If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Highlighting determination and success this true story begins in 1957 with the launch of launch of the Sputnik. The space race goes into high gear. Homer butts heads with his father's antiquated  blue collar ethic by shunning a life in the coal mines and pursuing the cerebral paths science. In the end, with nothing but a makeshift backwoods launching pad Homer succeeds launching his rocket and the hopes of an entire town into space. This is a great movie for introducing children to the aspects of the cold war and the space race. TOP

Stephen King's story about hope and friendship comes alive in The Shawshank Redemption.  Incredibly uplifting despite its dismal setting within a prison, the story follows the story of framed wife murder, Andy Dufrain (Robbins) and his friendship with admitted murderer Red (Freeman) within the confines of the maximum security prison.  If you're like us, you'll watch the more than two hours over and over again just to feel the wonderful sense of satisfaction the last five minutes of the movie delivers. The sentiment is pure, rewarding and wonderful.  TOP

Brian’s Song

1971: G
Starring: James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden

Director: Buzz Kulik

73 Minutes
 

Immigrant Latino's can't do Calculus, right? Wrong, but to get the chance they must first put aside the prejudices of the school administration, their parents and find within each of them the courage to do what has never been done.  Did we mention these are poor kids surviving in the slums of Los Angeles, surrounded by gangs, apathetic parents and a society that tells them they are second rate?   Talk about a stacked deck of negativity.  Enter Herme Escalante, a simple math teacher who ignites the passion for learning in his students and shows them they do have what it takes and they can succeed.  All they have to do is put in the time and stick with it. Yet even when they succeed, their success is questioned.  One of the best movies of all time illustrating the power of personal belief and never giving in.  TOP

Sissy Spacek sings every song in this movie and won the Oscar® for her portrayal of rags to riches country-music legend Loretta Lynn. Tommy Lee Jones plays her other half who takes her from teenage bride to superstar.  This is one movie that will make you believe in the American Dream and the power of talent and perseverance.  It also shows that even superstars have problems, and ultimately we are all human.   TOP

Breaking through the status quo, Sally Field won an Oscar for her portrayal of naive textile worker, widow, and mother who finally says "Enough" and rallies her co-workers to unionize the textile mill. by standing up for her rights in the workplace.  Illustrating dogged determination at its best, Norma Rae shows the power even one uneducated single mother can have once she puts her mind to it. Another favorite movie with a similar theme is Silkwood starring Meryl Streep, Cher and Kurt Russell.

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Taming the demons inside, in this case genius John Nash's schizophrenia will take you into the world of imagined reality and the cruelty others have towards a disease they don't understand.  A study in mind over matter that  can be empathized by anyone struggling with a disability or addiction, A Beautiful Mind is complex, heart-wrenching and a testament to the power of marital love, facing reality, never giving up and overcoming the odds .  TOP

One man can change the world and Mel Gibson's Braveheart proves this.  Based upon the true story of Scottish hero William Wallace, historians will bristle at the facts as the storyline covers two complete centuries within a few years of one man's life and contains few historically accurate events.  But who cares!  The story is wonderful and covers all human emotions.  Mel Gibson as Wallace portrays a man both aggressive and vulnerable.  Angus MacFadyen's portrayal of Sir Robert the Bruce is one of the great performance illustrating a man caught between passion, morality and duty.  Though very violent and brutally illustrative of medieval torture and the depths of horror men can fall to, Braveheart inspires on all levels leaves each wishing to be a Scot!   TOP

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1989: PG
Starring:  Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
Director: Peter Weir

118 Minutes

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One of our favorite Robin Williams movies, Dead Poet's Society focuses on the magic and freedom education brings to young minds willing to embrace its wisdom. It's about challenging the status quo, rebelling against convention and ultimately finding your own voice and inner strength. Poignant, at times funny and quite tragic in the end, it delivers the soul and inspirational messages of a modern day Shakespearian tragedy wrapped in the meanings of Aesop's Fables.

Appreciating Life

Frequency

2000: PG-13
Starring: Dennis Quaid, James Caviezel
Director: Gregory Hoblit

119 Minutes

Frequency is  two different--though completely linked movies: A father/son story and a crime solving mystery. HAMM radio fans will love the fact that it is this radio which reunites father and son through thirty years time travel.  Together they help solve a crime, rediscover each other and advert disaster. 

The Rookie

2002: G
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths
Director: John Lee Hancock
118 Minutes

A Dreams really can come true, and this is the movie for anyone who's overcome the odds to succeed!  The Rookie is the inspirational story Jim Morris' middle aged dream of pitching again in the Major Leagues Ignoring naysayers and those saying he's too old, he takes the chance and accomplishes his dream. TOP

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