Category: Movies

“In the end, my girlfriend became my archenemy, my archenemy became my best friend, and my best friend became my girlfriend. But hey, that’s high school!”

From: Sky High

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Will Stronghold

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2005 teen superhero movie, Sky High. One of Disney‘s lesser known superhero movies (way before they acquired Marvel), Sky High revolves around a teenager named Will Stronghold (played by Michael Angararo). Will isn’t your ordinary teen, however, as he is the son of the greatest superheroes of the world, The Commander/Steve Stronghold and Jetstream/Josie Stronghold. Unfortunately for Will, despite him coming of age, he still hasn’t developed any powers yet. As such, he is sent to the “sidekick” section of Sky High. While at Sky High, Will must navigate through regular high school life such as falling in love, making new friends, making the right friends, facing off against bullies as well as fighting off supervillains. Okay, maybe not that last one but you get the idea.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. After Will Stronghold and the “sidekicks” managed to save the day, he goes on to reminisce how the rest of his first year of high school was like. He then summarizes his current relationships with the people he ran into by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Your relationships with people will change over time. You may change. They may change. Whatever the reason, the people from your past you didn’t like before may turn out more appealing to you now. So, maybe it’s a good idea to give these people a second chance.

“It’s an imperfect world but it’s the only one we’ve got.”

From: Iron Man

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the very first Iron Man movie from 2008. Based on the Marvel character and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, this was the film that launched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe and made it so superhero movies could be more than just silly films about comic book characters. The movie also reinvigorated Robert Downey Jr’s career after his life spiraled out of control in the 90’s.

The quote comes very early in the film. Tony Stark is called out to do an impromptu interview. Assuming the reporter will just ask him questions about a fluff piece, Tony takes the interview. However, it was actually an ambush as the reporter asks him about how he can manufacture weapons. This is when Tony Stark delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Although Tony Stark may have been somewhat insincere at that time when he delivered the quote, that doesn’t make his statement any less correct. We all live in this planet and it’s definitely not perfect. But until we find another world, this is the only one we have. So, we have to take care of it and try to get along with each other.

“You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?”

From: Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Death

The story behind the quote: The quote from the television adaption of Terry Pratchett‘s Hogfather book. Set in the Discworld universe, the book/TV miniseries is all about the mysterious disappearance of The Hogfather, which is the Discworld’s equivalent of Santa Claus/Father Christmas. The story can be broken up into two parts. The first follows Death as he tries to take over the role of The Hogfather while he’s missing. The second has Death’s granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, who Death has assigned to finding The Hogfather as The Hogfather is also linked to the sun rising each day.

The quote comes from the very end of the series. Susan Sto Helit has managed to find and revive The Hogfather and The Hogfather resumes his duties. She then talks to Death about what would’ve happened to the sun and Death replies that, instead of sun, a ball of gas and heat would’ve taken its place. Susan then clarifies then if it was just all a fantasy about the sun not rising. Death replies that people need fantasy as things like justice, mercy and duty do not really exist as the universe is essentially not just, merciful and orderly. Susan retorts that people need to believe in those things. This is when Death delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: People can will things into existence in the metaphorical sense. If we want things to happen, we have to make it happen. If we really want the world to live in peace, despite history telling us it’s impossible, we have to first believe it’s possible and strive to make it work. That’s the only way things that seem impossible can become the possible.

“I’m going on an adventure!”

From: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Bilbo Baggins

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the fantasy-adventure film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Based on the book of the same name which was written by JRR Tolkien, the film has Peter Jackson returning from the successful Lord of the Rings Trilogy of films to direct this prequel. 

The quote comes very early in the film. Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) was tricked by Gandalf the Grey into hosting a party of rowdy dwarves before they go on a quest to reclaim their homeland. Gandalf does this as he wants to recruit Bilbo as the party’s burglar/thief. After the party leaves, Bilbo feels some relief from all the ruckus the dwarves had caused to his house. However, after he spots the contract that he didn’t sign making him the party’s burglar, Bilbo gives chase and tries to catch up with them. As one of the neighbors ask him where he’s going, Bilbo yells out the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and do something adventurous. After all, one of the best things about life is, well, actually living life. Take the time to do something that gets you excited once in a while.

“But with love comes loss, son. It’s part of the deal. Sometimes it hurts, but in the end, it’s all worth it. There’s no greater gift than love.”

From: How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Stoick

The story behind the quote: As it is nearly Father’s Day, it only seems appropriate to get a quote from a father. This week’s quote comes from the DreamWorks Animation movie, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. This was the third movie in the How To Train Your Dragon franchise. In the film, Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) goes on a quest to find a haven for dragons, the fabled “Hidden World” to make sure that there is a safe place for dragons such as Toothless.

The quote comes in a flashback scene where Hiccup remembers talking to his father, Stoick (voiced by Gerard Butler), coming to see his father after his mother’s passing. Hiccup asks Stoick if his father will ever remarry. Stoick replies that he isn’t by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Losing someone you love can be painful but it is a part of this great journey of life. You have to remember and cherish the little time we all have with each other. It may not ease the pain you feel after the loss at the time but, in time, you will also start to remember the good times you’ve had with this person.

“So, how do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

From: Evan Almighty

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: God and Evan Baxter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2007 fantasy comedy, Evan Almighty. A sequel to Bruce Almighty, this movie focuses on Evan Baxter, a former news reporter now Congressman, moves to a new town. Evan prays to God that he changes the world. God then goes to Evan and tasks him to build an ark as in the story of Noah in the Bible, despite the fact the town is landlocked.

The quote is actually foreshadowed early on in the film. God (played by Morgan Freeman) manages to convince Evan (played by Steve Carell) he is God. Evan complains that he has no idea on how to even begin to build an ark. God replies this is like how some people want to change the world but don’t know how to begin. God then states the way to change the world is through “one act of random kindness“.

At the end of the film, the ark does prove its worth when the local dam bursts and manages to save the residents of the town. Evan then meets up with God and he relates how he resisted throughout the entire process but, because everyone was saved, he is relieved he followed God’s instructions. God then says Evan did change the world in other ways, such as spending time with his family and saving a dog. Evan dismisses this as these were very tiny things. This is when God delivers the first part of the quote and Evan replies with the second part.

Geek wisdom: We do not have to make big moves to make an impact. Even the smallest actions, despite feeling miniscule, can affect the world at large. Never minimize the things that you do as what you do does matter.

“If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life, you’re not the girl I thought you were.”

From: Legally Blonde

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Professor Elspeth Stromwell

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 2001 comedy movie, Legally Blonde. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a generally ditzy blonde who, during the first film, initially pursues a law degree at Harvard to prove to her former boyfriend she can be taken seriously in an attempt to win him back. In the process, however, she does find out she actually has what it takes to become a lawyer and starts to take her current path seriously.

The quote comes from the the middle of the film. The supervising teacher and highly respected lawyer had just made a pass at Elle Woods thinking she’s just a dumb blonde. This devastates Elle as she thought she has proven her worth as both a student and an intern by this point. She thinks about dropping out as no one takes her seriously despite all of her efforts to the contrary. This is when her former teacher, Professor Elspeth Stromwell (played by Holland Taylor), the same teacher who kicked her out of her class for being unprepared, confronts Elle. She delivers the quote in a way to encourage her to keep on track.

Geek wisdom: Never let anyone tell you what you can do and what you’re worth. That is all up to you. You are the one who controls who you are and what you are worth. Besides, you will not be able to please everyone so there will always be someone who will be critical of the person you are right now and who you will become. While it is fine to get some feedback from others, you should be able to live with yourself and be okay with the person you have become.

“A boy’s best friend is his mother.”

From: Psycho

Genre: Movies

Who said it?:  Norman Bates

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Alfred Hitchcock thriller Psycho. Based on the book written by Robert Bloch, the film generally focuses on Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins), the current proprietor of the Bates Motel.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. After Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh) has stolen money from her boss, she hides out in the Bates Motel. She then has dinner with Norman and they discuss how Norman spends his time in this isolated location. When she brings up the topic about friends, this is when Norman delivers the quote.

Geek Wisdom: If a mother is loving to his son and takes care of him, then she does deserve to be called his best friend. So, if your mother is that way, don’t forget to greet her on Mother’s Day.

“I’m not finished.”

From: Edward Scissorhands

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Edward Scissorhands

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 1990 film, Edward Scissorhands. Conceptualized and directed by Tim Burton, the movie has the titular character, Edward (played by Johnny Depp), a boy who was put together by an eccentric scientist, is adopted by the Boggs family. The story has Edward trying to fit in the regular world despite being an oddity.

The quote comes near the start of the movie. Aspiring Avon lady, Peg Boggs (played by Dianne West), in a desperate attempt to make a sale, travels to a dilapidated mansion. Here, she encounters Edward, who has been living all by himself after his creator passed away. Initially frightened by Edward, as he has scissors for hands, stops when Edward asks her to stay and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: In a way, we are all not finished. We are all works in progress. We all have room to grow and better ourselves in some way. We just have to be open to new experiences.

“We landed on the moon!”

From: Dumb and Dumber

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Lloyd Christmas

The story behind the quote: Dumb and Dumber is a film from the mid-90’s that tells the story of two best friends, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne. Lloyd (Jim Carrey) works as a limo driver who was hired to drive Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly) to the airport and immediately falls in love with her. Seeing Mary leave a suitcase at the airport terminal, he picks it up with the plan of returning it to her, not knowing that it was left there intentionally as it contains the ransom money for her kidnapped husband. Lloyd travels with Harry (Jeff Daniels) travel to Aspen to return the briefcase to Mary… and hopefully the two of them will fall in love.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. After arriving in Aspen, Lloyd continues on his quest to find Mary. He enters a bar and the bartender gives him her address. While leaving the bar, Lloyd spots a headline regarding Neil Armstrong‘s historical journey to outer space hanging near the exit. Not knowing this happened way back in 1969, he joyfully expresses his shock to the news by yelling out the quote.

Geek wisdom: Always be looking to learn new things and be happy about knowing about it. Even if it is old and dated and something every else is familiar with, it is still something new to you.