Victor de la Cruz

“You’re right hand comes off?”

From: Resident Evil 4

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Barry BurtonLeon S. Kennedy

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Capcom’s Resident Evil 4. This was a major landmark in video games as series creator Shinji Mikami decided to reinvent the series, focusing more on action elements while still keeping a lot of the horror which made the franchise popular. It also popularized the over-the-shoulder camera angle we now see in a lot of 3rd person shooters.

The quote comes from the middle of the game. One of the game’s antagonists, Ramon Salazar, contacts rookie cop turned government agent Leon S. Kennedy via his comms. Ramon Salazar threatens Leon by stating he’s sending his “right hand” after him now. Leon then delivers the quote.

By the way, the subtitles from the original version of the game mistakenly says “you’re” instead of the more correct phrasing. As this is a direct quote from the original game, the title also shows the incorrect grammar instead of “your right hand comes off,” which is shown in later versions of Resident Evil 4.

Geek wisdom: Don’t take things too literally and try to read between the lines. There should be some room for more colorful language to get your point across to emphasize the tone you’re going for.

“All we had to do, was follow the damn train, CJ!”

From: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Big Smoke

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The Grand Theft Auto series is basically an open world video game franchise more focused on performing criminal acts. This has made the game very notorious but still incredibly fun. Additionally, each game in the series has a long overarching story. In San Andreas, you play as Carl “CJ” Johnson, a young man who get roped into doing illegal activities. But he has a goal to make something of himself.

The quote comes from Big Smoke when you fail the mission Wrong Side of the Tracks. CJ is tasked to use his motorcycle and follow a train filled with rival gang members. Big Smoke is with you as he’s there to shoot at the enemies while you drive. The mission can get frustrating as there are numerous obstacles in your way so a lot of things can go wrong. Each time you fail the mission, Big Smoke with chastise CJ with the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, even the simplest of tasks can be difficult. There are always going to be extraneous circumstances as to why even the most foolproof plans can fail. Sometimes, you just got to give a little slack to the guy or girl who messed up.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

From: Galadriel

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, specifically from The Fellowship of the Ring. Based on JRR Tolkien’s books, the Fellowship of the Ring

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Frodo Baggins (played by Elijah Wood) is found by Galadriel (played by Cate Blanchett) and the wise elf tries to encourage the hobbit to continue on with his task, despite his concerns and fears. This is when Galadriel delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: All people matter in the great scheme of things. We may feel insignificant at times but we all have the power to do things that can help the world and make a better future.

“A sword yields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage.”

From: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: The Hero’s Spirit

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Released on both the Nintendo GameCube and the Wii, Twilight Princess has Link try to prevent the land of Hyrule from being swallowed up by the Twilight Realm.

The quote is given by the Hero’s Spirit the first time Link encounters him. After being transported into a different plane of existence, Link tries to attack the Hero’s Spirit but his blow is easily deflected by the specter. This is when the Hero’s Spirit delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Whatever talents or skills you have are useless unless you actually use them. Have the strength and courage to show off your abilities.

“Because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can, too.”

From: Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Sarah Conner

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The film happens several years after the first film, with a T-800, the same model that was sent to kill Sarah Conner previously, sent into the past to protect Sarah Conner’s son, John Conner, the future leader of the human resistance against Skynet, from a more advanced Terminator model.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. With both the advanced Terminator and the T-800 (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) destroyed, there is now a chance for a future where Skynet isn’t created. Sarah Conner (played by Linda Hamilton) gives a voiceover saying she’s finally she’s a more hopeful future and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We all should remember that people, and pretty much every living thing on the planet, has value. Yet there are some who will treat everything wrong. Hopefully, we will all realize how important life is.

“It should’ve been me, not him! It’s not fair!”

From: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Genre: Cartoons, Television, Anime

Who said it?: Yami Yugi

The story behind the quote: Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular anime series featuring a timid person named Yugi Mutoh. He solves an ancient puzzle, unwittingly becoming the host of a brash spirit. The spirit, now known as Yami Yugi, takes over during periods when Yugi and his friends are in peril. This also leads the pair to join several puzzle and gaming tournaments.

The quote comes from the 158 episode of the anime series. Yami Yugi has lost and, as a consequence, Yugi’s soul is taken. This leads him to wail the quote.

The quote comes from the English version of the anime, which you can see below.

The quote has become a meme when taken out of context. The meme is usually used as a punchline to certain situations, usually sexual, to express jealousy of the receiver.

Geek wisdom: There will be times when you might feel that life is unfair as others have better luck than you. However, you have to realize you can’t always get what you want.

“For a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of their heart.”

From: Disney’s Hercules

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Zeus

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the animated Disney film, Hecules. The movie is a reimagining of Greek mythology’s Hercules. In the Disney version, Hercules is turned mortal by Hades and, in order to become a god and get his place back in Mount Olympus, he must become a hero.

The quote comes during the ending moments of the film. Hercules has regained his godhood by willing to give his life to save Megara/Meg. He is greeted by the gods of Mount Olympus. Zeus (voiced by the late Rip Torn). He recognizes that Hercules saved the day by not using brute strength and delivers the quote

Geek wisdom: You don’t have to be strong to become a hero. Being a hero is all about the willingness and having the courage to do the right thing when necessary.

“Ain’t no thing like me, ‘cept me.”

From: Guardians of the Galaxy

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rocket

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. The Guardians of the Galaxy wasn’t all that well-known outside the comic book community. However, thanks to this movie, their popularity and they’ve became some of the most beloved comic book heroes today.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Each of the individual characters were captured and sent to a prison planet. Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt) comments that he wouldn’t have been captured by “a tree and a raccoon” anyway. referring to Groot and Rocket. Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is confused as, since he’s never been to Earth, doesn’t know what a raccoon is. Star-Lord then tells him he’s a raccoon and Rocket delivers the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: Even identical twins, while they may look exactly alike, have little differences that makes them unique. No two people will ever be exactly alike because of their strengths and their weaknesses. We should celebrate both of these things as these are what makes each of us unique and special in our own little way.

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”

From: Braveheart

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: William Wallace

The story behind the quote: The quote Braveheart. The film is based on the life of William Wallace, one of the leaders during the Wars for Sottish Independence. The film shows how Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) managed to rally the embattled Sottish forces during one pivotal battle as well as his eventual capture and execution.

The quote near the end of the film. William Wallace is finally captured and is sentenced to be put to death. Princess Isabella (played by Sophie Marceau) goes to the freedom fighter and pleads with him to swear allegiance to the King of England in order to save his life. William says he cannot as it would be a betrayal to who he is. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We only truly feel alive and free when we are allowed to do the things we want. While there is some wisdom to just survival, there’s also a point when you have to stand up for your right to live the life you want.

“Why are you trying to fit in… when you were born to stand out?”

From: What a Girl Wants

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Ian Wallace

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the teen comedy, What a Girl Wants. The film is about Daphne Reynolds, a teen who goes off to London to meet her estranged father. It turns out her father is running for election into the House of Commons and she tries to connect with him after all this time.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Daphne (played by Amanda Bynes) is practicing her walking and etiquette skills with Ian Wallace (played by Oliver James). As they practice on a boat, they both fall in the water. Ian then marvels at all of Daphne’s work because he knows there’s so much more to her than just trying to copy the standards of others.

Geek wisdom: While it’s okay to admire others, focus on what makes you the only you in the world. Be proud of what makes you different.