There are so many reasons to go see Kung Fu Panda 2 that instead of a movie review here is a list of the Top 10 Reasons to go see the movie:

10. Jackie Chan is in the movie.

9. Who doesn’t like a bunch of animals performing crazy Kung Fu?!?

8. The Fabulous Five exemplify great teamwork and support for one another.

7. A family is love.

6. In the words of my 8 year old: Kung Fu Panda 2 teaches you how to let go of your bad stuff and think about all the good stuff.

5. Be inspired to find your own inner peace.

4. You will be laughing from start to finish.

3. Amazing Animations! I swear you forget you are watching a cartoon.

2. You will leave Kung Fu Panda 2 energized and happy.

AND

1. The life lessons and martial arts philosophy, crosses generations, culture and time.

I know what you are thinking, how is Cars a martial arts movie? Well if you get past the cartoon kids theme and simply enjoy the story, there are many important martial arts and life lessons contained within the movie. Lightening McQueen is an aspiring rookie race car, who is focused only on himself and what others can provide for him. His only goal in life, is to win the coveted Piston Cup. When a late night detour lands him in a small town called Radiator Springs, Lightening McQueen begins a life transforming journey. Along his path he meets and befriends many "cars" that help him to realize the true meaning of life. If you have not seen this movie, we don't want to give the ending away but we do hope you will take the time to watch with an empty cup or open mind. Allow yourself to absorb the life lessons provided and see how Lightening McQueen shows us all how we can still follow our true passion while living a more peaceful, meaningful life.

The much anticipated remake of The Karate Kid has been released and I for one thoroughly enjoyed themovie. No, it’s not the original but I believe this remake has it’s very own charm and pearls of wisdom. Most of the movie plot is very familiar. Dre, played by Jaden Smith is a young boy forced to uproot from Detroit with his mom and move to Beijing, China. Predictably a group of local boys begin to bully Dre. When the maintenance man, from the building that Dre and his mom live in, played by none other than Jackie Chan, sees what is going on, he reluctantly agrees to train Dre in the ancient Chinese martial art of Kung Fu. Through the process of observing Dre’s training, the film imparts many important life lessons that can be learned though the study of the martial arts.

The martial arts action scenes do not disappoint even the most avid martial arts movie buff and some of the training is done against the backdrop of some amazing scenery that was shot in China. I also appreciated the comedic breaks that both Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith offered. Yet, I believe the biggest asset this movie has to offer is the opportunity to discuss the true intent of the martial arts and what it truly means to be a martial artist with your children. These ideals were presented beautifully and with some very simple discussion with my kids (ages 7 and 10) I found out they too grasped the concepts being presented. Although, I still love the Original Karate Kid, I would absolutely see the remake. If you go with an empty cup, you will be amazed with what you take from the film.

A side note: This movie is rated PG, so those with younger children may want to consider the violence related to the fighting scenes.

The Express is a wonderful story based on the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. It eloquently and realistically depicts one man’s fight for equality within the sports world and within his life and one team's amazing journey to excellence. You do not need to be a sports fan to appreciate the struggles this young man faced throughout his life or the grace and character he displayed while overcoming all obstacles on the path to obtaining his lifelong goals.

If you want to view a movie that will remind you that one individual has the power to change the world they live in, if you want to feel empowered to reach for your own personal goals, if you are looking for inspiration to attain more than you thought possible, then watch The Express. You will not be disappointed.

I know what you are thinking...an animated movie? Is this really going to motivate or enlighten me? Well to all my skeptics, prepare yourselves to be pleasantly surprised. Kung Fu Panda is a wonderful story about a panda bear named Po who longs to be a martial artist but does not believe in himself or his abilities. As fate would have it, Po ends up in the middle of the choosing of the next Dragon Warrior and at the request of the Master Oogway is asked to be trained in the art of Kung Fu. A Sensei named Shifu is given the arduous task of training Po. Despite a less than thrilled Sensei Shifu, we get to observe both Po and his Sensei as they both grow during this amazing journey.

When Tai Lung, a rouge martial artist escapes prison, the furious five and Po must band together to defend their village and their home. Along the journey you will be enlightened by a myriad of martial arts lessons, including living in the present and ones greatest strength lies within oneself. Whether you are a child or an adult, everyone will not only be entertained but will gain something from watching this movie. If you haven’t already seen it, I would encourage you to do so. If you have watched it before, I would encourage you to watch it again with an empty cup and see what new insight you might gain from it. It is definitely worth your time!