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Reviews
Nacho Libre (2006)
Silly good natured romp to a dream
Nacho Libre -- Reaching out in stretchy pants "When you are a man sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. Is for fun." Do you like your movies silly? Are you willing to laugh at situations that are so ridiculous that they don't even have any foundation in reality? Do you think that that wrestling is, at its heart, funny? If so you'll like "Nacho Libre", a film that features Jack Black as an orphan who now cooks for orphans (and not very well at the start of the movie because he lacks fresh ingredients) and longs to be a professional wrestler. Why? For the fame, for the fortune, for the pride of winning.
There are many references to the conventions of other movies here, some handled convincingly (the "meet funny" pairing of Nacho and his funny sidekick) and some handled unconvincingly (the whole training scene while a nod in the direction of great training scenes in other movies, such as "Karate Kid" and "Remember The Titans" lacks the depth or center to pull it off).
Still, I found this movie to be big fun. While I was prepared to be offended by the fake Mexican accent and the odd use of locale the film is so silly and yet so sincere that it is beyond offending. You can't take it seriously, and yet you want to.
Of course, Nacho believes that his life will only be complete if he fulfills his dream of being a professional wrestler and we watch him live out his dream in a pleasant journey of pratfalls, leaps from cliffs, consumption of yucky foods (and eagles egg), confrontations with strangers, and rides on a motorized bike that would absolutely thrill me if I were ten years old again. It's like a bike, but more! And the way that Nacho postures as he is about to "peel away" on the bike (although with no real speed) makes you feel kid like again.
Seeking and living your dream is a noble adventure and I solute any effort, serious or humorous, to illustrate its value. The love interest is both stunningly beautiful and slightly confused as Nacho falls head over heels for her and attempts to court her (against his better judgment and yet he can't stop himself) by inviting her to his room for toast. This reminded me of the glorification of toast scene in "The Blues Brothers" and leads me to believe that multiple viewings of this silly film might reveal many more easter eggs and nuggets of insider fun.
"Nacho Libre" also contains some great lines that, like those in "Airplane" and "tHE Forty Year Old Virgin" are fun to quote out of context. My favorite is uttered by Nacho when his is discovered in his home made wrestling costume by one of the orphans when Nach says "When you are a man sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It's for fun." When you are creative, sometimes you enjoy the silliest movies, laugh, and find reasons to get inspired. It's for fun.
Refections
* Have you ever held onto a dream secretly because others might find the dream silly or unrealistic? What would it take for you to resurface and explore that dream?
* "Buddy Movies" often show the development of unusual relationships into lasting and effective relationships. What is it about that type of story that is most appealing?
* If your life were a movie how would you describe your "training" scene? What major influences have taken you this far? What new influences will you need to reach the next level?
* Who do you know who might be a great partner in pursuit of a noble dream? What would be a good way to start a conversation on this topic?
* In "Nacho Libre" Jack Black plays a character with a gift of love for children and a gift of love for wrestling. Is it wrong to enjoy the limelight? How can enjoying the limelight and seeking better lives for others relate in your life and in your world?
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What the #$*! Do We (K)now!? (2004)
Embrace the paradox and create your own better universe
People tend to fall into two camps when it comes to "What The Bleep Do We Know" , those who enthusiastically enjoy its mixture of science, philosophy, theology, self-improvement, animation, and acting and those who find it offensive theologically. Although I am theologically conservative and evangelical by nature, I am enthralled by this collage of a movie. While it may be theologically challenging to some people with a binary belief system, I find it fascinating and thought provoking.
This film tests assumptions on many levels. Amanda, wonderfully portrayed by Marlee Matlin, finds herself questioning the choices she's made in her life and wondering what it all means. She receives help from a variety of colorful and engaging characters (some of them live action and some animated) to explore the unseen and usually unperceived universe that includes the quantum field.
Drawing some analogies from "Alice In Wonderland" (A story clearly ahead of its time) "What The Bleep" makes a case for multiple, malleable, creatable realities. It raises serious questions about the impact of our thoughts on not only our actions but also on our very reality.
Here is one of the key themes of the movie, one that transcends theology and gets at the real heart of its message, which is to create your own day. Stop being a victim, acts with positive energy and optimize the world around you: "As Amanda learns to relax into the experience, she conquers her fears, gains wisdom, and wins the keys to the great secrets of the ages, all in the most entertaining way. She is then no longer the victim of circumstances, but she is on the way to being the creative force in her life. Her life will never be the same." (from the website synopsis).
I find myself referring to this film time and again and recommending that people see it. Whether I'm facilitating a session on communication, service, or leadership I find analogies woven through-out this highly entertaining mess of a movie. I say "mess" affectionately, in admiration for the artistic chances it takes and new frontiers it attempts to explore.
Is the film perfect? Of course not. Is it theologically correct? Certainly not theologically complete, but I would not say that it torpedoes Christian thinking anymore than "The Matrix" or, for that matter, the typical sermon at many mainline churches. .
Pleasantville (1998)
Quiet and thought provoking innovator
This quiet and thought provoking movie is filled with gentle laughs and subtle tears as you connect with a family learning to build a reality that is more filled with life, love, and laughter.
Don Knotts has an amusing sleeper of a role in this film well worth renting.
If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. Recommended for people who also enjoyed "The Truman Show".
Phenomenon (1996)
Learning and living fast enough to seem magical.
What if you could read several books a night, learn whatever you wanted to, apply your learning in useful projects right away, and grasp insights that illude all those around you?
And if you could, what that be good?
John Travolta plays a small town mechanic who mysteriously develops uncanny mental abilities one night and soon has the whole town mesmerized by the phenomena of his learning success.
Along the way he develops a wonderful fondness for a furniture maker that evolves into a powerful love, saves a young boy from certain death, and matches one of his bachelor friends with a beautiful single mom.
I won't give away the ending to this masterpiece--rent it or buy it and watch it once, twice, even more...it's that great.
Doug Smith -------------------------------- http://www.dougsmithtraining.com --------------------------------- What have you learned today?
The Doctor (1991)
Wonderful exploration of empathy
A truly solid cast delivers a moving drama filled with humor and emotion. This could be the single best exploration of the theme of "empathy" ever filmed.
This film should be required viewing for any training or development on health care, communication, leadership, and service. Watch this the same week you watch "Patch Adams" and you'll be a better person emotionally for it.
The Conversation (1974)
Gets better each time you see it
If you are fascinated by movies that feature both ethical dilemmas and people who are deeply devoted to their jobs, The Conversation is for you.
It's an early Francis Ford Coppola masterpiece that slowly unravels into a character study.
Gene Hackman does a superb turn as a brooding surveillance expert who is becoming aware of the effects his work has on its targets.
King Kong (1933)
An amazing feat of film making
You don't have to admire monster movies to appreciate this class tale of love and freedom. You probably know the story and may even have seen a remake--but there's nothing like the original.
It's old, it's black and white, but it's still crisp and filled with suspense. Check it out.