Tag: movies

“I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

From: When Harry Met Sally

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Harry Burns

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from When Harry Met Sally, a film about two people, Harry (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) and their somewhat long “on and off” relationship. It has become one of the most beloved movies of all time. Although the film has become more memorable because of the “I’ll have what she’s having” quote, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any more beloved saying from the film

The quote actually comes from the very end of the film. During a New Year party, Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) decides to leave early as she’s depressed her friendship with Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) had just ended. However, just before Sally leaves, Harry rushes in and declares his love for her. Sally thinks that Harry is just saying that because he feels lonely as it’s New Year’s Eve. Harry then tells Sally about all her little quirks she makes and how he loves her even more because of them before delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: We all like to dance around our feeling and keep them bottled up inside. We can sometimes be too scared to express our love for someone else for fear of rejection or being shunned. However, the more you delay telling that person you love someone, the more you are going to be missing out on actually being with them.

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“Who’s going to believe a talking head?”

From: Re-Animator

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Herbert West

The story behind the quote: As it’s Halloween, it’s only fitting that we use a horror movie quote. Which is why this week’s quote comes from the cult classic horror-comedy film, Re-Animator. The original film was based on a short story by H. P. Lovecraft and has spawned two sequels.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Herbert West (played by Jeffrey Combs) has managed to track down one of his re-animated corpses, Dr. Carl Hill, who has managed to steal his reagent, the chemical compound that can raise the dead. Dr. Carl Hill, despite being dead and essentially has to carry his own severed head around, still wants to publish West’s research as his own. This is when West informs him that no one will believe him because of his current headless state.

Geek wisdom: We all have some kind of status in our life and, sometimes, it can be hard to be taken seriously because of it. We can be overlooked simply because of how people perceive us. This does mean we can either be underestimated or overestimated. It’s up to us to prove what we can do, however, and not let them say what it is.

Oh, and, if you’re a reanimated talking head that’s trying to take credit for creating a formula that can bring the dead back to life, don’t be a jerk and steal someone’s work.

“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”

From: Blade Runner

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Roy Batty

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Ridley Scott cult classic, Blade Runner. The film is all about a man named Rick Deckard, the titular Blade Runner of this story, and his search for four rogue Replicants who have made it to Earth. The film didn’t actually do all that well when it was released in 1982 as most critics felt the pace of the film was too slow. However, as the film gained cult status due to its incredibly deep story and Ridley Scott’s beautiful vision of a gritty future, the film has gained more notoriety and has influenced many directors of today.

The quote actually from the end of the film as Roy Batty (played by Rutger Hauer) had just saved Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) from falling off a building. Realizing that he is dying due to the nature of Replicants having short life spans, Batty laments on the experiences he had accumulated and delivers what is now known as the “tears in rain” monologue, in a sense, proving that he does have a soul and human.

Geek wisdom: A huge part of what makes us human is our experiences in life. These collective experiences are all that help form our very unique individuality. We are all interconnected by these experiences but we may not feel the same way or experience them the same way. That doesn’t make them any less significant, though, as they have meaning to you or someone else.

Ultimately, however, when we do leave this mortal coil, those experiences will be lost forever. This is why we have to experience as much of living as we can while possible.

“It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?”

From: Blade Runner

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Gaff

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the neo-noir film Blade Runner. Although it wasn’t a box office hit when it was released in 1982, Blade Runner has achieved cult status thanks to the incredibly creative world that Ridley Scott created for the film. The story follows one of the titular Blade Runners named Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) and his task to hunt down four rogue replicants, artificial humans, who have traveled to Earth in an attempt to lengthen their short lifespans.

The quote comes from the climax of the film. After one of the replicants Deckard was contracted to “retire” actually saves his life, one of the Blade Runner’s friends, Gaff (played by Edward James Olmos), appears in front of him. They have some banter, hinting that the job is finished and that Deckard might retire as a Blade Runner. Gaff then tosses Deckard a gun and then reminds him of Rachael, the replicant in his apartment. He turns and walks away but stops to deliver the quote.

Geek wisdom: Whether you’re a replicant or an actual human, life is just too short. As life is fleeting, you not only have to enjoy it as much as possible, this also means you only have a scant few years to make your mark in history. Try to live live to its fullest.

“I did not hit her, it’s not true! It’s bullshit! I did not hit her! I did not! Oh hai, Mark.”

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 from the infamous rooftop scene where Johnny bursts in, upset because, apparently, Lisa claims that he hit her. However, his anger soon vaporizes to greet Mark who… likes to hang out on the roof, I guess?

Geek wisdom: No matter how upset or mad you are, always try to make an effort to be cordial to the people around you. Even if you are upset about something, you have no right to take it out on anyone else. Even Johnny knew that and made sure to greet Mark once he saw him.

“You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?”

From: Batman (1989)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Jack/Joker

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Tim Burton’s first take on Batman way back in 1989. The movie was a smash hit and, believe it or not, shed the “campy” mystique mainstream audiences associated with the character thanks to the (still rather wonderful) Batman live-action television series left. It made general audiences aware of Batman’s original dark roots and the movie lent a hand to the revival of superhero films.

The quote actually is mentioned several times throughout the film and can be considered to be Jack Napier/The Joker’s (played by Jack Nicholson) catchphrase. In one memorable instance, when confronted by Bruce Wayne (played by Michael Keaton) while in Vicki Vale’s (played by Kim Basigner) apartment, he delivers the quote and explains that he just likes how the phrase sounds.

Geek wisdom: Although Jack/Joker says it doesn’t really mean anything, there is a way to interpret the quote to have a deeper meaning. Essentially, The Joker delivers the catchphrase to anyone he’s about to kill. This could be his way of asking them if they ever tempted fate and did something so dangerous that their life may be threatened.

While it may be sometimes exhilarating to do something death defying, it may sometimes be better not to, especially if there is a chance of perishing because of it. You only live once, you know.

“Who you gonna call?”

From: Ghostbusters (1984)

Genre: Movies, Music

Who said it?: Ray Parker Jr.

The story behind the quote: This quote comes the extremely popular film from 1984, Ghostbusters… sort of. While it wasn’t said in the actual movie, it was sung in the theme song for the film. And it was also sung in another film bearing the same name.

Everyone knows the original iconic Ghostbusters theme song sung by Ray Parker Jr. I mean, the song was just so catchy and memorable at the time and perfectly encapsulated the rather whimsy tone of the movie. The song was actually nominated for an Oscar and reached the number one spot on Billboard for three consecutive weeks.

Of course, when the franchise was rebooted in 2016, they had to find a way to recreate the song to suit modern audiences, which is why they got Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliott to remix the song. The iconic lyric (and this week’s quote) obviously had to be written in the song.

Geek wisdom: Use the right tool for the job. Substitutes may do in a pinch but nothing beats the most appropriate equipment for the problem at hand. If you need to hammer a nail, use a hammer if you have one handy. If you need to eliminate ghosts and the supernatural, call the Ghostbusters. It just makes sense.

“As you wish.”

From: The Princess Bride

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Carl Denham

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote is, once again, from Vida! Two in a row! Many thanks, Vida! Keep them coming!

The quote comes from the incredibly popular film adaption of the book, The Princess Bride. While the film was a modest success when it came out in 1987, it only really gained success when it came out in home video. Even so, it’s not hard to see why the film was so popular as it was a children’s adventure film with enough wit and whimsy for an adult to enjoy.

The quote is actually kind of a catchphrase for Westley, played by Cary Elwes. In the film, Westley starts out as a simple farm boy in love with Buttercup, played by Robin Wright. Whatever Buttercup orders Westley to do, he does it and only says the quote. This does become important in the middle of the story after Westley’s ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts and is lost at sea, leaving Buttercup to think Westley has perished. However, she realizes her mistake when she herself comes face to face with the Dread Pirate Roberts.

Fun fact: In the book, Buttercut actually doesn’t figure out what Westley means by “as you wish” as she’s a little bit dim in the original work.

Geek wisdom: Now, let me quote Vida regarding the specific geek wisdom from this beautiful quote…

“Westley is expressing his unconditional love for Buttercup, showing that whatever hardships or obstacles, True Love always endures and triumphs. The geek wisdom here is having faith in the power of love, and that love is eternal whether the person is here or across the seas on a pirate ship or in the afterlife. “As you wish” is the absence of ego and the need to be first in a relationship, and says the other personʻs happiness is as important as your own. “

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

From: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Dumbledore… sort of.

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote was submitted by Vida. We over here are MyGeekWisdom highly appreciate helping out! I’ll actually be quoting Vida for the most part…

 

“Harry went into the forest to meet death at the hands of Voldemort and has awakened to find himself at “Kingʻs Cross” station with Dumbledore instead. This quote occurs after their discussion about recent events and the Elder Wand, with Harry deciding to return to the forest to help his friends defeat the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Harry asks if their conversation is real or only happening in his head…and this is Dumbledoreʻs reply.”

The quote is also given in the film adaption of the book. However, the line is a little bit different…

 

Geek wisdom: “What I find comical and appealing about this quote is how often Dumbledoreʻs views about life can seem quirky and eccentric to most of the other characters. Ron calls him “mad” (in a good way of course). But when one unpacks Dumbledoreʻs statements, there is usually some deeper logic or no logic at all, only Dumbledore highlighting the many paradoxes of life.”

Another way to think of the quote is that, just because something is imaginary or you just conjured it up in your noggin, that doesn’t mean that it can’t have meaning.

“I am Groot.”

From: Guardians of the Galaxy

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Groot

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from, well, Groot from the Marvel film and surprise hit, Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes, it was a surprise that a movie that featured a bunch of Marvel characters that only hardcore comic book collectors know about managed to smash all sorts of box office records!

Anyway, the quote is actually the only thing that Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) can say as explained by Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper).

Actually, the explanation why Groot says just these three words, it turns out it just sounds like he is just saying I Am Groot. Underneath those three little words are a series of inflections and very subtle tonal changes that acts like his vocabulary.

There’s actually an entire language he speaks but you have to be incredibly astute to understand all of those almost negligible changes in pitches and speed to understand him.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, it’s not what you say but how you say it. In fact, sometimes, the way you say something may change the meaning of the words themselves. Additionally, you have to also remember that actions speak louder than words. While we may not be able to understand what Groot is saying practically all the time, he lets his actions do the talking for him most of the time.