Showing posts with label life lessons. Show all posts

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Finding Strength in Struggles: Everything Must Go – A Five Star Movie Review

The Storyline of "Everything Must Go"

"Everything Must Go" tells the story of Nick Halsey, a man whose life falls apart. He loses his job, his wife leaves him, and she locks him out of their house, throwing all his belongings onto the front lawn.

Instead of picking himself up right away, Nick chooses to live on the lawn and starts selling everything he owns in a yard sale.

As the days pass, he learns important life lessons about himself and what's truly valuable.

The movie is about hitting rock bottom, facing harsh realities, and figuring out how to rebuild when life takes a hard turn.

It's a simple yet impactful story that hits home for many who have faced unspeakable challenges.

An Excellent Cast

Will Ferrell plays Nick Halsey, and it's not the usual comedy role you'd expect from him.

I was surprised by how serious and believable he was in this part. I got so drawn into the story that I stopped seeing him as Will Ferrell, the comedian. He became Nick, a guy struggling with his life falling apart, and it was easy to forget his other famous roles.

Another standout in the movie is Rebecca Hall, who plays Samantha, Nick's new neighbor. She brings warmth and depth to her character and helps push Nick toward figuring out what he wants and maybe needs.

Christopher Jordan Wallace plays Kenny, a young kid who helps Nick with his yard sale, and I really enjoyed his performance. He was so effective in his role, and his character was a nice reminder that friendships can form in unexpected ways.

Lastly, I've always liked Laura Dern. Her small role as Nick's high school friend added believability and heart to the movie. Her presence brought extra star power, making her character feel real and relatable.

Why I Enjoyed This Movie

What I liked most about "Everything Must Go" was how, unfortunately, it would be relatable to some.

This character-driven movie delivers some important messages about life—sometimes, everything falls apart, and we must figure out how to rebuild.

It resonated with me because it shows that even when life hits hard, there's always a way forward, even if it takes time to see it.

Will Ferrell's performance was a huge surprise. I didn't expect him to be so convincing in a serious role, but he made me forget I was watching the same actor from all those comedies.

I also really enjoyed Christopher Jordan Wallace as the young boy Kenny. He brought a lot of heart to the story, and his character was more than just a sidekick—he was a big part of Nick's journey.

Oh, and the movie does offer an unexpected twist - I didn't see that coming!

The Tone of the Movie

The tone of Everything Must Go is a mix of raw realism and subtle hope.

It shows life's harsh realities—flaws, failures, and the messes we make—but it also leaves you feeling like there's a way forward, even when things seem broken.

The movie doesn't sugarcoat the struggles, yet it sprinkles in moments of light, reminding us that no matter how flawed we are, we can find a path toward rebuilding if we're willing.

It's a reflective, grounded story that feels real yet offers small glimmers of hope.

If you're into a serious movie about life lessons that doesn't leave you feeling like there's absolutely no hope, this is your movie. Despite the struggles of the main character, some light shines through.

Check out the trailer:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Why I Loved The Movie, An Unfinished Life - A Five Star Review

"An Unfinished Life" follows the story of Einar Gilkyson, a Wyoming rancher portrayed by Robert Redford, whose life is shadowed by grief and guilt following the death of his son.

Estranged from his daughter-in-law, Jean (played by Jennifer Lopez), and his granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), Einar lives a solitary existence until Jean unexpectedly arrives seeking refuge.

As Jean and Griff settle into Einar's home, old wounds resurface, forcing all three to confront their painful pasts and find a way to heal their fractured family bonds.

Set against the majestic backdrop of rural Wyoming, the film unfolds as a poignant narrative that can resonate deeply.

Setting the Scene of An Unfinished Life: Wyoming's Landscape

The rugged beauty of Wyoming serves not only as a picturesque setting but also as a metaphor for the characters' emotional landscapes. Hallström's direction captures the vast expanse and raw beauty of the countryside, enhancing the film's exploration of inner turmoil and external resilience.

Characters and Relationships

At the heart of "An Unfinished Life" are its compelling characters: Einar (played by Robert Redford), a stoic rancher haunted by past tragedies; Jean (Jennifer Lopez), his estranged daughter-in-law seeking refuge; Griff (Becca Gardner), Jean's daughter caught in the aftermath; and Mitch (Morgan Freeman), Einar's loyal friend and moral compass.

Their intertwined lives unfold with layers of unresolved conflicts and deeply rooted emotions. These complex feelings resonate with all of us in one way or another.

Themes Explored

The film navigates through themes of forgiveness and redemption with grace and nuance. Einar's journey towards reconciliation with Jean and Griff serves as a focal point, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in healing old wounds.

The narrative also delves into the complexities of family bonds, portraying love, loss, and resilience amidst adversity.

Gorgeous Cinematography

Lasse Hallström's directorial prowess shines through in his portrayal of emotional depth and character development. The use of sweeping cinematography not only captures the grandeur of Wyoming's landscapes but also underscores the characters' internal struggles and personal growth. Each frame seems crafted to evoke empathy and contemplation— for me, especially contemplation.

Impact and Reflection

"An Unfinished Life" leaves a lasting impact on viewers, prompting introspection on themes of forgiveness and the unfinished aspects of life. It encourages audiences to reflect on their own experiences of healing and renewal, resonating long after the credits roll. The film's narrative poignantly reminds us that life's unfinished moments offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and the forging of deeper connections.

Why I Loved This Movie

In conclusion, "An Unfinished Life" transcends the boundaries of a conventional drama, offering a profound meditation on the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and starting over.

Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the film reminds us that while life may present us with unfinished chapters, it also allows us to rewrite our stories with courage and compassion.

A healing movie, for a time that needs much healing (in my opinion).

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Life's Changing Perspectives - A Twenty Year Review Through Poems

How have you changed in twenty years?

I've declared 2020 the year of Body, Mind, and Spirit, with the main focus on feeding my spirit to balance all aspects of my life.

Remember Who I Am - Life Reflections Then and Now

Nearly twenty years ago, I wrote a poem called "Remember Who I Am." The poem isn't about begging to be remembered but rather about acknowledging the mistakes I made in life and how, ultimately, I learned from those mistakes.

Looking back to twenty years ago, when the video poem featured below was written, I can see my personal growth.

I'm a different person at 59 years old than I was in my 30s. I suspect that's quite normal. God willing, if I get to 80, I imagine my outlook will change further.

The most significant change inside me is a grander understanding of inner peace and what inner peace truly is.

There's so much I want to type about inner peace right now, but honestly, I don't think I can explain it? Let me say it this way with these powerful words:

"In the end, everything WILL be O.K." - I get this now.

We're still dealing with some of the same life struggles we faced when I was in my thirties. Even though those struggles are still quite significant, I now see how mundane they are and rarely pray about them. In the grand scheme of life, they don't rate.

When I was in church last week, I started thinking about my prayers from those times and how I've grown to understand that the secret to solutions is within us - and that prayers for souls, the human condition, our community, those we love, and visualizing the good, is where ultimate peace rests.

I feel I'm awake now.

As though I'd been handed a book with some of life's secrets in it. If I'm so blessed, I'm looking forward to the next book in twenty more years.

I've mastered forgiveness.

I can unequivocally state that I've got this one down without giving away anything overtly personal. What I understand most about forgiveness is that it's not up to me to 'forgive' others. It's lessons learned from all sides.

I approach the mistakes others make that hurt me, family, friends, or strangers as people who are either lost, dark, or learning at their own pace. Life is school; some of us are in pre-school while others have PhDs. No judging. Letting go.

Also, I disagree with the saying, "I forgive, but I'll never forget." If I have to hold any grudge, including 'never forgetting,' it's not forgiveness. You can read more about this in an article I wrote many years ago called "The Secret to Life."

Despite life's changes over the past twenty years, the words to this poem I wrote so long ago still stand.

Angels on Duty - Starting Our Day with a Helping Hand

Again, I wrote this one about twenty years ago. Of all the poems I've written over the past fifty years, this is one of my favorites.

The poem was written to visualize how Angels begin their daily work, helping us as soon as we wake up.

It's about waking up in the morning, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed, bending over with your hands over your face as you pause, thinking about the challenges you face today, and wondering if you have the strength to do it. Without knowing, there's an Angel present, whispering affirmations and confirmations that 'everything will be okay' and that you're not alone, and yes, you can do it.

Towards the end of last year, I achieved a bucket list item: I published a book featuring 50 years of my poems. Change, perspective, growth - it's all good. #bethechange #spreadthewordofgood

We Will Have Morning Smiles by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

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Thursday, June 13, 2019

Reviewing - Will That Be Regular or Ethyl?

Will That Be Regular or Ethyl? book cover

My cousin's husband grew up in a small town in mid Missouri. He recently published a book he wrote about his growing up years.

Growing Up Along Route 66 in 1950's Missouri

This is a delightful book filled with anecdotes about life in a small town in the 1950's. Remember when:

Kids rode their bikes all over town

Members of the opposite sex had "Cooties"

Students got their vaccinations at school

To research a subject you used the Encyclopedia

Some teachers resorted to paddling to keep kids in line

Gas for your vehicle was filled by the attendant who also would sell you needed repairs for the car

Lessons for Life

Small town living gave DeWayne many lessons that were to last throughout his life. Some of these included a strong work ethic built while working in the family chicken hatchery, a church community that is a big part of every day life, and a large family that looked out for each other.

DeWayne's father also gained some great insights from his father who was a rather quiet man, but taught through his examples.

A job at a gas station on Route 66 was also full of lots of humorous incidents and some good life lessons.

Humorous Incidents

There are many humorous incidents scattered throughout the book as DeWayne gives us a glimpse into his childhood. Here are just few of the many you won't want to miss.

Cow Patty Softball

Mishap while fishing in frozen pond

Church organist falling asleep when time to play

Mishaps at the service station on Route 66

So, if you are looking for a walk down memory lane and you want to read a book that is sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, but always realistic be sure to pick up "Will that be Regular or Ethyl?".