30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #23

Day 23. Movie That Inspires You

OMG so many movies to choose from in this category! I find that most movies have some sort of inspiration to them so it really just depends on the mood you’re in.

• Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)–The sisters come back to Delores’s show to get her back as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of students in their parochial school which is doomed for closure. One of the girls, who is the most talented of the bunch, is forbidden to sing by her mother, although the choir has made it to the state championship. A group of stereotypical incompetent monks tries to stop them. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Maggie Smith and Lauryn Hill. It’s a great story that teaches kids to follow their dreams and that it only takes one person to inspire many. I absolutely love this movie!! Especially all the songs. They have wonderful voices!

• Mulan (1998)–To save her father from death in the army, a Chinese maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroes in the process. Starring the voice of Eddie Murphy as Mushu. Way to go Disney for bringing in the girl power. Mulan finally breaks the barrier for princesses. She doesn’t need a prince in shinning armor to come save her. She’s gonna be doing all the saving herself. LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.

• Pay It Forward (2000)–A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance. Starring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment and Helen Hunt. I have a love/hate relationship with this movie. It’s just too damn sad. But the idea that if you reach out to three people and that chain continues, is an inspiring one. The world really can be a better place.

• Remember the Titans (2000)–The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst. It’s a great story about young people putting aside their differences and realizing their similarities. It’s moving to know that things like this really did happen and that people do truly stand up for what they believe in.

• Soul Surfer (2011)–A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack. Starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Carrie Underwood. The real story of Bethany Hamilton is a truly moving one that plays out so well in this movie. I figure if a girl who lost her arm is able to do so much and help so many people, I could do great things too.

What movie inspires you??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #20

Day 20. Movie With Your Favorite Actress

So my all-time favorite actress is Kate Winslet!! She just picks really interesting parts and is a real person. She also has a great sense of style! My mom made my prom dress to look like the dress Kate wore to the Academy Awards in 2005. It’s by far my favorite awards dress ever!!

• Finding Neverland (2004)–The story of J.M. Barrie’s friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. Starring Johnny Depp, Julie Christie and Freddie Highmore. I love the story of Peter Pan! This is a touching story about the man-child who never grew up.

• The Life of David Gale (2003)–A man against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row. Starring Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney and Gabriel Mann. The best part of this movie is that you’re not sure what to believe. Is he guilty? Is he innocent? It’s gripping.

• Titanic (1997)–A boy and a girl from differing social backgrounds meet during the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. Written and directed by James Cameron. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates and Bill Paxton. It’s Titanic…I don’t think I need to elaborate. But it was when I fell in love with the both of them. I remember seeing it in the theaters…I was 7 years old and we sat in the second row.

• Quills (2000)–In a Napoleonic era insane asylum, an inmate, the irrepressible Marquis De Sade, fights a battle of wills against a tyrannically prudish doctor. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix and Michael Caine. It’s totally crazy and disturbing in so many ways. Yet somehow you can’t take your eyes off it.

• The Holiday (2006)–Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other’s countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. Starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black. Every character in this movie is so incredibly likable. They’re all charming even when they’re having a difficult time. So sweet and enjoyable.

What’s a movie with your favorite actress??