Tag: marvel

“I understood that reference.”

From: Marvel’s The Avengers

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Captain America/Steve Rogers

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from Marvel‘s The Avengers. Released in 2012, this movie was the culmination of years long storytelling with the heroes of the previous Marvel films joining forces to face off against a threat that may destroy the planet. This was groundbreaking for its time as comic book fans have been dreaming of and anticipating this very moment when Nick Fury appeared in the after credits scene of the first Iron Man movie.

The quote comes during the first act of the movie. Nick Fury had managed to gather all of the Marvel superheroes in one room and makes a comment on how two of his agents are being mind controlled by calling them “flying monkeys”; a reference to The Wizard of Oz. Although Thor doesn’t understand what that means, Captain America/Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) exclaims that he does, as he probably saw it before he got frozen.

Geek wisdom: Knowledge is always going to be knowledge, even when it doesn’t seem important. Something like understanding a movie reference may not seem important but it does help if someone you are talking to brings it up. So, try to accumulate as much knowledge there is. You never know when it might come in handy.

“You know, I keep telling everybody they should move on. Grow. Some do. But not us.”

From: Avengers: Endgame

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Captain America/Steve Rogers

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame. This film not only closes out the Infinity Saga but also serves as the conclusion to some of the Marvel heroes’ stories, such as Iron Man/Tony Stark and Captain America/Steve Rogers, among others. The story picks up around five years after the events of Avengers: Infinity War with the heroes picking up the pieces after Thanos‘ successful purge of half of the universe’s population.

The quote comes near the start of the film with Captain America/Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) returns to the Avengers base after leading a group grief counseling meeting and has a talk with Black Widow about what he discusses during these meetings but he knows what he’s saying is hypocritical by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It is important to move on from the past. But, like with what Captain America said, it can be very difficult and, at times, it actually might be the right way to handle things. Simply moving on may not be the answer when you can still do something about what happened in the past. Sometimes, focusing on what went wrong may be the only way to find a solution.

“Because… I have faith.”

From: X-Men ’97

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Nightcrawler

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney+ animated show, X-Men ’97. Based on the Marvel comics series, X-Men ’97 is a continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series.

The quote comes from the last episode of the second season, Survival of the Fittest. In order for Rogue to save Gambit from Apocalypse taking over his consciousness, she bargains with the Celestial Eson to get enough power to expunge Apocalypse from his lover’s mind. But, in order to gain that power, she has to sacrifice herself in the end. Rogue does manage to do so but she does not die. It’s then revealed that Nightcrawler negotiated with Eson to exchange his life for hers instead. Nightcrawler explains that, while the X-Men will indeed mourn his loss, it will be worth it as new life will come out of his sacrifice. When Eson inquires how can Nightcrawler can be so sure this will happen, he replies by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: While there is no certainty in life, we have to believe that most people will try to do the right thing in order for the world to get better. We have to believe that doing good things will also lead to good outcomes. Although that is not a certainty, it’s something we have to have faith on.

“Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time.”

From: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2015 superhero film from Marvel, Avengers: Age of Ultron. In the film, Tony Stark/Iron Man creates a machine that is supposed to help defend to world from imminent threats. However, the machine, now named Ultron, decides that humans are too destructive and deduces that the best way to ensure the planet is safe is to eradicate the human race. This leads the Avengers to try to stop him before he accomplishes his goal.

The quote comes in the middle of the film when the Avengers seek refuge in Hawkeye/Clint Barton‘s secluded home. Iron Man/Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr) and Captain America/Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) are reflecting on how handily Ultron defeated them. The two start fighting regarding why Tony Stark would even create something like Ultron. Tony Stark defends himself by saying he did it so none of the Avengers would have to fight as Ultron would stop all fighting before it even starts. This is when Captain America replies by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: While there is some wisdom to try to stop a fight or a war before it even starts, doing so through violent means or trying to do so without thinking of possible negative outcomes, isn’t. Preemptively doing so just might cause more problems.

“Bitch, please! You’ve been to space!”

From: Spider-Man: Far from Home

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Nick Fury

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2019 superhero movie, Spider-Man: Far From Home. Based on the Marvel character, Far From Home sees Peter Parker/Spider-Man is recruited by Nick Fury to assist another hero, Mysterio, in fighting off a seemingly mystical force known as Elementals who have the potential of destroying the planet.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) brings Peter Parker/Spider-Man (played by Tom Holland) to their base and explains the situation. Peter is reluctant to join the fight as he doesn’t feel like he’s up to the task. This is when Nick Fury, pointing out what happened to him during the events of Avengers: Infinity War, retorts by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It’s okay to be humble. However, at the same time, you should also be able to recognize what you are capable of. You may not realize how much you know or how skilled you are.

“It’s clobberin’ time!”

From: Fantastic Four

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: The Thing/Ben Grimm

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Marvel‘s First Family, the Fantastic Four. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four are a group of people who were bombarded with cosmic rays that granted them superpowers. They then decided to use these new abilities to help mankind.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of one of the members of the Fantastic Four, Ben Grimm AKA The Thing. The first time the catchphrase/quote was used was way back in Fantastic Four #22, The Return of the Mole Man. In the issue, Mole Man managed to trick the Fantastic Four into an isolated island and plans to trap them there while he sinks New York and Moscow in order to get the two nations to ignite a world war.

Sue Storm/Invisible Woman uses her new found ability to create force fields to enable them to pass through their radioactive prison. As the Fantastic Four escape and prepare to go after the Mole Man, Ben Grimm/The Thing utters the catchphrase and the quote for the very first time in Marvel continuity.

Geek wisdom: While it’s always nice to try to resolve things peacefully, there are times when force will be necessary. Sometimes, you do have to go “clobberin'” in order for peace to work.

“In the end, my girlfriend became my archenemy, my archenemy became my best friend, and my best friend became my girlfriend. But hey, that’s high school!”

From: Sky High

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Will Stronghold

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2005 teen superhero movie, Sky High. One of Disney‘s lesser known superhero movies (way before they acquired Marvel), Sky High revolves around a teenager named Will Stronghold (played by Michael Angararo). Will isn’t your ordinary teen, however, as he is the son of the greatest superheroes of the world, The Commander/Steve Stronghold and Jetstream/Josie Stronghold. Unfortunately for Will, despite him coming of age, he still hasn’t developed any powers yet. As such, he is sent to the “sidekick” section of Sky High. While at Sky High, Will must navigate through regular high school life such as falling in love, making new friends, making the right friends, facing off against bullies as well as fighting off supervillains. Okay, maybe not that last one but you get the idea.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. After Will Stronghold and the “sidekicks” managed to save the day, he goes on to reminisce how the rest of his first year of high school was like. He then summarizes his current relationships with the people he ran into by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Your relationships with people will change over time. You may change. They may change. Whatever the reason, the people from your past you didn’t like before may turn out more appealing to you now. So, maybe it’s a good idea to give these people a second chance.

“It’s an imperfect world but it’s the only one we’ve got.”

From: Iron Man

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the very first Iron Man movie from 2008. Based on the Marvel character and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, this was the film that launched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe and made it so superhero movies could be more than just silly films about comic book characters. The movie also reinvigorated Robert Downey Jr’s career after his life spiraled out of control in the 90’s.

The quote comes very early in the film. Tony Stark is called out to do an impromptu interview. Assuming the reporter will just ask him questions about a fluff piece, Tony takes the interview. However, it was actually an ambush as the reporter asks him about how he can manufacture weapons. This is when Tony Stark delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Although Tony Stark may have been somewhat insincere at that time when he delivered the quote, that doesn’t make his statement any less correct. We all live in this planet and it’s definitely not perfect. But until we find another world, this is the only one we have. So, we have to take care of it and try to get along with each other.

“I made an educated wish!”

From: Deadpool and Wolverine

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Deadpool

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from, technically, the third Deadpool film, Deadpool and Wolverine. Featuring the Marvel superheroes, the aforementioned Deadpool and Wolverine, played by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, respectively, the movie has the Merc with a Mouth partnering with the former Weapon X in a quest to save his universe.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Deadpool and Wolverine are travelling when the former lets it slip that he doesn’t really know if the Time Variance Authority can fix the latter’s universe. Wolverine confronts Deadpool about this and, to defend himself, Deadpool delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom:  The world can be unfair at times and all you can do is try your best and hope all that hard work will bear fruit. Sometimes it will but sometimes it won’t. All we can do is make the “educated wish” things will work out.

“You were always the wrong guy… until you weren’t.”

From: Deadpool and Wolverine

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: X-23/Laura

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from, technically, the third Deadpool movie, Deadpool and Wolverine. The film has Marvel superheroes Deadpool (played by Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine/Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) go on a interdimensional adventure in the hopes of saving Deadpool’s universe from annihilation.

The quote comes near the end of the film. X-23/Laura (played by Dafne Keen) meeting up with Logan. Although this Wolverine is of a different universe, Laura expresses her appreciation for saving her. Logan replies he shouldn’t deserve any credit as he has done a lot of terrible things in his universe and he’s not the same Wolverine she knows in the first place. This is when X-23 delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom:  Heroes come when the time and the place matters. When the situation arises, it’s the people who stand up during these crises who deserve praise. And that person could be anyone.