Category: Movies

“No way! Why should I change? He’s the one who sucks!”

From: Office Space

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Michael Bolton

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Office Space, a film created by Mike Judge (the same guy who conceived Beavis and Butt-head). I’ve already given a summary of the movie since I did create an entry for it before (and it’s about a printer error) so I won’t summarize the plot. Suffice to say, if you want to watch a good comedy flick, you owe it to yourself to watch Office Space.

Anyway, the quote comes from the start of the film where we’re introduced to the main characters, including the tragically named Michael Bolton. When his friend, Samir Nagheenanajar, complains that everyone mispronounces his name, Michael rebuffs and says he’s lucky that he doesn’t have the same name as the famous singer. Samir suggests that he use Mike instead, Michael Bolton explains his reason as to why…

Geek wisdom: People will try to make you change to suit their own image of what they want you to be. They’ll reason out that it’s for your own good if you stop reading comics. Or they’ll say watching and enjoying video games and cartoons are only for children. They will give many more arguments as to why changing will be “for your own good.”

As long as you’re not hurting yourself or hurting others, there’s no reason for you to follow their advice. Most people just want others to conform to their version of “normality.” But the problem is not with you; it’s with them. If you’re happy with the way you are, then you can stay the way you are.

“I have been – and always shall be – your friend.”

From: Star Trek

Genre: Movies/ Television

Who said it?: Spock

The story behind the quote: This is a first! Not only am I using another Star Trek quote from the second film, The Wrath of Khan, but I’m also going to use the exact same clip from one of this blog’s earliest entries! So, I won’t really be writing that long of a set up for this one.

Spock had to enter the warp core of the ship to repair the engines so that they could escape destruction. Because of this, he has been exposed to a fatal dose of radiation and is dying. Kirk rushes to his aid but is unable to help his friend. As he’s dying, Spock tells Kirk about how he “feels” about his relationship with the Captain of the USS Enterprise.

Geek wisdom: It’s easy to cherish your friends when you’re with them all the time. But what about the time when you don’t meet up with them every day? The sad part of this is friendships can fade away, no matter how many times you check their status message on Facebook.

Still, even if this does happen, you will always be their friend. When you see each other after ages of being apart, it’s easy to rekindle that friendship. All it takes is that one time.

“Stand firm for what you believe in, until and unless logic and experience proves you wrong.”

From: Daria

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Daria Morgendorffer

The story behind the quote: This is my second post with a quote from the MTV animated television show Daria. Daria, even though she is a pessimistic but observant teenager, she does manage to impart a lot of wisdom throughout the series’ 5 seasons. 

The quote comes from the swan song of the entire series. “Is It College Yet?” is actually the second TV movie. As Daria graduates from high school, she has to make some big decisions such as what to do with her boyfriend, which college to go to and so on.

During the graduation ceremony, she is awarded the special Dian Fossey award for her academic achievements. While she could have just gave a cynical speech about the future, she actually dispenses some helpful advice to her classmates and fellow graduates.

In all honesty, I really wanted to put her entire speech as the quote but it would be too long. But, you will get the gist of her message from the first few lines she says…

Geek wisdom: We all have our own beliefs and people will try to bend you into believing that they’re wrong. While it’s okay to “stand up” to these people, we shouldn’t stubbornly cling to our opinions when they are proven to be incorrect.

We should be able to accept, as flawed individuals, we are prone to mistakes and part of being human is owning up to our own mistakes and making the necessary changes when we are proven wrong.

Oh, and take the time to enjoy a slice of pizza once in a while.

“This one time… at band camp…”

From: American Pie

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Michelle Flaherty

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the first American Pie film. American Pie is the story of a group of friends who make a pledge to lose their virginity before they graduate from high school. Jim Levenstein (played by Jason Biggs), the most awkward of the quartet, appears to have a “sure thing” with Nadia, a extremely hot foreign exchange student, but squanders his chance because of an accident. Because of this, he tries his luck with the homely band geek, Michelle Flaherty (played by Alyson Hannigan).

The quote comes from Michelle and is actually her catchphrase of sorts. She usually recounts her memories of her time at band camp by starting with this popular phrase…

Of course, there was the surprise NSFW conclusion to the entire “band camp” story…

Geek wisdom: Live things to the fullest, especially when you’re young. It’s always fun to make great memories while you’re in the prime of your youth. While they may not seem to be anything special to everyone else or they may not get why it’s such a “big thing” for you, that shouldn’t really matter. What is important, however, is that the memory you make is memorable to you.

“There is no secret ingredient”

From: Kung-Fu Panda

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Po (and his father)

The story behind the quote: Kung-Fu Panda is the story of Po, a large and clumsy panda who dreams of being a great martial artist. He is announced as the next Dragon Warrior, much to the chagrin of the great master Shifu and the Furious Five. Throughout his training, it seems like there has been a mistake as Po’s clumsy and lazy attitude makes him virtually untrainable. 

The quote comes from the climax of the film. Po receives the Dragon Scroll, which is supposed to unlock unlimitless power within someone. However, the scroll appears to be blank and only has a reflective surface inside. Distressed, Po decides to return to being a noodle soup vendor. Po asks his father the secret ingredient to his fantastic soup. And his father makes the startling revelation…

Geek wisdom: It’s incredibly easy to think you’re nobody special and actually talk yourself out of being the best you can be. The truth is, as long as you believe in yourself, you can do fantastic and amazing things! All you have to do is think and believe you are exceptional in your own way!

Thanks to his father, Po realized that the scroll was telling him that he was special and can do anything; all he had to do was to believe that he was special and he could do anything. And, because of that, he did become the legendary Dragon Warrior.

“I’m too old for this shit.”

From: Lethal Weapon Series

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Det. Roger Murtaugh

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Lethal Weapon movies, specifically from the veteran partner of Martin Riggs (played by Mel Gibson), Roger Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover). During the first movie in the series, Murtaugh, tired from all of his years on the police force, is contemplating retirement. However, he is forced to partner with the suicidal loose cannon Riggs. Although they are of two different personalities, they do eventually form a strong bond of friendship throughout the run of the four films.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of Murtaugh. Every time the pair gets into a hairy situation, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Age is just a state of mind. Detective Murtaugh is proof positive of this, despite his claims to the contrary. The grizzled detective is always just a few days away from retirement and is getting up there age-wise. Yet, in each installment of the Lethal Weapon franchise, he still manages to do amazing things… things that people half his age would die attempting to perform.

As long as you manage to keep fit, age is just a number. You can do amazing things whether you are old or young.

“Never give up. Never surrender!”

From: Galaxy Quest

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Jason Nesmith playing Cmdr. Peter Quincy Taggart

The story behind the quote: The quote comes Galaxy Quest. Now, the premise of the film is pretty unique, to say the least. Tim Allen plays Jason Nesmith, a washed-up character actor who had one big hit: the sci-fi television show Galaxy Quest (which, in itself is a parody of the original Star Trek series). Nesmith played Commander Peter Quincy Taggart who commanded the starship known as the Protector. Things get complicated when a group of aliens mistake the Galaxy Quest broadcast as a record of real events. The aliens capture the entire crew of the show and ask them to help them fight a warlike race. Assuming that the aliens are just play-acting, Nesmith agrees to “help” them.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of Commander Taggart. Whenever the Protector is facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Taggart will deliver the quote as seen in the clip below.

Geek wisdom: This is pretty self-explanatory. We shouldn’t give up wherever we hit a minor problem. Even the biggest success stories of our time have hit a few speed bumps along their way to greatness. But they never let these roadblocks stop them as they persisted with their endeavor until the did succeed.

We should also have the attitude to not give up and push through hardship. Because if we surrender at the slightest hint of trouble, we’ll never get anything done!

“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.