Category: Movies

“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.

“I volunteer as Tribute!”

From: The Hunger Games

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Katniss Everdeen

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the first book of the Hunger Games trilogy. The book has been made into a successful film as well. The story takes place in a dystopian future in the country of Panem. The Capitol and its residents live carefree lives while 12 Districts serve under its rule. The hero of the book is Katniss Everdeen, a resident of District 12.  In order to ensure that the Districts understand their place in the world, the Capitol forces each of the 12 Districts to send one boy and one girl to fight in a duel to the death known as The Hunger Games.

The quote comes early on in the story. During the selection, Katniss’ younger sister, Primrose, is selected at random. Katniss, wanting to protect her sister from competing in the Hunger Games, steps out of the crowd and volunteers herself, delivering the quote in the process.

Geek wisdom: We have to be prepared to make sacrifices to protect what we feel are important. It can be hard to actually do this since there will usually be a some risk involved. It could be something as serious as protecting your family from harm to something smaller, such as standing up to a bully.

No matter how great or small it may be, stepping up to a challenge can be daunting, especially if you’re used to keeping quiet and playing it safe. Still, it’s best to recognize when facing the challenge may be the best thing to do in a situation.

“I eat pieces of s#!t like you for breakfast!”

From: Happy Gilmore

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Shooter McGavin

The story behind the quote: I’ve already posted something about Happy Gilmore before so I won’t go into much detail about the plot of the film. Basically, Happy Gilmore is a former hockey player who becomes a golfer in order to earn enough money to get his grandmother’s house back. Still, like most movies, there is still a central antagonist. And that person is Shooter McGavin (played by Christopher McDonald). He hates Happy (played by Adam Sandler) because the former hockey player doesn’t take the game of golf seriously.

The quote comes quite late into the movie. Shooter wins the auction for Happy’s home. In order to get his house back, Happy makes a bet with Shooter. If Happy ranks higher than Shooter, he gets his house back. If Shooter beats him, Happy will need to quit golf. After they agree to the terms, Shooter turns to his rival and delivers the quote. Happy laughs at what he said, especially regarding his apparent meal choices.

Geek wisdom: Always be careful of what you say to people. Even if they are meant to be jokes, people can misunderstand your actual intentions. Shooter just wanted to emphasize that he’ll be able to beat Happy easily. But, because of his choice of words, Happy made it sound like he eats crap every morning… literally!

So, when delivering a message, try to be as clear and detailed as possible. You never know how these things can be misinterpreted.

“These go to 11.”

From: This Is Spinal Tap

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Nigel Tufnel

The story behind the quote: This Is Spinal Tap is a comedy film shown through a fake documentary on an equally fake band known as Spinal Tap. The “documentary” focuses on the band’s concert tour promoting their latest album. While the movie was only a modest hit when it was released way back in 1984, it became a cult classic when it was made available in the home video market. In fact, the band actually released three real albums in total.

The quote comes from a scene where the lead guitarist of Spinal Tap, Nigel Tufnel (played by Christopher Guest) is showing off his specially made Marshall amplifiers to the director of the documentary, Marty DiBergi (played by Rob Reiner). Nigel explains that the amplifiers are much more powerful than regular amplifiers since they exceed the regular limit of 10. Marty questions this and asks why didn’t they make the regular 10 louder. Nigel doesn’t seem to get the logic and once again explains that the amplifiers he has are more powerful.

Geek wisdom: Everyone likes to show off and prove they have the best stuff. In the rush to be better, we sometimes don’t really understand in what way they are better. What’s worse, we can sometimes think that something is better because of misleading information. The sad thing is, when this is pointed out to us, we can foolishly cling on to our original mistaken belief.

It’s okay to be proud of having great stuff. But, if you’re going to announce it to everyone, make sure it’s something to be proud of.