Category: Movies

“When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud, too.”

From: The Equalizer (2014)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Robert McCall

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2014 crime action movie, The Equalizer. Based on the ’80s television series of the same name, the movie stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former United States Marine who faked his death in order to have a peaceful life with his new wife. After she passed away, however, Robert McCall led a solitary and unremarkable life until he inserts himself into the business of gangsters who are causing trouble for the people in his neighborhood.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Robert McCall confronts the mob enforcer who is investigating what is happening in the area. McCall gives him an ultimatum to give to his boss: shut down his operations in his area tonight. The enforcer declines the offer. McCall then reiterates this is final warning, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everything you get will always have a good and bad side. If you want a promotion, be prepared for more work and responsibilities. If you want to get married, you have to also be ready to not see eye-to-eye with your significant other every time. Always want more but be ready because you just might get what you want.

“Rocky watch crew die. Could not fix. Grace say Grace will die. Rocky fix.”

From: Project Hail Mary

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rocky

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2026 sci-fi movie, Project Hail Mary. The film closely follows the plot from the the book of the same name it was based on. Disgraced molecular biology scientist turns elementary science teacher Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling) is sent light years into space in order to investigate why a specific star is not dying when most of the other stars in the galaxy, including our sun, is fading. During the trip, he encounters an alien he calls Rocky (voiced by and puppeteered by James Ortiz) who was sent to the same star to investigate as well. The two must now find a way to communicate with each other as well as cooperate in order to save both their respective stars and civilizations.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Ryland Grace lets it slip he doesn’t have enough fuel to return to Earth and Rocky is shocked to learn his friend will die on this mission. Rocky then asks Grace how much fuel he would need to get back home. Grace answers and, despite the huge amount, Rocky says he will give Grace that amount, even though this means he would return to his planet 6 years slower. Rocky then delivers the quote, stating that he has the opportunity to help his friend when he couldn’t do the same for his crew who died.

Geek wisdom: When we have someone close to us in trouble, we have to do everything we can to help them, even if it means we have to make some sacrifices. This is the best way to really show these people how much we care for them. It’s precisely during these times of trouble when they need our support, after all.

“There’s more to life than a little money, you know. Don’t you know that? And here you are… and it’s a beautiful day.”

From: Fargo (1996)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Marge Gunderson

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1996 dark comedy crime film, Fargo. The film is set in the titular town/city where a man plans to have his wife kidnapped in order to collect the ransom money himself. However, their plans go astray and the kidnapping leads to a couple of murders. This leads Sherriff Marge Gunderston (played by Frances McDormand) to start investigating while the man who instigated the kidnapping to still continue with his plan.

The quote comes very near the end of the film. Marge has managed to arrest one of the kidnappers as the other had already been killed during the course of the film. As he drives him back to town to be sent to prison, Marge comments on the events and the needless deaths that have happened during the course of the crime. This is when she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Money may is important. But it’s not the be all and end all of everything. There are a lot of things more important in life than just trying to become rich. Life has so much more to offer than just that.

“I didn’t know it but I was destined to be your mama.”

From: Forrest Gump

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Mrs. Gump

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the very quotable film from 1994 film, Forrest Gump. Based on the book of the same name, Forrest Gump is a person of low IQ but, despite his apparent handicap, he proceeds to go on different new adventures and meet people who would go on to make history, making his life one of the most fulfilling ones ever.

The quote comes in the middle portion of the film. Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) rushes home when he learns that his mother, Mrs. Gump (played by Sally Field) is slowly dying. Forrest asks why she’s dying and she replies that it’s just something all people eventually will have to do. It’s at this time when Mrs. Gump delivers the quote to Forrest as she looks back at how things happen for a reason.

Geek wisdom: You cannot choose your mother as you are born from her. The same thing can be same for your mother as they didn’t choose you. If your mother raised and treated you right, it’s only fair you reciprocate the same to them, especially on Mother’s Day.

“In an insane world, it is the sane who is called crazy.”

From: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Lumalee

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2023 computer animated movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Based on Nintendo‘s hit gaming franchise, the movie has the titular brother, Mario and Luigi, transported/warped to the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi is then captured by Bowser and Mario joins forces with Princess Peach to try to save his brother as well as save the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser’s invading forces.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Luigi is sent to Bowser’s dungeon where he comes across the other prisoners, one of which is Lumalee, a rather chipper but nihilistic Luma. The other captives warn Luigi that Luma isn’t exactly all there. This is when Lumalee delivers the quote in rebuttal.

Geek wisdom: Although Lumalee does come off as a little loopy, he does have a point in a way. Just because you are different or you like to do your own thing or you think differently, people will think that you’re strange. But being different doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It just means you have a different way of seeing the world. At times, it’s these very “crazy” people who become the greatest innovators as they will push the boundaries of what is “normal” and “possible.”

“Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time.”

From: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2015 superhero film from Marvel, Avengers: Age of Ultron. In the film, Tony Stark/Iron Man creates a machine that is supposed to help defend to world from imminent threats. However, the machine, now named Ultron, decides that humans are too destructive and deduces that the best way to ensure the planet is safe is to eradicate the human race. This leads the Avengers to try to stop him before he accomplishes his goal.

The quote comes in the middle of the film when the Avengers seek refuge in Hawkeye/Clint Barton‘s secluded home. Iron Man/Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr) and Captain America/Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) are reflecting on how handily Ultron defeated them. The two start fighting regarding why Tony Stark would even create something like Ultron. Tony Stark defends himself by saying he did it so none of the Avengers would have to fight as Ultron would stop all fighting before it even starts. This is when Captain America replies by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: While there is some wisdom to try to stop a fight or a war before it even starts, doing so through violent means or trying to do so without thinking of possible negative outcomes, isn’t. Preemptively doing so just might cause more problems.

“Rule #1: Never change the deal.”

From: The Transporter (2002)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Frank Martin

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2002 action movie, The Transporter. The movie features Jason Statham as Frank Martin. Frank is a highly skilled driver who uses his talents as a “transporter” for the underworld. Despite this, Frank follows a code of ethics and a set of rules. However, when he is double-crossed by one of his clients, he decides to take matters into his own hands.

The quote comes at the very start of the movie. Frank has been hired as the getaway driver for a gang of bank robbers. When he notices that there are four people instead of the agreed upon three, Frank delivers the quote, the first rule of his code, and explains why he would be unable to make the getaway because of the extra weight.

Geek wisdom: When you make a promise, always keep it. Don’t try to weasel your way out of it or make changes without the other party agreeing to these changes to them. Your word is your bond.

“And when everyone’s super… no one will be.”

From: The Incredibles

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Syndrome

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Disney and Pixar CG animated superhero movie from 2004, The Incredibles. The film is about a family of superheroes forced to conceal their abilities as superheroes have been outlawed. However, someone manages to track down Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) and hires him to take out a rogue robot. Once he does, he starts to use his powers more openly, not knowing the company he’s working for someone who has nefarious motives.

The quote comes near the end of the film. The villain of the film, Syndrome (voiced by Jason Lee) has unleashed the now battle tested robot into the city. He then plans to “save” the people from it himself, making the general population think he’s a new superhero. Mr. Incredible angrily mentions that his creation was built on the deaths of real heroes. Syndrome then reminds him that he was able to beat him despite not having powers of his own. He then reveals his plan to become the city’s protector and then, when he retires, he will sell his tech so that everyone can powers. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We are all different and we are all good in different things. We have to embrace what makes us strong and what makes us weak because it’s this combination that makes us who we are. It’s this combination that makes us unique.

“She rescues him right back.”

From: Pretty Woman

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Vivian

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1990 romantic comedy, Pretty Woman. The film stars Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, an “escort” with a heart of gold, and Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a rather calculating and cold-hearted businessman. Produced by Disney‘s Touchstone Pictures, Pretty Woman sees Edward Lewis hiring Vivian Ward and her services for the entire week to keep up appearances in social events. However, things turn out more than they both bargain for as their relationship turns from a mere business transaction when the both of them start getting feelings for each other.

The quote comes at the very end of the film. Edward, realizing he can’t live without Vivian, goes to her apartment and climbs a fire escape to be with her. Once he and she meet on the fire escape, Edward asks Vivian about her childhood fantasy she mentioned near the start of the film regarding how a prince would rescue the damsel in distress and asks how the story ends. This is when Vivian delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: When two people love each other, each of them are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make each other the best kind of person they can be.

“You’re not perfect, sport. And let me save you the suspense. This girl you met, she isn’t either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.”

From: Good Will Hunting

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Dr. Sean Maguire

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 1997 drama Good Will Hunting. The film was written by both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, with the former starring as the lead character, Will Hunting. After Will (played by Matt Damon), a trouble mathematical genius, is arrested, he strikes a deal with the court to attend psychiatric counselling sessions under Dr. Sean Maguire (played by Robin Williams) to help him get on the straight and narrow.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Will Hunting talks about a recent date he just went on but he’s unsure if he’ll see her again. Dr. Sean Maguire asks him why not and Will replies it’s because, if he does, he will essentially find something wrong with her. Dr Maguire then tells a story about how his late wife used to pass gas very loudly while she was asleep. Now that she’s gone, it’s these kind of idiosyncrasies he remembers the most about her and he looks back at those moments fondly. This is when Dr. Sean Maguire delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You don’t have to be perfect to fall in love with someone else. When you truly love someone, you love them for everything they are. Even their flaws and imperfections become the very thing that makes them endearing. The great thing about this is, when someone loves you, the same thing applies.