Hollywood Movies That Make You Think: Inception and Yes Man
Which Hollywood Movie Made You Think?
There are countless movies out there that entertain us, but some truly resonate with us on a deeper level, making us question our actions and beliefs. Two such examples are Inception and Yes Man.
Jim Carrey's 'Yes Man'
A fine example would be Jim Carrey’s 2008 film Yes Man. The premise is deceptively simple— a man, (colors: "#e5e5e5", "color1": "#0066cc", "color2": "#ff9900", "color3": "#66ccff", "color4": "#cc0000"); decides to say “yes” to everything. In our daily lives, it's often convenient to refuse even the simplest requests, as they might place us outside our comfort zone or be inconvenient. James Denton, the character played by Jim Carrey, misses out on a lot by having “no” as his default response. The film is based on a book by British comedian Danny Wallace, who challenged himself to say “yes” more often. Wallace's story and the film's concept inspire us to reflect on our own tendencies to refuse invitations, opportunities, and connections in life.
The Power of Saying 'Yes'
My cousin also attempted the "yes" challenge for a year, and his experiences proved to be life-changing. He joined in on sweepstakes, volunteered, and even starred in a commercial. However, the most memorable part of his journey was doing bungee jumping, which he would have never considered otherwise. This year without any “no’s” significantly altered his life. The movie Yes Man not only entertains but also challenges us to reconsider our autopilot “no” responses.
Inception: A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller
Inception, a 2010 science fiction action film, is another example of a movie that makes you think. Directed and written by Christopher Nolan, the film revolves around a thief, Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who excels in the dangerous art of extraction. During the dream state when the mind is at its weakest, he steals the deeply valued secrets of the subconscious. Cobb's rare abilities make him an iconic player in this treacherous world of corporate espionage, but they also make him an international fugitive.
Now, Cobb is given an opportunity to make a comeback by completing an inception mission: to insert a thought into the subconscious mind of a business rival. This mission is the most dangerous yet, as he and his team face a powerful enemy that can see through their plans and incessantly pursues them. The film showcases the intricate planning and execution required to pull off such a feat in the dream world.
Reflections and Insights
Both Yes Man and Inception are thought-provoking. In Yes Man, the concept challenges us to be more open to new experiences and to not dismiss opportunities out of hand. In Inception, the film prompts us to ponder the nature of dreams, reality, and the manipulation of the mind. These movies not only entertain but also spark meaningful discussions and reflections.
Final Thoughts
These films offer us valuable insights into different aspects of life. Yes Man emphasizes the transformative power of embracing new experiences, while Inception explores the intricacies of the human psyche and the boundaries between reality and fiction. Whether you watch them for their engaging storytelling or for the thought they provoke, these films are worth your time.