NEW YEARS 2012 Cinema Siren Suggests: 10 movies to inspire

First let Cinema Siren end this year by thanking readers and send out appreciation to you. You who have become so loyal and have taken my opinions and suggestions to heart. Some of you have come to visit my alter ego Leslie at ArtInsights in Reston just to say hi. How wonderful!

Moving on…Forget about the films of dark intensity members of the academy tend to favor at Oscar time. There'll be plenty of those movies mentioned and recommended in January.

As New Years approaches, take a moment, no matter how the year has been for you, to pat yourself on the back for still being here, and for all the good you've done. Remember even if it wasn't one of your better years, it could always be worse. If it was particularly great, start imagining next year being even more spectacular! In the next few days, we could all use some truly uplifting and positive cinema to help us focus on what we can accomplish for ourselves, through our new years resolutions…or hard work, smart work, a positive outlook, belief in our own magic, and maybe a little help?

Let's look at a list of films that can inspire us in our change and forward movement...

Ground hog day (1993)

Celebrates: It's never too late

Far deeper than just a comedy, Bill Murray's tour de force about a jerk who changes for the better after repeating the same day thousands of times shows we're never too old to learn, and we can always change, no matter how stuck we become. Voted by AFI as the 8th best film in the fantasy genre for good reason.

Strictly ballroom (1992)

Celebrates: Taking a chance

Baz Luhrmann's romcom (that predates Dancing With The Stars) is one of the most successful Australian films of all time. A maverick ballroom dancer uses new steps and untested partner in ballroom competition. Sometimes we need reminding that we can succeed by listening to our own instincts and following our own passion even when we are told it's against the rules.

The fisher king (1991)

celebrates: Letting go

Terry Gilliam's cinematic ode to magical realism starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges is about loss, redemption, and friendship. It is a visual stunner with depth in which most anyone will find meaning and clues to healing themselves or help the healing of those they love. Rolling Stone said "it sweeps you up on waves of humor, heartbreak and ravishing romance." What could be a better way to start the new year?

Sullivan's travels (1941)

celebrates: Changing your viewpoint

A Hollywood director (Joel McCrea) experiences an epiphany when he goes on the road as a penniless hobo and discovers making people laugh is a great gift he can give the world. Written and directed by comic genius Preston Sturges, it features the gorgeous Veronica Lake and is in the National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Cast Away (2000)

celebrates: Perserverance

The Zemeckis directed movie starring Tom Hanks shows how one man can survive and adapt to any adversity. Wilson, the lead character's inanimate volleyball friend was inspired by the volleyball that washed up onshore while screenwriter William Broyles had deliberately stranded himself on a deserted island for a week.

Pleasantville (1998)

Celebrates: Innocence & wisdom coexisting

A fantasy where two jaded teenagers (Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon) get sucked into a 1958 sitcom show akin to Father Knows Best is a beautiful statement about choosing innocence while still expanding your self awareness. This very inventive movie was seen as a social commentary but don't ignore the great messages about embracing who and what you want to be, no matter what your age.

Shawshank redemption (1994)

Celebrates: Keeping hope alive

This perennial favorite based on a Steven King short story is the ultimate movie about keeping faith in the future when all seems hopeless. An Incarcerated and wrongly accused man finds his way in an incredibly dark environment. This is always a great movie if feeling particularly hopeless yourself, or just if you want to end up feeling great.

Cinema Paradiso (1989)

Celebrates: Finding paradise in what you do

This Italian Oscar winner shows a young boy and old projectionist sharing the love of movies as they transport the townspeople in their movie house to the magic world their imaginations and the magic of movies provide. A great message to those searching for their calling, to move in the direction of what inspires you, and finding the beauty in whatever you do in the meantime.

Saint Ralph (2004)

Celebrates: Miracles happen every day

A 14 year old in Canadian Catholic school decides winning the 1953 Boston Marathon will be the miracle that will wake his mother from a coma. This irreverent coming of age indie sounds sad, but is incredibly uplifting.

The African Queen (1951)

Celebrates: Overcoming the odds

Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn go up the river in Africa directed by John Huston. They play inflexible opposites who come together beautifully. This is great to show us there's always a way to get where we want to go, and if we don't get there, the journey might be worth it anyway.

AND BRING IN THE NEW~

The Way

Celebrates: getting on with it

A wonderful new movie starring Martin Sheen where he hikes in Spain in honor of his lost son and finds new friends and his own way in the process. (in theaters)

Midnight in Paris

Celebrates: Being Here Now

A time-bender by Woody Allen lovingly filmed in Paris that inspires us to choose this moment and see the opportunities present there. You'll love this warm positive valentine to the city featuring Marion Cotillard and Owen Wilson. (new on dvd)

Crazy Stupid Love

Celebrates: forgiving yourself

Gorgeous tanned Ryan Gosling retrains an awkward divorcee (Steve Carell) to be a playboy. Hearts and noses get broken, but a renewed belief in love and soulmates rises from the trainwreck. Sometimes you need lots of laughter (and gorgeous pecs)with a bit of a lesson mixed in. This one's for you. (new on dvd)

CHICK FLICK honorable mention:

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Celebrates: finding your place

This chick flick with gorgeous scenery of the Italian countryside and coastline about starting over and finding a new family of friends. To those who are thinking it's too late to travel and see the world, this one will kick start your motivation. Maybe 2012 is the year you are finally meant to go!

So enjoy these lovely inspirational flicks as you ring in the new. And here's to the great new movies we can look forward to next year. Salut! May you have a wonderful safe New Year's Eve, and trust in your ability to see the many opportunities coming your way in 2012. Cinema Siren toasts you.

Have a joyful one!

Other movies to consider:

Grand Canyon

Rudy

Whale rider

Millions

Fried Green Tomatoes

The Green Mile

October sky

Babette's feast

Greenfingers

Chocolat