Category: Movies

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”

From: The Wizard of Oz

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: The Wizard

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the classic film TheWizard of Oz. I don’t really think I need to summarize the movie… but I will anyway.

The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy (and her dog Toto) who, because of a freak accident involving a tornado (!), is magically transported to the Land of Oz. Now, she is stuck in the Land of Oz. Glinda, The Good Witch of the North, advises Dorothy to see the Wizard of Oz as he may know of a way to send her home. Along the way, Dorothy meets a colorful cast of characters, including The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion.

The quote comes from the scene when the crew talk to the Wizard, who looks like a giant floating head. However, Toto exposes that the floating head is just an illusion created by a middle-aged man hiding behind the curtain, who is the “real” Wizard. He attempts to distract them by asking them to ignore the man.

Geek wisdom: It’s sometimes good to leave a little mystery in life. Magic tricks are a lot of the fun is because we are awed by the act. We may not know how it’s done but we appreciate it all the same. As a species, we try to know everything. But, sometimes, knowing everything reduces the wonder we see in the world.

There is a simple joy to seeing something happening and not know how it happened. Sometimes, trying to understand it takes the fun out of it.

“Sweep the leg!”

From: The Karate Kid (1984)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: “Sensei” John Kreese

The story behind the quote: This is actually my second quote from the original Karate Kid film. I mentioned before that the movie has become a timeless classic because of the unorthodox training method Mr. Miyagi used on Daniel Laruso. However, there was another reason why the movie was so enjoyable. It was because John Kreese, the “sensei” of the Cobra Kai dojo.

“Sense” John Kreese (Martin Kove) is an incredibly ruthless teacher and always has to win… no matter what. During the match to determine the champion of tournament, Kreese orders Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) to attack Laruso’s injured leg.

Geek wisdom: While it may seem unsportsmanlike, it’s actually a good strategy to target the weak points of an obstacle to overcome them. Problems are problems because they are difficult to resolve. So, it only seems natural to look for possible ways to solve them.

However, there are obviously some repercussions if your solution is unethical. You also have to be able to accept the consequences of your actions.

“They call it a Royale with cheese.”

From: Pulp Fiction

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Vincent Vega

The story behind the quote: Pulp Fiction is a crime noir film from Quentin Tarentino. The movie is about a series of stories strung together and connected in various ways. This is considered to be Mr. Tarentino’s breakout film as well as credited for resurrecting John Travolta’s acting career as he was nominated for Best Actor for his role as Vincent Vega.

The quote comes fairly early in the film. Vincent Vega and his partner Jules Winnfield are going to retrieve a briefcase from an “associate” of theirs. On the way there, Vincent describes his recent trip from Europe to Jules and the little differences he noticed. Such as the famous Quarter Pounder of McDonald’s not being called a Quarter Pounder over there because of their unfamiliarity with the metric system…

Geek wisdom: Like Vincent Vega said, every country and every culture has these little differences. We may even find these differences funny and silly. However, these little differences can cause misunderstandings and even petty squabbles. It’s understanding that there are always going to be people that are different from how you think and how to react to things.

These differences can be difficult to bridge because they can be so divergent from our own way to doing things. But we have to keep an open mind. You may learn something new and, maybe, even something great if you are more tolerant to these differences.

“Good day, sir! … I said good day

From: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Willy Wonka

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The general plot of the film is that five kids find golden tickets in the candy bars produced by Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. This entitles them to take a tour of the factory and also participate in a special contest. The winner of the contest will win a lifetime supply of chocolate.

The quote itself is uttered by Willy Wonka (played by Gene Wilder). Charlie Bucket, the only “good” kid who got a Golden Ticket managed to win the competition. However, Willy Wonka angrily informs Charlie and his Grandpa Joe that, since they drank some Fizzy Lifting Drinks without permission, Charlie has been disqualified. Willy Wonka wants Charlie and his Grandpa to leave (delivering the first part of the quote). When Grandpa Joe argues with him, Willy immediately cuts him off (delivering the second part of the quote).

Geek wisdom: When it comes to arguments, we can sometimes get caught up in the heat of the moment and say really harsh things. While this is understandable, especially with emotions running high, this doesn’t mean this cannot be avoided. Actually, it is totally avoidable!

Take the time to immediately end the fight and, once you’ve calmed down and composed yourself, then try to have a discussion with the other party in a rational manner. It can be difficult to do; that’s why it’s important to end it quickly before it gets out of hand.

“Merry Christmas, you filthy animal… and a Happy New Year!”

From: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: “Johnny”

The story behind the quote: Thanks to thegreatiaino for the huge correction regarding the movie as noted in the comments section below.

The quote comes from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The first Home Alone movie was very successful and it actually spawned another feature length film as well as three more made-for-TV films. However, this was the only other film to feature Kevin McCalliseter (portrayed by Maculay Culkin); the other films featured a different family and a different kid. Also, Home Alone 2 is the only movie in the series that didn’t take place in the protagonist’s home.

The quote comes from, apparently, a mobster film called Angels with Even Filthier Souls, which is the sequel to Angels with Filthy Souls, a mobster movie that Kevin was watching in the first Home Alone. Johnny (played by Ralph Foody), the head mobster, accuses a woman of cheating with other men. Kevin uses this scene from the movie as a distraction to escape from the hotel staff.

Geek wisdom: It’s the holidays! Don’t forget to wish people a Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year as well!

“To infinity and beyond!”

From: Toy Story

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Buzz Lightyear

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from one of the main characters from the Toy Story films, Buzz Lightyear. The films revolve around Andy’s favorite toys, one of which is Buzz Lightyear, a Space Ranger action figure, and the other is of Woody, an old style cowboy with a pull string. Although they may seem to be inanimate objects (they are just toys after all), they are actually alive and take great pains to keep this secret.

The quote in question is actually the catchphrase of Buzz Lightyear. It’s something that the animated character (the basis of the action figure) is fond of saying, so it was programmed into Buzz’s psyche. He usually says this before attempting something daring, such as proving he could fly…

Geek wisdom: It’s always important to strive beyond your current limits. Because if you think you’ve reached your limit and you believe you cannot improve, then that’s true; you will not get better. The only way to get better at something is to actually try to become better!

“We are who we choose to be!”

From: Spider-Man (2002)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Norman Osborn/Green Goblin

The story behind the quote: The Spider-Man film that was released in 2002 was both a critical and financial hit. And it came at a very opportune time since it was released at a time when superhero films were hitting a slump in terms of ticket sales.

The film tells the story of Peter Parker and how he was given the abilities of a spider, enabling him to become the superhero known as Spider-man. However, his best friend’s father, Norman Osborn, performs an experiment on himself and, while it does give him enhanced strength, speed and agility, it also drive Osborn mad and takes on the guise of the Green Goblin.

In his quest to destroy Spider-man, the Green Goblin kidnaps Peter’s girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson and a cable car full of children. The Green Goblin threatens to drop them both from the top of the Queensboro Bridge and says Spider-man must have to choose who to save. While Spider-man pleads for the villain to not go through with it, the Goblin delivers the quote and releases them.

(Sorry for the obviously poor quality of the clip; it was the only one I could find online.)

Geek wisdom: The quote is pretty ironic since this doesn’t only apply to Spider-man, but also to the Green Goblin. Norman Osborn actually had the choice to become a force for good but he decided to take the darker path. Spider-man, while he initially used his new powers selfishly, he changed his ways because of his Uncle Ben’s death… which he could have saved earlier.

Even though it may seem that fate might push us to do bad, we always have the choice to do the right thing.

“If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”

From: Star Wars

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Obi-Wan Kenobi

The story behind the quote: I’m not sure if I should even be describing where this quote came from since you probably know where it came from…  here goes!

The quote comes from the very first Star Wars film which is, oddly enough, the fourth chapter chronologically story-wise. When I mean “first” I really mean it was the first one to be made and actually the film that made Star Wars the franchise it is today. The quote comes when Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3-P0, R2-D2 and Obi-Wan Kenobi board the Death Star to rescue Princess Leia. Obi-Wan splits up from the group to disable the tractor beam that trapped the Millennium Falcon on the space station.

Obi-Wan does sabotage the tractor beam but comes face to face with his former apprentice, Darth Vader. They both “unsheathe” their lightsabers to prepare for a duel. During their fight, Obi-Wan warns Darth Vader about what would happen if his former student does best him.

Geek wisdom: There are no immortals in the world and everyone will eventually die… even you. But, even though we do leave the physical world, there is still a way anyone can live forever. And that is to live on in the memories of others.

Think of all the people in history. They may have died but they are still talked about even to this day because of their contributions to the world while they were still in it. Think of your childhood friends and you can see that, even if you don’t have contact with them, you still remember them in one way or another.

Leave your mark on the world and don’t let your time here be for nothing.

“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

From: The Godfather: Part III

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Michael Corleone

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the third installment of The Godfather films. In this film, Michael Corleone (played by Al Pachino) tries to change his ways and actually attempts to turn over a new leaf. He goes through great lengths in an attempt to legitimize his businesses and restore his good name. Unfortunately, the people around him don’t seem to agree with his change of heart.

In one of the most pivotal scenes in the movie, Michael returns back home after an attempt on his life. He realizes at that point that, even with all of the good he’s done and all the things he’s done to actually go legit, most people see him as a threat and an evil person. He utters the quote, acknowledging he cannot change since the people around him will not let him leave the mafia world.

Geek wisdom: It’s very difficult to escape your reputation. In fact, sometimes we let our reputation define who we are instead of the other way around. It’s sort of like the toughest guy in school; even though he may try to change his personality (or he may actually be a nice guy underneath), he may not ever show this side since it becomes expected of him to be the tough guy even as times goes by.

We actually shouldn’t let this happen. We are the ones who define who we are, not anyone else.

“So you’re telling me there’s a chance!”

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 from when Harry confronts Mary about his feeling for her and asks her if they have a future together. Mary tells Harry frankly that the odds are not good… which makes Lloyd pretty happy.

Geek wisdom: Looking at only the bad side of life can really be taxing on a person. Sometimes, it’s great to look at the good side of life. Your life is not so bad that there was nothing that good that came from it. There will always be something nice that has happened to you.

Life is not just misery. There is always a chance that life can give you good luck… even if the odds are one in a million.