Victor de la Cruz

“Don’t watch the mouth. Watch the hands.”

From: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Genre: Movies and Cartoons

Who said it?: Peter B. Parker and Miles Morales

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2018 animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film takes place in a different “universe” and follows Miles Morales, a young pre-teen who is bitten by a genetically modified spider and gains spider-like powers. This universe’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man dies attempting to prevent the multiverse’s destruction and the cataclysm accidentally brings in different Spider-themed heroes into Miles’ universe.

The quote is said a couple of times during the film. The first time this happens is when Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) meets and captures Peter B. Parker (voiced by Jake Johnson), a Spider-Man from a different universe. This Peter Parker distracts Miles by talking to him long enough to get free. This is when he delivers the quote.

The second time it’s said is near the climax of the film. Peter B. Parker says he’ll stay behind to stop the device as he has the item needed to deactivate it. It turns out Miles manages to pickpocket him and steal the item. This is when Miles says the quote to Peter B. Parker.

Geek wisdom: Always look at the entire picture and don’t get too distracted by the other things around us. Try to focus on the important things around you.

“Thanks for the adventure – now go get a new one.”

From: Ellie

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Up

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote was suggested by our good friend, DJ Miller. He has contributed several quotes from Regular Show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, King of the Hill, Forrest Gump and Arthur. This go around, his submission is from the Disney computer animated film Up, which is all about an old widower named Carl Fredricksen who decides to keep his promise to his deceased adventure loving wife, Ellie and take a trip to Paradise Falls… by flying his entire house to the location using balloons. In the process, he accidentally takes a young boy named Russell along for the ride.

The quote comes near the end of the movie. After deciding not to help Russell rescue an endangered bird, Carl (voiced by the late Ed Asner) returns home, thinking he’s fulfilled his promise to Ellie. He inserts a photo of Paradise Falls in Ellie’s adventure scrapbook and gets to the section entitled “Stuff I’m Going To Do.” Thinking that the pages will simply be blank, Carl goes to shut it but is surprised when he notices a bit of picture on the next page: the pages are not empty. They are filled with pictures of Carl and Ellie’s life together. The final photo is of them, elderly and in their chairs. Below, in the corner, is shown where the quote Ellie writes the delivered quote.

Geek wisdom: The end of peoples’ lives is a new chapter for their friends or loved ones as long as we try to keep their memories alive. It’s hard to move on with our lives. But as long as we have people that love and care about us, we can get through anything.

“Some people are worth melting for.”

From: Frozen

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Olaf

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2013 Disney CGI animated film, Frozen. Based on the Snow Queen fairy tale, Elsa, who has the ability to create ice, run away during her coronation as she accidentally revealed her powers to the kingdom. Anna, her sister, rushes out to find her sister.

The quote comes just before the final act of the movie. Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) is locked in a room and, with her heart accidentally frozen by Elsa earlier, is slowly dying. It’s revealed that only an act of true love can reverse the spell. Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad), a magical snowman and sidekick, decided to stay with Anna despite the odds of him melting in the heated room. After hearing the worried cries of Anna, Olaf delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: When you truly love someone, even the most painful sacrifices feel worth it.

“Part of the journey is the end.”

From: Avengers: Endgame

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame. The film has received both critical and financial success and has surpassed Avatar as the highest grossing films of all time.

The quote comes near the end of the film. Iron Man/Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey, Jr.) has recorded his own eulogy in case of his untimely demise, which does happen. He does realize the riskiness of his plan and there’s a chance it will not go well. He does rationalize it by deliver the quote before, somewhat jokingly, reassures everyone it’s all going to work out.

Geek wisdom: Everything in the world and in this universe is finite. That is why we have to appreciate everything we have right now, both the good and the bad.

“If I can change and you can change, everybody can change. “

From: Rocky IV

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rocky Balboa

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Rocky IV, the fourth film in the Rocky film series. Written, directed and starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. The film has Rocky travelling to the Soviet Union to face off against Ivan Drago, a monstrous boxer who killed Apollo Creed during an exhibition bout.

The quote comes after the conclusion of the fight. Rocky is interviewed and he mentions how, at the start of the bout, the live crowd were against him but, as the fight drew on, they started cheering for him as they respected his abilities despite being not from their country. He noticed the change in how people thought of him. This is when he delivers the quote.

In the recently released director’s cut, Rocky vs. Drago, the speech changes a little bit. This time, Rocky starts the speech by saying that his deceased friend, Apollo Creed, didn’t believe in change and that might have been a contributing factor to why he died. He still ends it with the quote, though.

Geek wisdom: The only constant in the world is change. That’s why, as much as possible, we have to be adaptable to these changes when they come.

“Witchers watch for answers.”

From: The Witcher

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Geralt of Rivia

The story behind the quote: This week comes from The Witcher television series. Originally a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher has become a franchise of its own, spawning a hit video game series by CD Projekt Red as well as a television series on Netflix.

The quote comes from the Netflix television series. In the second episode of the second season, entitled Kaer Morhen (which also is the name of the fortress all the Witchers stay), Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill) talks to his mentor Vesemir (played by Kim Bodnia) and he explains that he brought Ciri to Kaer Morhen to keep her safe. Geralt acknowledges Ciri lied to him when she was asked how she escaped her entire kingdom’s razing. When Vesemir asks Geralt why he didn’t demand for the truth, Geralt delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Always look for the truth yourself and never simply accept whatever “truth” is given to you.

“Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it.”

From: How I Met Your Mother

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Barney Stinson

The story behind the quote: This week’s episode comes from one of the most popular sitcoms in recent history, How I Met Your Mother. More specifically, it comes from the mouth of the most awesome characters in television history, Barney Stinson. True story.

The quote comes from “Sunrise,” the 17th episode of the 9th and final season of the show. A drunk Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris) befriends two young men and proceeds to teach them all about how to life an awesome life. After a night of numerous lessons, Barney gives his ultimate and final bit of wisdom, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life can be good by yourself. But, like everything else, the best experiences are always the ones you share with others.

“Cobra… retreat!”

From: G. I. Joe

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Cobra leaders (usually Cobra Commander)

The story behind the quote: GI Joe is a classic cartoon series in the 80’s. The basic idea is a special forces group codenamed GI Joe has been assembled for the specific task of taking out Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world.

Each episode usually has Cobra, led by Cobra Commander (voiced perfectly by Chris Latta), coming up with a scheme for world domination. This leads them in direct conflict with GI Joe and the Joes rally in a big battle to defeat Cobra. This is usually when Cobra Commander delivers the quote to his troops.

Geek wisdom: You have to know when to cut your losses and leave. Even though it may seem cowardly to not stay and fight, the right thing to do might be to regroup, lick your wounds and get ready for the next time.

“How do you do, fellow kids?”

From: 30 Rock

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Lenny Wosniak

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock. The show is about a fictional sketch show originally called “The Girlie Show,” which is produced by Liz Lemon (played by show creator Tina Fey). However, under the behest of network executive Jack Donaghy (played by Alec Baldwin), the show is retooled so that top comedian Tracy Jordanwould topbill the show. The show is mostly a spoof about the backstage happenings and insanity of producing a show.

The quote comes from the 8th episode of the 7th season. Entitled “The Tuxuedo Begins,” it has Jack attempting to enlist private investigator Lenny Wosniak (played by Steve Buscemi) after he was mugged. When asked about his time with the police, Lenny describes his time working as an undercover officer infiltrating high schools while dressed as teens. The scene then flashbacks to the operation where an obviously looking middle-aged Lenny trying to connect with the kids delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You cannot force a connection by faking your own personality. You also have to get over the fact that there will always be a disconnect between people. But attempting to change yourself in order to get into a group just isn’t the way.

“You have no one else to call.”

From: Catch Me If You Can

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Carl Hanratty

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2002 crime film Catch Me If You Can. The film was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg and is based on the autobiography of con artist Frank Abagnale, who had managed to elude the police for years due to his quick thinking and charm.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Frank Abagnale (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) calls the lead of the task force created to catch him, Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks). Frank calls Carl on Christmas Eve to gloat as he managed to trick him into letting him go. Carl then realizes why Frank is even calling him up and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: All the success and money in the world is worthless unless you have people to share it with.