A Lesson From Ocean’s Eleven

A Lesson From Ocean’s Eleven

Based on the 1960 story by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell, this Steven Soderbergh-directed film is a remake of the “Rat Pack” version of the film that starred Frank Sinatra. In this version, which stars George Clooney (Danny Ocean), Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan), and Matt Damon (Linus Caldwell), Ocean and his team of thieves set out to rob a Las Vegas casino.

The Setup

Ocean and his protégé Linus are attempting to blow the door to the Bellagio vault so they can rescue their team member and get access to the cash inside. During the scene, Ocean’s batteries die in the device he is using to blow explosives. Luckily, Linus is prepared with extra batteries so they can continue the operation and rob the casino.

The Quote 

Linus: You know, you lose focus in this game for one second…
Danny: I know, somebody gets hurt.

The Lesson

Always remain focused and you won’t find yourself stuck when things go wrong. Although it may seem like a pain in the ass when you are trying to get ready to do something, being prepared will keep you from failing when problems arise. Do your best to remain vigilant when trying to accomplish your goals so that if things don’t work out the way you plan, you will be able to keep going and get the job done.

A Lesson From Dogma

A Lesson from Dogma

This 1999 film from writer/director/star Kevin Smith takes a poke at modern religion by telling the tale of two fallen angels looking to get back into heaven by taking advantage of a little-known papal sanction called plenary indulgence, which supposedly removes sin from all who seek it. The forces of good, led by Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a woman who works at an abortion clinic, do their best to keep Bartleby  (Ben Affleck), a watcher, and Loki (Matt Damon), a former angel of death, from destroying the world.

During the course of the film, Bethany meets a number of spiritual teachers and prophets ―  Metatron (Alan Rickman), Rufis the 13^th apostle (Chris Rock), Serendipity (Salma Hayek), and unlikely heroes Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) ― who all help her prepare for the final battle to save the universe.

More than just a tale of conflicting religious ideals, Dogma tries to get people to step outside of their religious beliefs and understand that we should be more accepting of one another and the differences in our beliefs. It also teaches that people should have an open heart and mind, so they can move past the one-sided traditions of religious ideologies and become closer to God in their own way by accepting those whose religious beliefs are different.

The Setup:

Bethany and Rufus are having a discussion about God and Jesus’ opinions about beliefs and the negativity associated with organized religions. Bethany, who is slowly finding her faith throughout the movie, is confronted by Rufus. According to Rufus,  who sat with Jesus before his death, although people think they know what God wanted when it comes to religion, no religious group has gotten it exactly right and too much damage has been done by people who claimed to be doing God’s will.

The Quote:

Bethany: Having beliefs isn’t good?
Rufus: I think it’s better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier. Life should malleable and progressive; working from idea to idea permits that. Beliefs anchor you to certain points and limit growth; new ideas can’t generate. Life becomes stagnant.

The Lesson:

Don’t get caught up in a belief or a system of beliefs that keep you from living honorably and compassionately. We are constantly changing, so if you are stuck holding on to beliefs instead of learning, growing, and moving with the times, your mindset will quickly become outdated and will only cause you pain.

This doesn’t mean that you should jump every time someone comes into your life and suggests that you should do something in a particular way, but this principal of learning, growing, and moving with the times does suggest that you should be willing to listen to what people have to say, and if it makes sense, add it to your philosophy. You don’t always get things right the first time, and sticking to a distorted view of the world harms yourself and others, especially if you condemn those who don’t think the way you do.

Lesson #2

Not everything you are told by those in power is right, so you have to ask questions and thoroughly think things through for yourself. If what you have learned resonates in your heart (not your ego), use the new knowledge to make your life even better. Be wary of those who tell you that their way is the only way, because although their intentions may be pure in their eyes, they are trying to get you to accept their beliefs when you should be listening to yourself and your heart. Following others can lead to passive ignorance, which should be avoided.

Although people who try to change you may offer some the truth in their words and thoughts, the mere fact that they insist that their way is the right way is already wrong.  No one has it completely right except for God/the universe (if you believe in God/the universe as a higher power). Do your best to keep an open mind and think for yourself. Nothing is wrong with believing in something if you are willing to listen to what others have to say and if you are tolerant of their beliefs. You never know what you might learn from others ― if you are willing to be open-minded.

 

A Lesson From Rounders

A Lesson from Rounders

Directed by John Dahl and written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, this film is the most well-known poker film to date. Having influenced a generation of poker players to take up the game, few people can argue with the impact this movie has had on the sport. Despite being a fictional tale based on the story of poker player Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), the movie more than a movie about poker because it portrays many real-life scenarios both on and off the felt, which is why it attracted legions of fans.

The Set-Up:

The opening scene in which McDermott plays Russian card-room owner Teddy KGB (John Malkovich)  in hopes of doubling his bank roll so he can try his luck in Las Vegas is an experience all too common in poker. Players get in over their heads, and even though they may be better players than their opponents, they lose because of variance or as some might say, “the luck of the draw.”

During this amazing and heartbreaking start to the film, McDermott talks to the audience, explaining the rules that every poker player should live by and ominously foretells his soon-to-be-realized downfall at the hands of the “mad Russian.” On this particular day, , McDermott, like any poker player who has played long enough, loses his shirt despite being one of the best players in the room. And this is how he starts his journey of self-discovery ― and his return to the top.

The Quote:

Mike McDermott: “Listen, here’s the thing. If you can’t spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker.”

The Lesson:

Always pay attention to your situation and who you are playing the game with. If you think people or groups are taking advantage of you, or if your head is simply not in the game, cut your losses and walk away quickly. Realizing that someone is taking advantage of you or that you are not equal to the competition should tell you that you are in over your head.

The worst things you can do is to ignore that you are struggling or to stay in the game longer than you have to once you sense that things aren’t going your way. Don’t let your ego tell you there is no tomorrow (a critical mistake poker players make) ― there will always be another hand, game or opportunity to get back into the action. Failing to see things for what they are will only push you deeper into self-induced madness and eventually leave you with nothing but a sob story that few want to hear.

Don’t ignore the warning signs that something is wrong. Recognize that in the game of life, as at the poker table, the odds may sometimes be insurmountable even though on a good day you can beat most people in the game. Accept the temporary defeat and leave yourself enough to work with so that you can move onto the next challenge for which your talent and skills position you for a positive outcome.