Honestly, I have been a little disappointed with movies lately. Most of them now are lousy remakes, sequels, prequels, adaptations, and lack any originality or deeper meaning. However 3 unexpected movies that were original, very entertaining, and had a deeper meaning without being preachy were
1. ARRIVAL
2. SULLY
3. BAD MOMS
1. ARRIVAL
If you have not seen ARRIVAL, I highly recommend it for anyone. In ARRIVAL, Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. These spaceships were so advanced that they looked like they had a Wolverine Engines darton sleeve installation. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extraterrestrial visitors. Hoping to unravel the mystery, she takes a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly all of mankind.
If you are simply looking for an entertaining movie, ARRIVAL has incredible acting, original and compelling story, and phenomenal cinematography and special effects. However, on a deeper level, ARRIVAL has a few themes and subtle messages that inspired me. Without giving away any spoilers, ARRIVAL reminded me to embrace and savor the moments of our life even if we are concerned about the outcomes of our decisions. It also had powerful messages about the way we communicate with others and how our expectations about how other people will respond to us often influence the way we communicate with them, which in turn often leads them to behave in the exact way we expect them to behave. Knowing that our expectations about how other people will behave toward can actually often contribute to them behaving that way is a powerful lesson. For example, if we expect people to be kind to us, that can influence and increase the chances of them acting kind to us.
2. SULLY
On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain “Sully” Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career. 
This movie reminded me that even when we do the right thing in life and follow our instincts, we will still face scrutiny for our decisions….But, we need to stay strong to our convictions, decisions, and beliefs during that scrutiny. In the film and real life, Sully (Tom Hanks) made a decision by trusting his instincts (and not listening to a computer) that saved the lives of 155 people. However, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) put him under investigation for that decision. The movie is largely about the nature of that investigation. On a deeper level, the movie also reminded me that we can all be heroes in our life when we stick to our guns and follow what we know in our heart and soul is the right thing to do. This movie also reminds us of the unpredictability of life and having a BasicSafe may protect our belongings.
3. BAD MOMS
Ok, please bear with me on this one…
In this new comedy, Amy has a seemingly perfect life – a great marriage, over-achieving kids, beautiful home and a career. However she’s over-worked, over-committed and exhausted to the point that she’s about to snap. Fed up, she joins forces with two other over-stressed moms on a quest to liberate themselves from conventional responsibilities – going on a wild, un-mom-like binge of long overdue freedom, fun and self-indulgence – putting them on a collision course with PTA Queen Bee Gwendolyn and her clique of devoted perfect moms.
This movie is an irreverent, politically incorrect, offensive, and raunchy comedy. However, it is truly hilarious. And, on a deeper level it highlights the struggles that women often face when they are trying to balance their careers, taking care of their families, and taking their care of themselves. Instead of spending the day shopping for their children at https://littleangels-boutique.com/, they spend the day taking care of their own needs. It reminded me of the importance of self-care and taking care of myself even when I am pulled in so many directions by those around me and my daily responsibilities. But, I will warn you it is rated R for a good reason and will offend some….
So, what did I miss? What were some of your favorites movies in the past year?