Tag: keanu reeves

“Free will, right?”

From: The Devil’s Advocate

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Kevin Lomax

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1997 supernatural thriller, The Devil’s Advocate. In the movie, small-town lawyer with dubious ethics, Kevin Lomax (played by Keanu Reeves), is brought into a big law firm in New York by the company’s head, John Milton (played by Al Pachino). However, while he does start to enjoy his new job, Kevin Lomax slowly realizes that John Milton may be a little more than he seems…

The quote comes during the climax of the film. Kevin Lomax confronts John Milton, who reveals that, not only is he the Devil, but he is also his father. Kevin tries to blame him for all of his recent misfortunes but John refutes this, as he never actually forced Kevin to do any of his actions as he does have free will to make all of his choices. It looks like Kevin will reluctantly agree to his father’s/the Devil’s wishes, but he instead delivers the quote before ending his life by shooting himself in the head.

Geek wisdom: We always have a choice. We can either do good in the world or we can do bad. All to different degrees, yes. But we all ultimately have to make the choice. It can be painful to do the right thing and it could be so much easier to do the wrong thing. Still, we all have the decision making power to choose which one.

“Friendship means little when it’s convenient.”

From: John Wick: Chapter 4

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Shimazu Koji

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2023 action film, John Wick: Chapter 4. The final entry in the John Wick series, the film stars Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin, closing out his attack on the High Table for trying to kill him.

The quote comes near the very start of the movie. After he had successfully killed The Elder (the head of the High Table), John Wick seeks refuge in the Osaka Continental, which is owned by his close friend, Shimazu Koji (played by Hiroyuki Sanada). John is troubled as him merely staying there will bring Shimazu Koji in direct conflict with the High Table and he comments on this. Koji calmly reassure John by delivering the quote.

Geek Wisdom: Friends will stick with you in the good times and, more importantly, the bad. In fact, it is when you are in dire need you will know who your true friends are.

“People keep asking me if I’m back. And I really haven’t had an answer. But now, yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!”

From: John Wick

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: John Wick

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the first film of the John Wick franchise. The film series follows the titular character, John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves), as a retired hitman who returns to his killing ways after some thugs kill his dog, which was the last thing his late wife gifted him before she passed. The film launched a franchise and, despite the original’s general low-budget, became a huge box-office sensation.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. John Wick is captured by Viggo Tarasov, the father of the person who killed John Wick’s dog. Viggo is upset at all the carnage John had done and he thinks it’s all because of a dog. John Wick then explains why the dog is special to him. This is when John Wick says he’s probably back to being the feared assassin by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Even people who have changed their ways can be pushed over the edge. So it’s always best to try to treat people with basic courtesy and kindness.

“Be excellent to each other.”

From: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Bill S. Preston, Esq.

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the excellent movie Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (see what I did there?). In the future, Earth enjoys living in a utopian society based on the ideas of The Two Great Ones named William “Bill” S. Preston, Esq. (played by Alex Winter) and “Ted” Theodore Logan (Keanu Reeves, before he knew “kung-fu”) who, together, form Wild Stallyns. However, this future is endangered as the duo, in the present (well, 1989 in the film), are failing history class. If Ted fails, he will be sent to a military academy, breaking them up. In a mission to prevent this, Rufus (played by the late George Carlin) goes back in time to help them.

In order to pass the class, Bill and Ted convince historical figures throughout time to come with them to the present (still 1989 in the movie). However, at one point, they get sidetracked and visit the future. When they arrive, the residents gather around for a chance to see The Two Great Ones in person. Unsure of what to say, Bill manages to give the line before Ted closes it out by saying “Party on, dudes!”

Geek wisdom: No truer words could have been spoken. The idea to be good to everyone is something that we should all do. If we did, there would probably be no wars or hate, no famine or no pain. The world would actually be a utopian society. Sometimes, even the most simple of minds can produce the most thoughtful of wisdom.