Drama Film

Touching Movie: Wonder

The Story:

a 10-year-old boy with a severe facial disfigurement. When he joins mainstream school after years of home-schooling, he has to contend with friendships, fall-outs and bullying, but manages to maintain an upbeat attitude throughout it all. 

LIFE LESSONS FROM Wonder

Never to judge anyone by their appearance

August may have an unusual appearance, but his schoolmates soon learn that he's an upbeat, fun and kind kid, and that his appearance has absolutely nothing to do with his personality. The book starkly reveals the senseless, groundless nature of the terrible bullying August has to endure, for he has such a likeable, friendly nature and there is simply no reason for the cruel comments he has to cope with.

That in many cases, it's not your circumstances that determine your happiness, but your outlook and attitude

August is a sparky kid who's full of life and optimism. He understands why people point and stare and can be very self-conscious about it, but ultimately, he doesn't let it get him down. August is an inspirational character who shows those around him that the things you can't change about yourself shouldn't affect your personal happiness and well-being, and that you should accept yourself for who you are.

To be brave, stand up for yourself, and not give in to bullying, because it's never okay.

Though he does get upset by people's comments and at one point considers leaving mainstream school again, August ultimately marches on with a courageous, defiant and positive spirit. His attitude is inspiring and reveals how brave he truly is, knowing he will have to face the bullies when he returns to school each day. However, he determinedly rises above the bullying, becomes very popular and wins a prestigious school award, receiving a standing ovation from all the pupils who admire him. In the end, August is a hugely respected and well-liked boy, who denies the bullies the satisfaction of giving in and gains lots of friends in the process, triumphantly overcoming and overshadowing the bullies.

Trailer:

Touching Movie: Gifted

The Story:

It tells the story about a young girl who is exceptionally talented at mathematics far beyond her age. Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.

LIFE LESSONS FROM 

Gifted

There is always Sacrifice

During the film, Mary the math prodigy learns what her truest potential could be if she went to a special school for people like her opposed to a practical school life. Whichever road Mary would want to pursue has its own pros and cons. Obviously, if Mary chose the big university route, she’d never get to experience social interaction with people her age, but if Mary wanted to stay in regular school, she’d never know how far her gift could bring her. No matter what direction she goes there is going to be some form of sacrifice.   This lesson applies to a lot of our own lives from what we want to eat for breakfast to what job we pursue, every decision comes with a sacrifice.

Don't Put Too Much Pressure On Someone

During the film, Evelyn, the straight forward mother in law was very strict with her daughter, and this resulted in something unfavorable that I won’t spoil. Evelyn hounded her daughter and made mathematics her only focus while simultaneously isolating her from the rest of the world. With that being said, I think it’s important for us all to know when it’s time to back off.

                     Family Comes First

Chris Evans character, Frank, leaves a very well paying job and sem1i-lavish life to step in as the guardian of his niece, Mary. This lesson is crucial. Even though this lesson and the first one listed go hand in hand, this lesson is more about making the right decisions about what’s best for your spouse, kids, brother, mother, etc. sometimes you have to put others before yourself, and that’s what this movie does an excellent job of embodying.

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Animation

Disney Movie: Coco

Words from the director:

“We are all part of a family. Those relationships are beautiful and complicated. But our family shapes who we are, which made us wonder—if you had an opportunity to meet your ancestors, what would you recognize in them that you see in yourself?”

The story:

Coco is the story of a family of shoemakers who long ago banned any and all music. This is unfortunate for the young Miguel who has big dreams of being a famous musician like the town legend, Ernesto de la Cruz. Miguel meets serious resistance from his family and in his efforts to prove his talents he finds himself in the Land of the Dead. 


Here, he meets a colorful array of characters, including the charming Hector. Together the two take a journey that unlocks the true story behind Miguel’s family history and the musical ban. The movie really makes you think about what part of your ancestors you’d see in yourself if you had the opportunity to meet them.

LIFE LESSONS FROM COCO

Follow your dreams

Miguel simply wanted to play music but his family was absolutely not accepting of his dreams. Miguel worked to find a way to get them to listen and understand.

Listen

Most miscommunications and misunderstandings come from simply not shutting our mouths and listening. Don’t close off your heart and mind so much that you won’t listen to what someone has to say.

It’s Never too Late to Forgive

This is a tough one, but sometimes when we listen we find it in ourselves to forgive. Letting go and forgiving can actually be healthy for you.

Family is Forever

The main thread throughout the movie is the importance of family. If we are lucky enough to have a family that loves and cares for us we should return that love to them and never forget them even after they pass to the other side.

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Disney Movie: Coco

The Story:

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. 

The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

LIFE LESSONS FROM 

Inside Out

Sometimes We Need To Express Our Emotions; We Can't Always Hide Them

We are reminded that sometimes we need to express our sadness to the people who care about us. So we can receive comfort and find happiness again.

Family Will Always Be There For You

When all is said and done, it should be our families who are the first to assist us when we are weak and crumbling. Our family should be the individuals we get to truly share our emotions with, whether we are angry, joyous or sad.

We All Go Through Changes, And Sometimes It Isn't Easy

We all go through change, and sometimes it isn’t easy. Throughout the film, we watched as Riley and her family go through a crossroads in their lives when they choose to move from Minnesota to San Francisco. Riley had to cope without her best friend from her old hometown, the sport she loves, hockey, and the cold Minnesota weather. Because Riley is removed from all of these things, her personality starts to diminish slowly before she goes to her parents for help. This lesson is definitely one of the most important do to the fact we live in a progressive America that’s currently facing plenty of changes.

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