Category: Movies

“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.

“Let go of whatever was, and walk into what is.”

From: Creed III

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony “Little Duke” Evers

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from 2023 boxing drama, Creed III. The third entry in Rocky spinoff series, the film follows Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, who must now face up against “Diamond Dame” Anderson, Adonis’ childhood friend who went to prison in order to protect him.

The quote comes near the end of the film with Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, comes out of retirement to face off against Diamond Dame (played by Jonathan Majors). The fight is grueling and brutal, reaching the 12th and final round. Before they enter the 12th round, Creed’s coach and trainer, Tony “Little Duke” Evers, Jr. (played by Wood Harris) delivers the quote in order for him to concentrate on the fight.

Geek wisdom: The past is in the past. While we should learn from our mistakes, we should also focus on the now. Learn from the past but concentrate on the present.

“Malibu… Barbie.”

From: Addams Family Values (1993)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Debbie Addams (nee. Jellinsky)

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1993 black comedy Addams Family Values. The Addams Family originated as a single panel comic strip created by Charles Addams and spawned a 1964 live-action television series as well as an animated cartoon in 1973. Addams Family Values is a sequel to The Addams Family. After Morticia Addams gives birth, she and her husband, Gomez Addams, hire a nanny to take care of the baby. Little do they know that the nanny they hired, Debbie Jellinsky (played by Joan Cusack) is actually a “black widow” serial killer who intends to marry Fester Addams and “inherit” the family fortune once she gets Fester out of the way.

The quote comes near the end of the film. Debbie intends to kill off the entire Addams Family via electric chairs. However, before she does, Debbie explains, with slideshows, her “origin” story. One of this deals with the “childhood trauma” involving wanting a Ballerina Barbie for her birthday. However, her parents got Malibu Barbie instead and Debbie was certainly not going to let that mistake slide.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, parents, and people in general, do not understand the little nitty-gritty and differences of things. While these may seem trivial to them, they do matter to some people.

“How did you know? I love this song!”

From: White Chicks

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Latrell Spencer

he story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 2004 comedy film, White Chicks. Starring Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans, White Chicks follow two FBI agents who are assigned to protect two wealthy heiresses, Brittany and Tiffany, from a suspected kidnap for ransom plot. A mishap leads to the girls getting minor injuries to their face and refuse to be seen in public. In order to keep their jobs, agents Kevin Copeland and Marcus Copeland II decide to wear massive prosthetics and go in place of the people they were assigned to protect.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. After winning an auction, professional football player Latrell Spencer (played by Terry Crews) picks up Marcus/Tiffany for their date. In the hopes of turning off and irritating Latrell Spencer, Marcus/Tiffany plugs in a tape of Vanessa Carlton‘s A Thousand Miles in the football player’s stereo. It does not exactly have the desired effect, as demonstrated by Latrell Spencer delivering the quote before singing along with the song.

Geek wisdom: There’s an old saying: never judge a book by its cover. Like Latrell Spencer, just because he comes off as a big, macho guy, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t like a “girly” song like Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles. There are just some things people will and will not like and you cannot determine what those are by their physical appearance.

“I’m a nerd. And I’m pretty proud of it.”

From: Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Gilbert Lowe

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 1984 comedy film, Revenge of the Nerds. The movie follows a group of nerds who, after being constantly bullied, harassed and oppressed by the jocks, decide it’s time to band together and start fighting back.

The quote comes during the very end of the film. The nerds’ fraternity, Lamda Lamda Lamda, win the homecoming competition, allowing them to pick who the new Student Council leaders will be. The jocks, being sore losers, trash the nerds’ frat house out of spite. One of the leaders of the nerds, Gilbert Lowe (played by a then relatively unknown Anthony Edwards), barges into the pep rally and delivers a speech, calling out the jocks’ discriminatory actions and stating he’s proud of who he is by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: You should always be proud of who you are. We all have our own little idiosyncrasies but these are also the things that make us unique. We should always have to courage to be true to ourselves.