2020 has gone by so fast and will go down as being one of the most “memorable” years in history. There were great moments and great losses but one thing is certain, we ALL learned how to adjust. Some of us were pleasantly surprised by the new lifestyle change and fully embraced it. Others endured much pain with these changes but were able to find light in other things. We all got the opportunity to rearrange our priorities and focus on what really matters.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, now is the perfect time to reflect on all the things 2020 has brought to your life and feel gratitude for all the precious memories and experiences we were able to have. It may not be everyone’s favorite year but it will be the year no one forgets!
We were inspired by this list of movies that inspire gratitude as to share with you. Below are a few of our favorites from the list!
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Classic story of discovering how of our individual lives impact the world, and realizing in the end how wonderful our life is in spite of it’s flaws.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
A story of women learning the value of friendship and what it takes to love and be true to ourselves.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
An uplifting story of how a job can be transformed into a soul-satisfying vocation.
Life As A House (2001)
A father-son drama about overcoming the miss-steps of the past and that a healing is not always a cure.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on the true story of how a father overcame tremendous odds to give his son a better life.
To see complete list of 30 Inspiring movies visit: 30 Inspiring movies I am grateful for
Wishing you all a safe, joyous and wonderful holiday week full of gratitude!
See you at the Ruby! (Soon)
November’s wonderful Leonid meteor shower is active from about November 6 to 30 each year. The peak is expected in 2020 on the morning of November 17. The shower happens as our world crosses the orbital path of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Like many comets, Tempel-Tuttle litters its orbit with bits of debris. It’s when this cometary debris enters Earth’s atmosphere and vaporizes that we see the Leonid meteor shower. In 2020, the moon – in a waxing crescent phase – will set in early evening, to provide moon-free skies after midnight when the most meteors typically fall. In a dark sky, with no moon, you can see up to 10 to 15 meteors per hour at the peak.
We were inspired to share movies that are out of this world to honor these meteors and remember no matter how much is going on in this earth, there is a whole galaxy full of life, magic and wonder happening right above us. We hope this list of 25 of the best Space Movies fills you with insight and possibility. Below are a few of our favorites from the list.
The Fifth Element (1997)
The Fifth Element was released in 1997, and it would still be ahead of its time if it came out today. It’s a fantastical depiction of the future that never loses sight of the essential absurdity of human beings and the societies we create.
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar brought me on an emotional voyage unlike anything I’ve felt before. I saw it three times in IMAX over the first few weeks of its release because I may never again come so close to experiencing the sensation of traveling through space and time.
Gattaca (1997)
An original sci-fi movie with top-of-the-line movie stars and a cameo from Gore Vidal. Remember when that was possible? Gattaca is a story about the dangers of eugenics centered on three objectively genetically blessed white people, but once you get past that minor hurdle, Andrew Niccol’s 1997 feature is the best kind of thought experiment — pointed and human-scale in a way that encourages us to emotionally invest in its hypotheticals.
Wall-E (2008)
Wall-E is the most experimental and audacious film Pixar has ever made. As far as animated movies for kids go, this one stands out for having the most socially responsible message since FernGully, its use of live action actors in quick-cut scenes, and essentially being a silent film for the entire first half. Wall-E poetically issues a stern warning about the consequences of society’s blatant disregard for the planet and our increased dependence on automation and technology while sending a ray of hope via the uncompromising spirit of life.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Apollo 13 is the least existential space movie ever made, and that’s probably why it’s the most rewatchable one. It is a love letter to American ingenuity and a testament to the charms of Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon being trapped in a flying thimble together. It also features one of the great exhale crescendos in blockbuster history. It’s easy to tell a story where everything that can go wrong does go wrong, but this is a movie where everything goes right.
To see complete list and descriptions, visit 25 of the best Space Movies
We are looking up for brighter days ahead. We miss seeing you all and wish health and safety to the entire community.
See you at the Ruby! (Soon)
What a week it’s been for America. Honoring those who have served for our country couldn’t come at a better time. This November 11th is Veterans Day and whether you are a Veteran, have a loved one who is or you are just proud to be an American, we are hoping you have some time to enjoy a movie from this list about their bravery and honor!
We thank all who have served, for their service and courage. God Bless America!
American Sniper (2014)
The Oscar-nominated movie is based on the life of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle (Cooper). The movie follows Kyle’s life in the battlefield as the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 255 kills and how his military duty takes a heavy toll on his personal life.
The Hurt Locker (2008)
The film follows a bomb squad in Iraq and highlights the group’s bravery while dismantling each bomb. Renner’s performance as Staff Sergeant William James earned him an Oscar nomination. With this movie, Bigelow became the first female director to win an Oscar in the Best Director category.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
The movie, based on a series of Philadelphia Inquirer articles and a book by reporter Mark Bowen, chronicles the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. It follows 160 U.S. soldiers, who conduct a raid to capture the top lieutenants of a warlord and are caught in the ensuing war. The film won Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
Jarhead (2005)
This war drama has its origins in the 2003 eponymous memoir of U.S. Marine Anthony Swofford. The movie chronicles the life of a U.S. Marine (Gyllenhaal), who trains to be a sniper and is deputed to Kuwait. His struggles with the pressures of war and the uncertainty dwelling over his love life back home form a major part of the movie.
The Patriot (2000)
A peaceful Southern farmer, Benjamin (Gibson), gets swept into the American Revolutionary War. Benjamin, a veteran, builds his own militia to counter the offense.
For more iconic movies like these visit, 22 movies to watch on Veterans day.
See you at the Ruby, Soon!
The annual Mexican celebration, Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living families in homes, businesses and cemeteries. The Aztec honored their dead with fiestas and rituals during the harvest season. They viewed death as the beginning of the cycle of seasons and life.
Día de Muertos festivity takes place at the end of October and November 1st and 2nd each year in Mexico. This is a joyful festivity for families and the community. Music is played at home and at the cemeteries. October 28th is the day of the Accidentados, those souls that died in accidents. On October 31st we honor the souls of children, called los angelitos. On November 1st, we remember the spirits of adults. The spirits are believed to depart the following day, November 2nd. Entire Mexican families construct traditional ofrendas (altars, offerings) that reflect a mixture of Catholicism and ancient Mexican/Aztec cultural practices. The altars vary greatly, depending on village and regional traditions. In the homes, much effort goes into preparing traditional foods.
In honor of this fun, colorful ritual, we have found a list for 5 Day of the Dead movies you need to see to give you more insight on the festivities and their meaning to the culture. This same website also has more on tradition, recipes, history and more! Who knows, if you haven’t already adapted this wonderful tradition, maybe you will be inspired to do so next year or at least, have a better understanding around the classic celebration.
Coco
One such wonderful area that’s ripe with creativity is animation, and one of the most fantastical examples is Coco which places Mexican culture and tradition at centerstage in the best possible way. As such, it has opened Americans up to the holiday to an extent where it is now far more broadly celebrated in households than ever before. This all too humorous film, that many people will happily tell you is absolutely for the whole family, relies heavily on real life customs that are found throughout Mexico.
James Bond’s Spectre
When you mention the Day of the Dead to someone who lives outside of Latin America, fairly often one of their biggest points of reference is the opening sequence in James Bond’s Spectre, where the movie score mixes almost spellbindingly with an extravagant Day of the Dead parade, all of which takes place in Mexico city’s historic downtown district. It’s an amazing tracking shot that goes on for a full 4 minutes and makes you feel as though you are right in the festivities.
The Book of Life
This is a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously and, to this end, allows the audience to wonder on a personal level about the possible meanings that accompany the Day of the Dead. The interesting thing about it is that, despite the fact that the main focus is Mexican culture, it has a distinctly European warmth and air about it that gives it a fairy tale like quality. In many ways it looks like a movie that takes place in Spain and, as such, it highlights how the Day of the Dead gained international recognition after blending Mexican culture with European leanings.
Macario
Macario may be characterized as a fantastical drama and as such it is anything but a typical film. It’s actually an adaptation of a novel by Bruno Traven who, in turn, adopted it from a Grimm brothers tale. It was a great success and became the first film shot in Mexico to be nominated for an Oscar.
The story takes place in the 18th century when Mexico was still being called New Spain. It serves as a wonderful introduction to the moodiness that’s associated with the Day of the Dead while at the same time appears to he potently cinematic.
To get more information on Di De Los Muretos, visit: Day of the Dead Holiday
See you at the Ruby! (Soon)
The air is just a bit chillier, the nights are a little bit darker and the creeks and whistles are a little bit louder this time of year. There is no denying that October brings an oh-so-welcomed spooky feelings, thoughts and stories. But the terror doesn’t really set in until you carve a pumpkin and put on a scary movie! Some of the most classic and celebrated films are based around Hallow’s Eve. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites but, this list is not for the faint of heart. Put on your nightlight and join us for an epic lineup of some of the most haunting films to watch during Halloween! Muhahahaha!
Scream (1996)
This clever-yet-scary slasher movie/black comedy stars a variety of big stars, from Courtney Cox to Drew Barrymore, and continues to be a fan-favorite hit.
Beetlejuice (1988)
This Tim Burton horror/comedy follows a ghost couple who haunt their prior home, alongside, of course, a devious poltergeist named Beetlejuice. Watch for the laughs and THE famed striped suit.
The Craft (1996)
Four high schoolers discover witchcraft—what could possibly go wrong? The campy thriller explores the spiraling effects of the supernatural on a Los Angeles high school campus.
Ghostbusters (1984)
For a family-friendly option, stream the Halloween comedy classic, Ghostbusters. But, be warned, you may not be able to get the jingle out of your head for days.
Us (2019)
If you liked Get Out, try Us, a slasher movie also from Jordan Peele. Set in the 1980s, the horror film follows a young woman (Lupita Nyong’o) and her family who encounter a group of violent doppelgängers.
For even more classic thrillers visit the complete list of 29 Classic Halloween movies to watch for a scary evening in. Sleep tight and Happy Halloween!
See you at the Ruby! (soon)
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