Category: Movies

“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

From: Gladiator

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Maximus Decimus Meridius

The story behind the quote: The quote comes Ridley Scott’s Gladiator starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, the titular “Gladiator” of the film. The movie is about a former Roman general who, because he didn’t give his fealty to Commodus (played by Joaquin Pheonix) and after some heartbreaking events, became a gladiator in the Roman colosseum.

The quote comes very early in the film. During a speech for his troops before they go to battle, he tells them to visualize where they will be after the war and, if they will it hard enough, it will become true. After this, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Every thing we do, good and bad, right or wrong, grand and mundane, will have an affect in the world. It may not make a huge impact but everything we do will make even the slightest change to the future. This is why we should think before we take action.

“If a lot of people love each other, the world would be a better place to live.”

From: The Room (2003)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Johnny

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from “the Citizen Kane of bad movies,” The Room. Written, directed and produced by the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, the movie is about a love triangle between Johnny (played by Tommy Wiseau himself), his fiancee Lisa and his best friend, Mark. At least, that’s what I’ve been able to piece together as The Room is generally a mess of unrelated stories and plot points, some of which are never addressed or discussed in the film.

The quote comes sometime in the middle of the film. Denny (played by Philip Haldiman) tells Johnny that he may be in love with Lisa. Johnny, with all his wisdom, says that okay and, in fact, that it’s great. That’s when the wise sage delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: While this may be very obvious, it’s still on point. If more people did love each other, the world would indeed be a better place.

“Congratulations, San Francisco! You’ve ruined pizza! First the Hawaiians and now you!”

From: Inside Out

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Anger

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Pixar animated film, Inside Out. Released by Disney in 2015, the film revolves around the inner emotions of Riley, a pre-teen who had to move to San Francisco with her family. 

The quote comes early in the film when Riley and her mom go to a pizza place and they realize the people in San Francisco put broccoli on their pizza. This prompts Anger (voiced by Lewis Black) to deliver the quote.

Geek wisdom: Different locations and different cultures will take one thing and adapt it for their own. While it may “ruin” it for some, some others may actually like it. Trying something different that may be terrible might not be so bad after all.

“I’m just Ken.”

From: Barbie

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Ken

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2023 live-action comedy/fantasy movie, Barbie. Based on the toy doll line by Mattel, Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the titular character who leaves Barbieland to go to the real world and find out why she’s been getting more adult thoughts and issues recently.

The quote actually comes from the song, I’m Just Ken. Sung by Ken (played by Ryan Gosling) and the other Kens of Barbieland after the Barbies try to get the Kens to fight among themselves. The song is a ballad about how much he still loves Barbie but how she doesn’t return his feelings.

The song itself won Best Song during the 29th Critics Choice Awards and nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media during the Oscars.

Geek wisdom: Being yourself should always be enough. You can try to improve yourself but always be proud of who you are.

“…And in real life, you can’t always win.”

From: Hey Arnold! The Movie

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Gerald Johanssen

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2002 animated film, Hey Arnold! The Movie (also known as Arnold Saves the Neighborhood in some territories). Based on the Nickelodeon cartoon, the film has the titular character trying to save his home and the entire neighborhood from being torn down to give way for a new shopping mall.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. After trying to find a document that will cement the neighborhood as a historical landmark that will save the neighborhood from demolition and failing, Arnold and his best friend Gerald go to the arcade to lament on their loss. Arnold wishes there was something he could do and this is when Gerald gives the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life isn’t always fair and, sometimes, you can’t get everything you want. You just have to try your best and be okay with the knowledge you did give it your all.

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

From: The Help

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Aibileen Clark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from 2011 film, The Help. Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is set in the 1950’s and tells the story of an aspiring journalist who decides to focus on writing a book about the abuses of “colored” domestic workers during the time.

The quote actually comes from different parts of the movie but is always delivered by Aibileen Clark (played by Viola Davis). She would tell the young girl under her charge to make sure she felt loved and to tell her how special she is.

Geek wisdom: We all are special in our own way. However, it’s always nice to hear someone tells us that. So, once in a while, remember to tell the ones close to you just that.

“Mutant and proud.”

From: X-Men: First Class

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Mystique

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2011 action superhero movie, X-Men: First Class. A prequel to the previous films, this shows the origin of the first mutant team Charles Xavier assembled.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Beast (played by Nicolas Hoult) has developed a serum that would inhibit all mutant genes. Mystique (played by Jennifer Lawrence) tells Beast not to take the serum as they shouldn’t aspire to be like regular people. This is when she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We should celebrate what makes us unique and different rather than shun them. We should be proud of who we are and what makes us individuals. Rather than hide who we really are because of others, it is the others who should be more accepting of what makes people who or what they are.

“Go confront the problem! Fight! Win!”

From: The Incredibles

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Edna Mode

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Disney/Pixar CG animated movie The Incredibles. The film is about a family of retired superheroes headed by Mr. Incredible. He is hired by a mysterious company 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 has nefarious motives.

The quote comes in the middle of the problem. Helen Parr/Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) goes and visits former superhero costume designer Edna Mode (voiced by The Incredibles director Brad Bird) and she laments that her husband, Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible, may be having an affair. Edna Mode cannot believe that Elasigirl is just crying about it and tells her to go after her husband and confront him while delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Whining and crying about a problem won’t help solve it. Take action in solving the problem to get rid of it.

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.'”

From: A Bronx Tale

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Lorenzon

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1993 crime drama, A Bronx Tale. Originally a stage play by Chazz Palminteri (who also played the mobster “Sonny” in the movie), it is a coming-of-age story of a young boy named Calogero, who is torn by his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps of being a hardworking and honest person and the allure of the Mafia lifestyle.

The quote happens very early in the film. Lorenzo (played by Robert De Niro) is talking to his son 9-year old son Calogero (played here by Francis Capra). The two talk about Joe DiMaggio and why he was such a great baseball player. Lorenzo tells his son it’s because the baseball player had a lot of talent. Calogero then asks his father if he also has any talent. Lorenzo then encourages him to be whatever he wants and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: If you have a gift, never hide it away. Make use of whatever you have and share it with the world.

“Just keep swimming.”

From: Finding Nemo

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Dory

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney/Pixar animated film, Finding Nemo. Released in 2003, the film follows a clownfish named Marlin and a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory as they search for Marlin’s son, Nemo.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and Dory (played by Ellen DeGeneres) managed to escape from certain death but, in the process, lose the diver’s mask, which they believe will lead them to Nemo. Marlin is in despair as he believe he’ll never find his son after this incident. However, Dory tries to encourage him to move forward by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: You might feel the urge to give up during the low points in life. But life is all about peaks and valleys. If you give up and do nothing then you’ll never pick yourself up and see that the bad times are just temporary.