Inside Out (2015)
PG | 1h 35m

After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.


I rewatched this movie to prepare my review for our GEED 001: Understanding the Self class. I'll be submitting the answers below later on.


Joy:  the vibrant and enthusiastic emotion in Riley's mind. 

Throughout the film, she learns that happiness doesn't always come from avoiding negative emotions, but rather from embracing a full spectrum of feelings. She represents the pursuit of happiness and the importance of acknowledging the significance of sadness in life. Joy's journey teaches us that it's okay to feel sad and that it's an essential part of emotional growth.


Sadness:  initially seems like an unwanted and burdensome emotion in Riley's mind. 

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her role is crucial for Riley's emotional well-being. Sadness teaches us the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions, demonstrating that sometimes it's okay not to be okay. Her character emphasizes the necessity of allowing oneself to feel sadness and the healing power of expressing vulnerability.


Anger:  portrayed as a fiery and impulsive emotion, often leading to humorous situations in the movie.
 
Despite his initial tendency to cause chaos, Anger showcases the significance of acknowledging and appropriately channeling frustration. He highlights the necessity of expressing anger constructively and learning to manage it in a healthy way. His character demonstrates the importance of understanding and controlling strong emotions without letting them overpower rational thinking.


Disgust:  serves as a protective mechanism for Riley, preventing her from engaging in situations that might be harmful or unpleasant.
 
Through her witty and quick-thinking demeanor, Disgust highlights the significance of setting personal boundaries and making sound judgments. She emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the need to avoid compromising one's values or well-being. Disgust's character teaches us the value of discernment and the importance of maintaining personal integrity.


Fear:  portrayed as a cautious and vigilant emotion, constantly alerting Riley to potential dangers.
 
His character highlights the importance of being aware of potential risks and the need to approach unfamiliar situations with caution. Fear teaches us the significance of healthy risk assessment and the necessity of taking calculated steps to ensure safety and well-being. His role emphasizes the balance between being cautious and embracing new experiences to foster personal growth.


These characters collectively symbolize the intricate nature of human emotions and provide valuable insights into the significance of understanding and managing them effectively. "Inside Out" beautifully portrays the importance of embracing a full spectrum of emotions, acknowledging their roles in shaping our experiences, and learning to navigate life's challenges with resilience and emotional intelligence.

Ferdinand (2017)
PG | 1h 48min

After Ferdinand, a bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.


Within the movie, there are certainly moments that provide humor, yet they may not leave a lasting impact in one's memory. However, "Ferdinand" delivers a powerful and enduring message, reminding us all not to judge others based solely on their physical appearance. The film beautifully portrays the significance of looking beyond external characteristics and embracing the true essence of a person or creature. Through the heartwarming journey of Ferdinand, we learn the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance, qualities that resonate deeply and continue to inspire long after the movie ends. "Ferdinand" serves as a heartening reminder of the strength that lies in compassion and the beauty of embracing diversity in all its forms.

Strange Magic (2015)
PG | 1h 39min

Goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.


Checked IMDB, it tells that the story was inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream."  Haven't read that book though, but I loved the story of this movie.  Find it bit funny and so true for those scenes where the message/news is being passed on from one mushroom to another, it always ends up a different message in the end :p.  Song selected added a good feeling, their voices are superb for me.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)
PG | 1h 31m

Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.


This heartwarming movie brought joy and entertainment to both me and my kids. As we watched, it unexpectedly reminded me of our dear dad, filling my heart with a bittersweet mix of emotions and making me miss him even more :(. The portrayal of the over-protective dad in the film resonated deeply, evoking memories of similar themes from the beloved movie "Finding Nemo." The strong bond between a parent and child, the challenges of letting go, and the overwhelming love that parents have for their kids were all beautifully depicted, striking a chord with my own experiences as a parent. Despite the moments of nostalgia and longing, the movie ultimately left us with a sense of warmth and comfort, reminding us of the enduring power of family connections and the love that transcends time and distance.

What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)
PG-13 | 1h 50m

A look at love through the eyes of five interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn't always deliver what's expected.

This movie, inspired by the book that I also happen to own, truly resonates with the reality that not all women experience the glowing radiance during pregnancy. Personally, I consider myself one of the fortunate few, and I can't help but indulge in a little bragging about it *wink*. "What to Expect When You're Expecting" skillfully captures the humorous moments while shedding light on the very real and relatable aspects of pregnancy. It offers a glimpse into the myriad of emotions and challenges that women go through during this transformative journey. From the funny moments that had me laughing out loud to the true-to-life situations that struck a chord, the movie beautifully portrays the roller-coaster ride of emotions and experiences that come with pregnancy. As a fellow expectant mother, it felt heartwarming to watch a film that captures the essence of this incredible phase in a woman's life with such authenticity and charm.


Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
R | 1h 45m

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.

The story of "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" is undeniably intriguing, and it left me wondering about the creative mind behind this unique concept. I couldn't help but wonder what inspired the author to blend history with the supernatural, and why they specifically chose Abraham Lincoln as a vampire hunter. Were there any intriguing urban legends or folklore that sparked the idea? The imaginative fusion of historical figures and supernatural elements adds an extra layer of fascination to the narrative. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and how it can take unexpected twists and turns, creating a captivating and unforgettable tale that leaves the audience pondering the mysteries and wonders of creativity.


The Lorax (2012)
PG | 1h 26m

A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

I watched this movie with my kids, and while it had a cute story, I must admit it didn't leave a lasting impression or stand out like some of the other family movies we've seen together. While it provided a pleasant viewing experience, it lacked that special spark that makes you want to watch it again and again. Nonetheless, it still offered enjoyable moments and served as a delightful way to spend time together as a family. While it may not be a movie we'll be talking about for years to come, it was a pleasant addition to our collection of family movie memories.


Dark Shadows (2012)
PG-13 | 1h 53m

An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.

Vampire stories seem to have an enduring allure, captivating audiences across various forms of media like series, movies, and books. I can't deny being intrigued by them myself, and part of me even fantasizes about what it would be like to be one, though I'm sure I'd be better off as a human, right? Nevertheless, I recently watched this particular movie, drawn by the urge to explore the vampire theme once again.

Johnny Depp's appearance in the film certainly piqued my interest, but I must admit that in my personal opinion, his portrayal here didn't quite reach the same heights as his iconic characters like Captain Jack Sparrow or Edward Scissorhands. Despite this, the movie still had its moments and was enjoyable in its own right. It's always interesting to see different actors take on unique roles, and even though it might not be my favorite Johnny Depp performance, it was a decent watch overall. As I continue to indulge in the world of vampire stories, I look forward to discovering more captivating tales and memorable performances that will keep me immersed in this mesmerizing genre.

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