Uplifting Films

Uplifting Films is a spiritual but nonreligious evaluation of both mainstream and independent films. It can be thought of as a guide to mind nutrition for film viewers. We recommend movies that have a positive vision of life, leave you feeling good and contain little or no gratuitous violence, exploitative sex or other types of negative imagery. We talk about films that delight, inspire, educate and enlighten. We are primarily for positive films, not against negative ones. Our reviews come from the heart as well as the intellect, our criteria are compassion and love.

We look for positive role models, important messages, humor, positive women's or children's points of view. Political films are included but we warn viewers if there is disturbing content. Occasionally, we find an action adventure film that we recommend. We are not advocates of censorship; for example, we have no objection to loving sexuality on screen, but we do note its presence out of respect for those who want to avoid it. We hope that by supporting positive films, more will be made and their prominence in the fabric of society expanded.

Baby Boom (1987), directed by Charles Shyer w/Diane Keaton, Harold Ramis, Sam Shepard, Sam Wanamaker, James Spader, Pat Hingle

A very funny film about a high level businesswoman whose life is changed by a baby and moving to the country. Comical escapades ensue while she trys to balance a career, a child and a social life. An inspiration to women and men who are stretched thin between work commitments and being available for their children. Good messages for women who want to do their own thing, and are willing to take chances and trust in themselves. She realizes life is not about materialism, but about relationships and happiness.

Grumpy Old Men (1993), directed by Daniel Petrie, Donald Petrie, Douglas E. Wise w/Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Ann Margret, Daryl Hannah

A delightful film about the spirit of humanity as it peeks through the layers of human hubris which two elderly near neighbors (Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau) have built up between them over the years. Done totally tongue in cheek, this is a joyous experience all the way through. Ann Margret is the love interest and wise woman who reminds them that life is worth living. [The sequel, Grumpier Old Men, was released on video last year], the further adventures of these comical characters.

Mr. Destiny (1990), directed by James Orr w/James Belushi, Linda Hamilton, Michael Caine, Jon Lovitz, Rene Russo, Courtney Cox

Light comedy with a heavy metaphysical message. If you've ever felt that you've missed the boat in life, and that everything would have been better "if only..." then this is the film to watch. It helps you realize that where you are in life is the best place for you to be, and you laugh a lot in the process. Anyone who laments the past after seeing this film has missed the boat.

A middle-class guy gets to change his past and watch his new future unfold, with some surprising, funny and illuminating results.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), directed by Chris Columbus and Geoff Hansen w/Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan

A hilarious and great movie for young or old viewers. Robin Williams' brilliant acting bolsters this story about an oddly irresponsible father who, in order to see his children in the midst of divorce, cross-dresses and becomes their nanny. As well as being totally entertaining for nearly everyone, this is an important film for anyone involved in a broken family to see. A good view of the effects of divorce on children, and the importance of overcoming anger in order to make it bearable. A very non-traditional Hollywood ending leaves us with an important message about divorce, parenting, the new nature of families, and love in the '90s.

Diana Oestreich and Elliott Landy are a husband and wife team with a lifelong passion for film and spirituality.

Diana Oestreich is a film producer. She has developed film projects for many actors, directors and studios including Warner Brothers, MGM, Paramount, HBO, CBS, Barbra Streisand, Christopher Reeve, and Goldie Hawn. She is currently developing a feature film which focuses on Zen Buddhism.

Elliott Landy is a well known photographer whose images of Woodstock, Dylan, the Band, and the sixties music scene are known worldwide. He has published several photography books, one of which, Woodstock Vision, The Spirit of A Generation, was released on CD-ROM by Panasonic Software in October.

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Uplifting Films by Diana & Elliott on the internet: http://www.upliftingfilms.com. Visit us for reviews of current films in theaters.