  He is touched by watching his son's dream come true. 

Black and White
This young, white kid is seen on the grand stage with many black artists.  The contrast is striking.  Bieber isn't that tall, and he appears larger than life as he graces the stage with artists like Usher and Sean Kingston.  There is an "Ebony and Ivory" feel to the whole story.  He is taken under the wing by Usher, who enjoys watching Bieber's rise to fame.

Messages to Leave With 
Bieber's movie leaves you with feelings such as never give up, live your dream, be yourself.  The confidence he has makes people realize it's okay to be yourself. He presents himself in a way that does not appear to be arrogant.  He makes fun of himself - Don't take yourself too seriously.  Do what you love to do and you'll be a happy person.  The movie does not make references to money, but it does leave you with the sense that if you have a goal, and believe in it, you can do it.  Another main message is never underestimate the power of the internet.  YouTube, emails, social networking sites (like Twitter) helped propel Bieber to superstardom. In a world that is full of negativity, it's refreshing to see positivity and happiness. Staying in touch with your friends is also another important message.  No matter how our lives go, it's important to keep in touch with our friends. One of the latest songs Bieber did was called "Pray".  He is touching the hearts of many in a positive way.  A positive role-model is a good thing, right?


A great movie that has it all.  Highly recommended for those who love music, inspiration, motivation and excitement.  Particularly popular with the young girls.


Have a great day!


~ Angela Gentile


Coming Up - Bieber Fever - A Cultural Phenomenon

The Social Network - Movie Review

I had heard that The Social Network (2010) was a movie about the founders of the multi-billion dollar, online social network, Facebook, and I have to admit that I didn't think the movie was going to be THIS GOOD! The audience was full of middle-aged people, and lots of couples of every age.

Based on a true story, a young college student, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg, pictured on the right), gets dumped by his girlfriend and it results in him making the most successful social networking site ever.  Break-ups can very emotionally charged, and it motivated Mark (now the world's youngest billionaire) to design a "cool" website that would allow college students to connect with each other.  The movie is about the legal battle that Mark had to go through to prove "ownership" of this social network idea.  Flashbacks of the events leading up to the legal battle are interspersed throughout the movie, forming the storyline. Passion fuels ideas, and at times Mark and his fellow students as well as an entrepreneur (Justin Timberlake, pictured on the left) are all wrapped up in the fast-pace and competition that accompanies the birth of "Facebook".  The only chase scenes in this movie were accompanied by beautiful cinematography - a rowing race for one, and Mark "chasing" his ideas across the Harvard campus.  Mark's friend Eduardo, and his competition, the Winklevoss twins were easy on the eyes, too.  It's also interesting to note that the twins were actually portrayed by one actor (I had no idea until I researched this movie on the internet) and there was a stand-in for the neck-down scenes of the "twins".

The movie also gives an important social message:  It is never a good idea to write something bad about someone on the internet.  A hurt, rejected Mark wrote some bad things on his blog the night he broke up with his girlfriend.  Those bad things cost him $65 million.  Mark was never really into money, and he was portrayed as a really good guy in the end. Justin Timberlake did a great job of acting, and I actually forgot it was Justin.  I also recognized one of the young female actors, Brenda Song (pictured on the right), from one of my 12-year-old daughter's Disney Channel's TV shows, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. In the Disney show, she plays the hotel owners spoiled daughter, London Tipton.  Talk about a different image on The Social Network.  She plays the psycho-groupie-girlfriend to Eduardo, Mark's (ex-)friend.  

There were a couple of laugh-out-loud moments, too.  The music was great, also.


Overall, this was a very entertaining movie and it is sure to please.  Not for the kids though, rated PG-13, has some sex, alcohol, drug scenes and strong language.


The Social Network - on the Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Temple Grandin - Movie Review

 

The movie, "Temple Grandin" (2010) is a movie based on a true story about an autistic woman.  Before I saw this movie, I had very little knowledge of autism.  At a very young age, Temple was diagnosed with autism, and she didn't speak a word until she was four.  Her mother refused to institutionalize her, and her mother's love and dedication helped Temple soar above her challenges.  Temple spent some time on a family farm, and related really well to the horses and cows.  She ended up going to college, getting a master's degree in science, and was able to design humane systems in the beef industry.  Temple believed that she could relate to the cows, and she could understand them.  She could interpret their "moos", and observed their behaviours.  She said that we didn't have to be cruel to the animals that we raised for food. She believed that the least we can do is treat the cows with respect and provide them with a calm, peaceful environment.

Some of my favourite lines from this movie were, "A door opened, and I went through it", and "I am different, not less".  The most remarkable part of the movie for me was when she designed her own "squeeze machine".  It replaced the human touch and hugs that she needed so much, but couldn't accept. This squeeze machine calmed her when she was upset and helped her cope with life.


Temple Grandin is a very emotional story, one of hope, determination and dedication.  Today, Temple is a professor at Colorado State University and is doing great work in the field of animal sciences and autism advocacy.


To get more information on Temple Grandin, the movie, go to the Internet Movie Database at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/

To get more information on Temple Grandin, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Peaceful Warrior - Movie Review

The other night I saw a great movie, called "Peaceful Warrior" (2006). This movie is based on a true story, by Dan Millman.  His book is called, "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior".  In the story, Dan (Scott Mechlowicz) was a gymnast, who wanted to compete in the Olympics.  He found a "coach" who helped him learn some very important lessons in life.  He called this man Socrates (Nick Nolte).  A tragic accident happens, and Dan learns a whole lot more from Socrates about life and about himself. The movie had a lot of great messages, about living in the present moment and pursuing your dreams.  It reminded me a lot of the book by Eckhart Tolle, "The Power of Now" (2004). The movie also has a Karate Kid and Rocky feel to it.  It's a feel-good movie and leaves you feeling inspired.

Some great quotes from the movie include:

Dan Millman:
"The journey is what brings us happiness not the destination."
"The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most."
"There are no ordinary moments."

Socrates:
"I call myself a Peaceful Warrior... because the battles we fight are on the inside."
"This moment is the only thing that matters."
"People are not their thoughts, they think they are, and it brings them all kinds of sadness." 

This is a great movie to get you thinking about living in the here and now, and focusing on your dreams.  For some, this may be part of a spiritual enlightenment journey, and it just may change your life. Rated PG-13 for sensuality, sex references and accident scenes.

To see a trailer of the movie, Peaceful Warrior, go to this link: http://www.thepeacefulwarriormovie.com/.

Check out Dan Millman's website, The Peaceful Warriors Way at: http://www.danmillman.com/.

Have a fantastic day!

~ Angela Gentile

Eat Pray Love - Movie Review

On the way into the Sold Out early show of "Eat Pray Love" (2010), a woman who looked about 60 years of age was on her way out of the theatre.  She had just seen the matinee.  She told my husband, "You enjoy that movie".  Another woman, about the same age, told him "It's a beautiful movie.  Life-changing".  As we entered the theater and found ourselves a seat, we quickly realized that we were amongst a lot of women, middle aged and better, and just a handful of men.

I have read the book (based on a true story), and overall, I can say that the movie was very good.  I enjoyed seeing the characters come to life, and the cinematography was really good, too.  Italy, India and Bali were three countries that the main character Liz (Julia Roberts) traveled to, and the scenes in Bali were especially beautiful.  Liz's journey of self-forgiveness, inner peace and finding love again was enjoyable and quite moving.  There was some comedy relief, too.  After telling Liz that she couldn't have any men staying overnight in her rented room in Italy, the woman said to her, "When American girls come to Italy, all they want is pasta and sausage". One of Liz's other quests was to find her "word", much like Rome's word is "Sex" and London's word is "Stuffy".

Weaved throughout the story was a one year "road of transformation".  The Ruins in Rome were symbolic in terms of Liz's own life.  A failed marriage to Stephen and a failed relationship with David forced to her run to the comfort of food and fun in Italy.  She then went to India to see a Guru and lived in an Ashram (spiritual retreat) - and told her new friend Richard from Texas that she "Came for peace".  Richard's advice to her was "Forgiving yourself is not that easy" and he told her to "stay in India until you forgive yourself".  His last words to her were, "Believe in love again".   Liz learned to send "Light and love" every time she thought of her past relationships and Richard from Texas.  What she learned in India is that "God dwells within us, as us".

Liz had visited the Medicine Man, Ketut, in Bali for the first time while on a work-related assignment months prior to her transformational journey.  He had predicted at that time that she would be back.  He explained to her that she didn't want to "lose her balance, because that meant losing power".  He instructed her to meditate as she had learned in India, and that she was to enjoy Bali.  He asked her to meditate with a smile on her face and even "in her liver".  She met a man named Felipe from Brazil, and she was haunted by the notion that "Everyone should have a love affair in Bali".  Felipe told her she didn't need a man, she needed a "champion".  At the end of the movie, Ketut had helped Liz heal and he told her that it's okay to "lose balance in love".  Liz found her word, "Attraversiamo", which she learned while in Italy.  Attraversiamo means "Let's Cross Over" in Italian.

I've seen Liz Gilbert on Oprah and she has talked about her real life experience and her book has been read by many and inspired others to live their best life.  Hopefully the movie will touch the hearts of many as well.  You'll  have to watch the movie to find out what it means if your knee cartilage is dry, and you'll have to see how the movie ends.  All-in-all it's a great movie if you're into eating, praying and loving and don't mind wiping away a tear or two.  The 2 hours and 15 minutes went quickly, and the movie had a nice soundtrack, too.

To see the Eat Pray Love movie trailer, go to this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjay5vgIwt4

Have a peaceful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Despicable Me Movie Review

"Despicable Me" is a great family movie.  I went to this movie with my husband and two kids while we were on vacation in the Black Hills, South Dakota. It's a story about a Super Villian named Gru, who wants to steal the moon.  Part of his plan involves adopting three little orphaned girls - Margo, Edith and Agnes.  The girls are all so sweet, however, the youngest, Agnes, stands out.  She loves unicorns, and some of the cutest, memorable scenes involve her.

Grus little helpers, his "minions", are yellow, pill-shaped creatures that have their own language.  These minions have some of the funniest scenes in the movie.  Grus scary-looking dog also offers some entertainment.  The other main character in the movie is "Vector", another villian who Gru wants to outdo. 

Eventually, the girls capture the heart of evil Gru, and they are taken on some great adventures.  Gru turns out to be a loving, fatherly figure.  This is a movie that will have you laughing and it will also touch your heart. 

For some great scenes with Agnes, click here.  For the official movie trailer, click here.  The movie is also available in 3-D.  Rated PG for some scary scenes.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Super Size Me - A Refresher

The kids and I recently watched Super Size Me (2004 rated PG-13) for the second time.  The first time we watched it was quite a few years ago, when it first came out.  This documentary is so fascinating, that it actually changed the way my family views fast food. 

Here's a description of the movie:

"Super Size Me" is one man's journey into the world of weight gain, health problems and fast food. It's an examination of the American way of life and how we are eating ourselves to death. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a 'McDonald's only' diet for thirty days straight. His Sundance award-winning feature is as entertaining as it horrifying as it dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, school lunch programs and how we as a nation are eating ourselves to death."

I believe that in terms of food, everything is okay, as long as it's in moderation.  In terms of a healthy diet, the Canada Food Guide recommends that we eat a balanced diet, and you can create your own food guide on the website, Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide.  I live with two teenagers, and they have both learned a lot about healthy eating at school, and have helped us learn about healthier choices at home and when we go out.  My son is known as the "trans fat" police at our home, and both my son and daughter are reading food labels whenever they can. 

Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice.  Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy potato chips (low salt) and ice cream every once in awhile.  My husband likes to cook, and he is mindful of healthier choices as well.  We have been forced into it, because our kids wouldn't have it any other way.  We limit our visits to fast food places (like Subway, Wendy's and Tim Horton's) once weekly.

If you want to see Super Size Me for the first time, or want a refresher, you can rent it from the movie store, or you can download it for free, here.

Have a healthy day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Roller Coaster of Life

" Life can be like a roller coaster...And just when you think you've had enough, and you're ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go-round...You change your mind, throw your hands in the air and ride the roller coaster all over again.  That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE."

--- Copyright © 1999 Stacey Charter

Life has it's ups and downs, that's for sure.  Sometimes it feels like a roller coaster.  The climb to the top can be slow and hard, and sitting on the peak can be exhilarating.  That bird's eye view is spectacular.  You can see very clearly. Then, the quick, fast pace, going down, going around, up and down.  Life can feel crazy and hectic at times, and sometimes it is necessary for us to experience this so that we really appreciate those down times.  The merry-go-round is much more predictable, slow and methodical.  It's an easy ride and it's pleasant.  That's when our life is more routine and we are content. 

I remember a scene in the movie Parenthood (1989), where Grandma talks about the roller coaster and the merry-go-round.  I often think of this metaphor and I'd love to share it with you.  Here's the "brilliant" Grandmother scene, complete with punchline:



Roller coasters can be scary, and exhilarating.  Life can be that way sometimes, too.  It's always important to look on the bright side of life, when we are on the roller coaster of life.  Hang on, before you know it, it's time to get back on the merry-go-round.

"What a ride!"

Cheers,

~Angela

Planning Summer Vacation

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

I live in a part of our country where we get to enjoy four seasons.  We look forward to warmer weather and planning a family vacation in the summer.  It's always nice to have something to look forward to.  Some people plan to go to their summer homes, or their timeshares.  Others plan road trips to places that aren't too far from home or fly to places that are far away.

When we plan trips, we like to keep our two kids involved in the planning and decision-making as that makes it a true "family vacation".  We try to include activities that will please everyone.  Sight-seeing and visiting attractions is always high up on the list, but it is also important for some of us to go shopping for new clothes or things we need. 

This year, we are planning a trip to the Black Hills, South Dakota.  We have been told by many people that it is a great place to visit, and have been promised that we will really enjoy our vacation.  There are Crystal Caves, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Old West attractions and so much more.  The Badlands in South Dakota was the setting of the 1990 movie, Dances with Wolves.   This was a beautiful movie directed by Kevin Costner.  I will have to watch that movie again before we go on our trip this summer.

We are looking forward to our little get-away, and I hope you have something you are looking forward to this coming vacation season.  Even if it's visiting your local parks and attractions or hanging out with family and friends. 

Cheers!

~Angela

A Woman's Place is in the Mall

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." ~Bo Derek

When I was younger, my mother and I used to go out shopping together, and this was a time that we bonded doing something that we both loved.  My mother would watch me trying on new clothes, or we would watch each other get excited about finding something that we wanted.  My mom also told me that her mother used to take her to downtown Toronto, and they would go shopping together when she was young.

Now I find myself taking my daughter out shopping.  This is a time when we bond, and we share a common interest.  It is especially fun when the two of us can go on a weekend get-away, and go somewhere that is different.  When you go to stores that aren't found in your local community, it's fun because you get to see different things.

There is a term used for the feeling you get when you go shopping.  It's called, Retail therapy.  I used to go shopping when I felt down, and if I bought something new it would cheer me up.  It's the fun of it, getting out with the public, stimulating your senses with new smells, textures, colours, bright lights, music.  It's especially thrilling when you find that item that you've been looking for, and so desperately "need".  I know for myself, I usually feel uplifted and happier after I have been out shopping, whether I buy something or not (just be careful of the dangers of buyer's remorse -when you spend too much money!). 

I also enjoy reading books by Sophie Kinsella.  She has a Shopaholic Seriers, and the first book is called, Confessions of a Shopaholic.  The storylines are quite funny, and it's entertaining to go on an adventure of shopping with Becky.  The first two books were made into a movie, called, Confessions of a Shopaholic.  See the movie trailer here. 

If you are feeling down, and want a lift, it's always fun to go out shopping, especially to a mall (even if you don't buy something).  It's nice to treat yourself and make yourself feel special.  Buying something for someone else is also rewarding.   Giving is always a good thing!

Happy shopping!

~Angela

Mamma Mia! What a Great Movie!

The movie, Mamma Mia!, is a great musical that was made in 2008.  It is based on the songs from ABBA, and it is a wonderful, fun movie.  The story line is so endearing, and the music will have you singing along and tapping your feet.  The first time I heard about this story was when I went to Las Vegas in 2008 and we saw a stage-production of Mamma Mia!  The movie was better in my opinion, due to the scenery of Greece and the calibre of acting.  Stars include Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.  Amanda has a beautiful voice and she does a great job.



Make a date and see this movie (again) for a great, fun time. Rated PG-13 for some sex-related comments. 

Have a great movie-watching time!

~Angela

What's on Your Bucket List?

I saw a movie a few years ago, called, The Bucket List. It was about two older men who had terminal illnesses, and decided to do the things they wanted to do before they died, or "kicked the bucket".  It was a great, fun movie. I have a list of things I'd like to do in my life time (my life goals/dreams) and I often look at this list and see where I am at.  My list changes every year or two, so I have to review it and update it. Do you have a "bucket list"?  I'll share mine here in hopes of giving you some ideas if you haven't done one yet:

My Bucket List – April 2010*

- See Madonna Live in Concert (Done - Nov. 3, 2012 St. Paul)
- Spend a romantic week (or two!) in Paris (done August 2011)
- Go to New York (done August 2014)
- Swim with the dolphins (done Feb. 2010)
- Go on a hot air balloon ride (done August 2012)
- Sailing (done Aug 2014)
- Get a Master of Social Work degree (Completed October 2014)
- Write a book on Aging Well
- Celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary
- Go to Costa Rica (Done 2015)
- Go to Hawaii (a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line?)
- Own a corvette
- Pay off all debt
- Take a photography course
- Ride on a hovercraft
- Move to a bungalow
- Watch my children graduate from high school (one down, one to go!)
- Watch my children graduate from college/university
- Watch my children get married
- Celebrate my 50th Wedding Anniversary


Life is short and you have to enjoy every day. Focus on the positive and count your blessings.  Achieving your own goals and dreams can help you feel happier. Have a happy day!

“Happiness is what you feel when what you want to happen happens.”

- Angela G. Gentile

*Updated 06 Sep 2014.

Movie night

What is your favourite, feel-good movie? When we take the time to sit with family, friends, or just to be by ourselves, it is often a good time to watch a movie that can make us reflect on life, have a good laugh, or feel good. Most of the movies out there nowadays include a lot of violence, and I choose to avoid those movies because they don't make me feel good.

One of my favourite movies, is called, "August Rush", a musical drama. The music, cinematography, and storyline are so beautiful. The ending is awesome. Make sure you have lots of kleenex on hand. This is a movie I can watch over and over again.

"Tells the story of Louis, a charismatic young Irish guitarist and Lyla, a sheltered young cellist who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger, August uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. Rated G, 2007."

Happy movie-watching!

~Angela