Prioritize

We are creatures of habit. Our parents taught us, their parents taught them, and their parents taught them also. It’s the circle of life. What many of us don’t know though is that if we practice anything over a period of time, it ultimately stays with us; therefore why should we not practice things that will enhance our daily lives? 

It seems that our current generation is lazy, and becoming more so everyday. We accept things at face value and do nothing extra to find out the truth. Instead of cooking, we buy or microwave, instead of reading, we watch a video, instead of spending time with loved ones, we make excuses. Isn’t it about time we change that cycle? These negative habits. Whatever we spend time with we prioritize these specific things in our lives. My darlings, it is time to prioritize practices that will benefit us physically and mentally.

How shall we find truth and strength if we do not sit and ask questions from the Universe/God? How shall we become more focused, patient and mindful if we do not take time to meditate on these things daily? How shall we heal our bodies from the inside out if we do not put beautiful things into our body or take time to preserve nature? We claim we have the answers. We claim we know the truth. We claim we are the most powerful beings on this earth. I’m sorry to burst your bubble darlings, but it is not ALL about you. In fact, it’s about us!

We are all reflections of each other. Creating distance, harbouring hate, thinking negatively not only hurts your fellow man, but also in turn hurts you. It is time that we prioritize positive things into our lives. Sleep an hour less to spend time with yourself everyday, be silent, meditative and prayerful on a better world, a better you. You can’t just do it once in a while, once a week, and call yourself a master. After all it is a fact, we are creatures of habit, and the more time we spend with things of importance in our lives the more we’ll see the benefits of our sacrifice and hard work.

It’s never too late!

Ready, Set, Begin a new you! :))

Bless-up darlings!

Love Jair

The Lorax

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. “- Dr. Seuss

This 2012 animated family comedy reaped in 3 wins, 6 nominations and with a budget of $70 million USD brought in $213 million USD that year; more importantly it was a wonderful and clever environmental and mental reminder of keeping true to your word, respect and not being lost in the glitz, glam and fame which ultimately destroys us.

Many of you reading might say, “Yeah right! A cartoon with such a significant message!?” And I would smile and nod my head vigorously. For those familiar with Theodor Geisel (American writer, poet and cartoonist of German heritage who famously signed and went by “Dr. Seuss”, would know that he spoke carefully, positively and purposefully disguised in colourful images and playful quotes to attract younger audiences.

‘The Lorax’ was one of many he shared with while he was here on earth. Some others include: ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, ‘Oh the Places you’ll Go’, ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish’, and ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, and ‘The Cat in the Hat’. Most are heart-warming, all positive and motivational and some quite hilarious.

Adapted into screenplay by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, this film was directed by Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda who hired successful actors and singers to voice the main characters, like Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, Danny Davito and Jenny Slate to name a few. Pop in this DVD for a night of fun - friendly for the children and adults! 

Kundun

"I see a safe journey, I see a safe return."

"They have taken away our silence."

"I believe I am a reflection, like a moon on water. When you see me, and I try to be a good man, you see yourself."

'Kundun' means 'The Presence' which incredibly personifies the overall feeling of the depictions of the Dalai Lama in this film. I had the pleasure of watching this classic and historical film 'Kundun' which follows the re-discovery, childhood into adulthood of Tibet's 14th Dalai Lama. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by the lovable Martin Scorsese, this 1997 dramatic biography was nominated for 4 Oscars, and received 5 wins and 4 other nominations.

Starring unknowns like Tenzin Yeshi Paichang, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Gyurme Tethong and Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong whom played the Dalai Lama during different stages of his life and others, I must say that the story was exceptionally told and clearly illustrated the violent Chinese persecution and problems he dealt with at that time and still to this day. It was wonderful to bring this film to the west allowing the masses through film to understand the complexity of this war and gain knowledge of the height of calamity and terrible domination that the Tibetan people endured.

Beautifully shot, lovely cinematography and soundtrack; this is one that will be remembered for all time. It was interesting to know that Scorsese had such respect and admiration for the Dalai Lama and Buddhist philosophy as he dedicated this film to his mother Catherine Scorsese. He said that "…the Dalai Lama represents unconditional love, and to me my mother was the closest person with that kind of love".

Playing for Keeps

"This holiday season, what do you really want?"

Written by Robbie Fox and Directed by Gabriele Muccino, this film wasn't anything out of the extraordinary. The same story/plot has been done before; first in 1986 and then again in 2009 and well Hollywood hasn't been too creative lately, so they try again to milk it for what it's worth again in 2012. They figure with some of today's hottest stars, like Scottish heartthrob Gerard Butler, Bostonian Uma Thurman (memorable from Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill movies), Texan Dennis Quaid, Welsh-working-beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones, innocent-eyed Judy Greer, and 'Seventh Heaven' Jessica Biel they'd be able to rejuvenate the magic.

Simple story, and great delivery by actors, the film was sweet to watch but probably not the most awe-inspiring. It speaks to our audience about forgiveness, second chances and making the right choices for your future. A run-time of 105 minutes and a budget of $35 million USD, it only grossed $13 million USD back at the box-office.

There's temptation around every corner, but there's a time one has to grow up and decide what they really want from life. Would you choose to make the right decision or keep playing till you lose everything?

Capture the Beauty

**Film is capturing the beauty, the story…FOREVER… :))

Elf

Caught a glimpse of this film a couple years prior playing in the background of a Christmas party, and then straight into my hands by a friend; I had to finally pay this classic starring Will Ferrel some attention.This 2003 Fantasy/Family/Comedy is a simple story about searching for one's identity and spreading the Christmas spirit.

Written by David Berenbaum and directed by Jon Favreau, you're sure to hear a lot of carols, see a lot of Christmas trees and stifle a lot of giggles. Will Ferrell, James Caan, Faizon Love, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Dinklage and Zooey Deschanel pour on fun factor and leave the audience gasping for air with their wonderful comic timing and exceptional delivery.

Life can throw us some blows, and those blows seem to make things crumble during the holidays, but this story digs deep to help the audience find the joy and lighter side of what Christmas is about and inspires us to grow faith in places that haven't seen it in a  long time. With a 97 minute run-time and a budget of $33 million USD, this film not only gave wild humor but also had 2 wins, 7 nominations and grossed $173 million USD at the box-office.

Feeling Good

**Another 'lady' - Remember artists like that? Who sang lyrics and wore lovely dresses? Here's one by the wonderful Nina Simone ~ Feeling Good! :))**

The Intouchables

"Sometimes you have to reach into someone else's world to find out what's missing in your own."

"This is not just a job anymore."

Recommended to me by a dear friend a couple months prior, I finally settled into this French 2011 comedy/drama based on a true story. Written and Directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, it will touch your heart and then some. Nominated for one Golden Globe and receiver of 22 wins and 31 other nominations, it's something worth watching.

Starring Francois Cluzet whom you may remember from 'French Kiss' with Meg Ryan and 2010's 'Little White Lies with Marion Cotillard, and Omar Sy who was been a steady working actor since 2000, this film re-enacts true events of an unlikely friendship that blossoms into a life-changing opportunity. It proves that opposites attract and that we can learn lessons about life no matter the age or the teacher. 

Life throws trials and challenges but the story reminds our audience to accept the challenge with wide open arms so that it could change us for the better. The script was beautifully written and the dialogue held heaps of wisdom and inspiration. You'll get your classical music fix in this one, as well as a change of heart! 

This is the End

Rambunctious to the max, yet terribly entertaining! This 2013 comedy/fantasy about 'The End' or the 'Apocalypse' was cleverly and simply executed with real friends and actors filming what would really happen in their lives if this given scenario were to take place. And the results of such a simple idea? Success at the box-office!

Written and Directed by Canadian Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and based on a short film by Jason Stone, this film delivered laughs from James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Channing Tatum, Paul Rudd and many many more.

The film was wild, provocative, silly, and unbelievably great commitment and comic timing. Rated R for crude sexual content, pervasive language, violence and some drug use, it isn't recommended for younger audiences. And with a budget of $32 million USD and returns of $101 million USD, not only were these friends successful at collaborating but it looks like they also had a great time playing together! 'This is the End' certainly brings the giggles!

After Earth

"Danger is Real…Fear is a Choice."

This highly anticipated film brought to you by director M. Night Shyamalan (known best for 'Then Sixth Sense) and starring father-son duo Will and Jaden Smith was high on my list of films to see this year. I'd been keeping my eyes on the reviews (all of which rang poor) knowing that I would want to see and review myself because the media and world ultimately have nothing good to say.

Story by Will Smith and adapted into screenplay by M. Night Shyamalan and Gary Whitta, this film had all the makings for success. Not to mention the star names producing and lending their talent for this $130 million USD budget. Sophie Okonedo and Zoe Kravitz also had memorable roles as mother and daughter respectively. However, despite good story, great actors and big budget, they still failed at the box-office grossing only $60 million USD back.

With a run-time of 100 minutes and great pacing, cinematography, CGI and acting, I have to say that the what made this film's downfall is that there were too many elements that were already done before. It was very reminiscent of the 'Star Wars', 'Star Trek' films and after Hollywood already revived it's one millionth classic 'Star Trek', it was not what audiences around the world were looking forward to.

The lessons in this film were pristine and necessary, teaching us to be soldiers of strength, truth, and that fear has no place among the great. The majority of the film was mainly Will Smith and his son and although I am proud of them and in awe of their accomplishments, I think that $130 million USD could have been used a little better to make bold differences and something a bit more fresh to bring to the world. Sometimes keeping it simple is best.

Fruits of Faith

I was attracted to this film, clearly for it's title, and perhaps I was in need for some inspiration. This 2013 Japanese film directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura was undoubtedly inspirational but also probably the most slow progressing film I've seen in all my years. Sure the run-time was the usual 128 minutes, however the story was based on a novel entitled 'Miracle Apples' which took place over the span of 10 years.

Despite the sluggish evolution, the story was strong in strength and determination and a good lesson in keeping hope alive. Actors Sadawo Abe and Miho Kanno both delivered exceptionally and the audience was able to identify strongly with characters thanks to the narration and heart-warming journey to success against all disparity.