Have you ever watched a movie that changed the way you looked at the world? I was thinking today, that as I systematically change each area of my life, I can learn a lot from the movies. So let’s just call this “Reinventing Cinema”.

Here’s a list of my favorite films, and and lessons I’ve learned from each

• Finding Neverland: I have to admit that I have a fascination with anything that reminds me of childhood. Maybe because I grew up way too fast. That’s what I LOVE about Finding Neverland. Here we see Johnny Depp at his finest, portraying the famous playwright J.M. Barrie. Barrie is famous for his children’s play Peter Pan. But this movie is about more than just pirates and fairy dust. Here’s what I learned:
• You’re never too old to be young again.
• Real Honest to God Friendships between Men and Women are possible.
• Loving what you do, may make you eccentric…but that’s okay.
• When it comes right down to it, society’s usually wrong.
• Happiness doesn’t come from outside sources, it has to come from within.
• It doesn’t matter how often you fail, as long as you get right back up and try again.
• You can learn a lot from children.
• Big Fish: Life is nothing more than the stories that we tell ourselves. “There are some fish that cannot be caught…” I am such a fish. When it comes to telling the story of our lives, it really is impossible to separate fact from fiction…we are the man…we are the myth. Like goldfish who continue to grow to match their environments, so will we. We are all intended for “Bigger Things”.
• Spanglish: Adam Sandler. Enough said. LOL. This movie is very emotionally draining for me. I relate to it on so many levels. Sometimes, I am Christina, searching for my place in the world. Sometimes, I am Deborah, selfish, self-consumed, and desperately trying to find excitement in my life…even at the expense of those that I love. Sometimes, I am Bernice, awkward, shy, and lonely. But, mostly I am John…filled with desires and longings that I can’t find the proper way to express.
• The Notebook: “I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me. And my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I’ve succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough.”
• Love takes a lot of hard work.
• Gattaca: There is nothing more empowering than to see man triumph over impossible adversity. Gattaca is about the incredible power of the human spirit to face incredible odds, and to somehow find a way to succeed.

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