Movie Quotes Meme

[Sara]

I seem to recall that folks expressed interest in having the quotes and their attached recommendations memorialized on S&H, so I've started this thread for just that.

I've gone back through the threads from that time, found all of the pertinent posts (I think), and used my mad TP skilz to copy them to a text document with the original coding included. If you'd like me to PM your text to you so you can post it under your name, just say the word; if not, I'll go ahead and put 'em in here myself.

[Sara]

As promised, a rundown of my list:

1. It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us. A River Runs Through It, not guessed
Trust me: you don't need to fly fish, or even be a fan of fly fishing, to enjoy this movie, any more than you need to love football to watch tv's Friday Night Lights. ARRTI is really about fathers, sons, and brothers; seeking and finding grace; wondering why it is the people we love the most are often the ones we can help the least, and realizing "we can love completely without complete understanding."

2. Do us a favor... I know it's difficult for you... but please, stay here, and try not to do anything... stupid. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.
Setting aside the part where it stars Johnny Depp, PotC: CotBP is, to me, a bit of a throwback: a fun, swashbuckling adventure that manages to both respect the intelligence of the audience and yet never take itself too seriously. When I walked out after seeing it for the first time, I couldn't remember the last time I'd enjoyed watching a movie so much.

3. Well, actually, nobody on this planet ever really chooses each other. I mean, it's all a question of quantum physics, molecular attraction, and timing. Why, there are laws we don't understand that bring us together and tear us apart. Bull Durham
No, it's not because it's about baseball. It's well-written, features some of the best work Susan Sarandon and Kevin Costner have ever done, is funny without going for cheap laughs, and revolves around actual grown-up characters. Plus there's that dream sequence featuring a young Tim Robbins wearing nothing but his hat, cleats, glove, jockstrap, and a garter belt.

4. Do you believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster and the theory of Atlantis? Ghostbusters
Do I really need to explain this one? A movie that still cracks me up—and that I'm still quoting—more than two decades after I first saw it. Even if it did ruin the phrase "who ya gonna call?" forever.

5. Dear Da, did you know something? We're moving again. Ma says it's time. She says it's definitely the last time but she says that every single time. Nana Gourley says if there is a next time, they'll have to carry her out in a box. And ma says don't tempt her! Dear Frankie, not guessed.
A sweet little gem of a movie, and the beginning of my love for Gerard Butler. Emily Mortimer, probably best known to American audiences as the woman Ross almost married in England on Friends, is simply outstanding as a single mom who goes to great lengths to protect her son's happiness.

6. Poor people are crazy, Jack. I'm eccentric. Speed.
One of the most well-crafted action movies I've ever seen. The premise is elegant in its simplicity, and thanks to an uncredited turn by Joss both the dialogue and the plot twists are snappy and smart.

7. At the end of this, he'd BETTER not know you're involved, not know your names, or think you're dead. Because he'll kill ya, and then he'll go to work on ya. Ocean's 11
First, Clooney in designer suits. Second, great dialogue. Third, Clooney in designer suits. Fourth, I really dig a well-crafted heist/caper story. And fifth, Clooney in a rumpled tux.

8. Good afternoon. We're gonna have a great jump today. Okay, first crank a hard cutback as you hit the wall. There's a screaming bottom curve, so watch out. Remember: rip it, roll it, and punch it! Finding Nemo
Beautiful animation, great story, and wonderful vocal performances; I still can't watch the scene where Dory begs Marlin not to leave her without tearing up.

9. Ah, the old express train to Hell. No lines, no waiting! The Frighteners, not guessed.
Very scary, yet lots of fun. Michael J. Fox totally kicks ass, while Chi McBride and John Astin are comic genius in their supporting roles.

10. I believe in love. Not just getting it, but giving it. I think that if you're able to love someone, even if they don't know it, even if they can't love you back, then it's worth it. Gosford Park, not guessed.
One of those movies where every time I watch it I catch something new. You've got Robert Altman behind the lens, a virtual who's who of English acting talent as your cast, and Clive Owen. What more could a person ask for?

11. No. He won't even know your name. Pan's Labyrinth, not guessed.
I know, it seems like a boring line to quote. But those of you who've seen the movie knows how resonant those simple words were in a film centered around the power of storytelling. It's a beautifully made film that haunts you well after the credits roll, and Doug Jones gives not one but two of the most remarkable physical performances you could ever hope to see.

12. There is a painful difference between the expectation of an unpleasant event and its final certainty. Sense and Sensibility.
Given the number of other S'cubies who also listed this one, do I really have to elaborate?

13. Just because I talk with an accent doesn't mean I think with an accent. A Walk in the Clouds, not guessed.
Okay, my secret is out: I can be a total sucker for sappy romances. And this one, for whatever reason, pushed all the right buttons for me. Maybe it's because of its utter lack of cynicism: it's unabashedly earnest and old-fashioned, and all of the performers (including Anthony Quinn, in what I believe was his final role) commit to that spirit wholeheartedly. All I know is it makes me all happy in a swoony sort of way.

14. It's funny how all living organisms are alike. When the chips are down and the pressure is up, every creature on this earth is interested in one thing and one thing only: its own survival. Minority Report, not guessed.
To my mind, one of the most underrated films in recent years. Yes, I know: Tom Cruise. But it's directed by Steven Spielberg, adapted by Scott Frank (who also penned Dead Again and adapted Out of Sight) from a Philip K. Dick story, features tremendous performances by Samantha Morton and (yes, really) Cruise, and includes Neal McDonough, Max von Sydow, Peter Stormare, Cold Case's Kathryn Morris, and Lois Smith in supporting roles. The movie doesn't shy away from addressing the interesting ethical and moral questions raised by the premise. And given that this film came out in 2002, in the wake of 9/11 and the Patriot Act, the question of whether it's right to jail someone without a trial for a crime they hadn't yet committed was particularly germane. It's also, imho, an excellent piece of filmmaking from start to finish.

15. Look, boss, I only got one rule. And that's never bet money that you don't have on a dog race with an ex-girlfriend who happens to be a stripper. Tin Cup, not guessed.
First: if you haven't seen the movie, imagine this quote being spoken by Cheech Marin. Even funnier, isn't it? Not only is Tin Cup another great romantic comedy for adults, but it's that rare sports movie that doesn't end quite exactly the way you'd expect it to. Plus you've got Rene Russo showing off her comedic timing and Kevin Costner reminding us that in the right kind of role he's actually a charming, talented actor.

[Sara]

Fotada's list

My answers to the movie quotes meme:

1. You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. You don't wanna know about it, believe me. – The Big Lebowski
One of my favorite Cohen Brothers movies. A sly parody, a noir thriller, a cracktastic comedy. And Steve Buscemi.

2. I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Are you listening? Plastics. --The Graduate
Dustin Hoffman owned his role, and Anne Bancroft owned hers. Anyone who ever wondered “what am I going to do with my life?” should appreciate this movie. And Buck Henry.

3. Man has a choice and it's a choice that makes him a man.—East of Eden
The movie where I met and fell in love with James Dean. A much better story of disaffected youth than his more popular film, “Rebel Without A Cause,” in my opinion. And Burl Ives.

4. Okay, fine, but I didn't dump my purse out on the couch and invite everyone into my problems. – Breakfast Club
I am a child of the 80s and it’s a federal law that I love at least one John Hughes film. And Simple Minds.

5. And I really don't care for the way your company left me in the middle of fucking nowhere with fucking keys to a fucking car that isn't fucking there. And I really didn't care to fucking walk down a fucking highway and across a fucking runway to get back here to have you smile in my fucking face. I want a fucking car RIGHT FUCKING NOW! –Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Nothing makes me laugh more than this movie. And I laugh at the same lines Every. Single. Time. And Michael McKean.

6. So Husselbeck, what kind of killer do you think stops to save a dying fish? – Dark City
This movie introduced me to the dreamy intensity that is Rufus Sewell. Nice special effects and effectively creepy bad guys. And Kiefer Sutherland.

7. Ned... Ryerson. "Needlenose Ned"? "Ned the Head"? C'mon, buddy. Case Western High. I did the whistling belly-button trick at the high school talent show? Bing. Ned Ryerson, got the shingles real bad senior year, almost didn't graduate? Bing, again. Ned Ryerson, I dated your sister Mary Pat a couple of times until you told me not to anymore? Well? – Groundhog Day
The movie that first made me realize Bill Murray could act. Almost in spite of Andi MacDowell, the movie is really, really good. And Chris Elliott.

8. Keaton always said, "I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him." – The Usual Suspects
Kevin Spacey!! And Kevin Spacey, and oh by the way—Kevin Spacey. And Gabriel Byrne.

9. The voice you hear is not my speaking voice---but my mind's voice. I have not spoken since I was six years old. No one knows why---not even me. My father says it is a dark talent, and the day I take it into my head to stop breathing will be my last.—The Piano
Holly Hunter’s character had almost no lines but she communicated her every thought and emotions without fail. And I love the twisted relationship she has with Harvey Keitel. And Harvey Keitel.

10. Character #1: All right, ya hayseeds, it's a stick-up. Everybody freeze. Everybody down on the ground.
Character #2: Well, which is it, young feller? You want I should freeze or get down on the ground? Mean to say, if'n I freeze, I can't rightly drop. And if'n I drop, I'm a-gonna be in motion. – Raising Arizona
Another Cohen Brothers movie. This movie may have the only Nicholas Cage performance that I actually enjoy. Kooky, crazy, funny. And John Goodman.

11. I picked you for the job, not because I think you're so darn smart, but because I thought you were a shade less dumb than the rest of the outfit. Guess I was wrong. You're not smarter, Walter... you're just a little taller.—Double Indemnity
A truly great noir film, with Fred MacMurray of all people. Subtle homoeroticism. And Barbara Stanwyck.

12. You mean you want me to shove my finger up that turtle's ass? – The Truth About Cats and Dogs
The truth is, I want to be Janeane Garafolo when I grow up. And Ben Chaplin.

13. Are you gonna bark all day, little doggy, or are you gonna bite? – Reservoir Dogs
The story of a supposedly “professional” crime caper that goes horribly, horribly wrong. It’s really gruesome, and really raunchy, and really funny. And, once again, Steve Buscemi.

14. The world's my oyster, except for the fact that I just rammed a wooden stake in my brother's heart because he turned into a vampire, even though I don't believe in vampires. Aside from that unfortunate business, everything's hunky-dory. – From Dusk Til Dawn
OK, this movie is stupid. Like, really, really stupid, but I love it and I’m not ashamed to admit that. George Clooney looks smoking hot, while Salma Hayek makes me question my sexuality. And Cheech Marin.

15. You'll find the shame is like the pain, you only feel it once. – Dangerous Liaisons
I realize this list says things about me that I’d rather not publicize—mainly that I have an attraction to movies featuring dysfunctional relationships. What’s that about? The twisted game John Malkovich plays with Michelle Pfeiffer is so intriguing, and then of course, there’s Glenn Close and her devious manipulations. And Keanu Reeves.

[Sara]

Monnie's list

Here's my list, with answers to those that were unanswered, and a few reasons why I love each:


1. "What will your duties be?” “Sword fighting, obviously, administering rum and swabbing.” “And which of these will take precedence?” “Swabbing, I imagine.” Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen Jane Austen Jane Austen, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson. I though ET did a brilliant job with the screenplay, and Ang Lee is a genius director--this is one of the most beautifully filmed movies I will ever see.

2. Half of writing history is hiding the truth. Serenity Well, duh.

3. The only thing that worried me was the actual killing. How does one do that? Hmmm? How does one kill a man? It's one thing to dream about it; very different when, when you, when you have to do it with your own hands. Amadeus Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham are both mesmerizing in this film. This movie is what first made me love period pieces. And it's got some very funny moments in it.

4. 7's the key number here. Think about it. 7-Elevens. 7 doors. 7, man, that's the number. 7 chipmunks twirlin' on a branch, eatin' lots of sunflowers on my uncle's ranch. You know that old children's tale from the sea. It's like you're dreamin' about Gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly Brie time, baby. Step into my office. There's Something About Mary--unanswered This is the funniest movie I have ever seen. I'm giggling here just thinking about it. So very wrong in every way, but it has such a good heart.

5. Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane. Shawshank Redemption Very interesting character study about the perseverance of the human spirit. And heartbreaking. Plus, I love Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in this. Very well-acted.

6. Look man, I'm telling you right off the bat I'm high maintenance. So I'm not gonna tip-toe around your marriage or whatever it is ya got goin' on there. If you wanna be with me, you're with me. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind This movie blew me away the first time I watched it. And scared me. And made me think. It helped me realize that no matter how painful some memories are, I don't want to be rid of them. They did a great job with showing what memories "look" like inside our head, and how they feel, if that makes any sense. And I love Kate Winslet.

7. You call that begging? You can beg better than that. Kill Bill, Vol. 1--unanswered This movie kicks ass. I don't usually love overly gory, exceedingly violent films, but this one was so over the top that it was just fun for me. And it's a strong woman getting her vengeance on--I couldn't help but love it. Very pretty movie, too--the colors are so vibrant (except when B&W), including all the blood ;D. And the different fighting styles rocked.

8. Well, I'm not saying I'd like to build a summer home here, but the trees are actually quite lovely. The Princess Bride Fun, fun, fun. And dreamy Westley.

9. Mother doesn't like me playing Beethoven. She says I'm always peevish afterwards. A Room with a View What can I say--I love period films. And gorgeous cinematography. And that kiss in the meadow . . . .*swoons*

10. This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. Bridges of Madison County--unanswered Yes, it's a very sappy movie, but it's Meryl Streep. And Clint Eastwood. This movie left me a mess for days.

11. The more I see of the world, the less inclined I am to think well of it. Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen Jane Austen Jane Austen, my favorite book, period film, wet Colin Firth . . . need I say more?

12. I got to tell you, I give this whole thing a sphincter-factor of about 9.5. The Abyss Such a cool movie. I loved how alone and isolated they seemed and were--they might as well have been in outer space because there was no way anyone could help them. Plus, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was such a bad ass. And I loved Ed Harris. That scene where they have to choose who will swim the other back to the rig, and the scene after that one? So powerful and moving. And cool space-alien-thingy!

13. Possum, put that up now. Places in the Heart I've already talked about how much I loved Sally Field in this. And John Malkovich is always awesome. And Ed Harris. Plus, it seemed to be such a realistic portrayal of being a woman during that era and living on a farm and being dirt poor and having to rely on your neighbors for help and just the drudgery of day to day living during that time.

14. Are you going to be something else that I have to survive? Because... to tell you the truth... I'm not up to it. Erin Brockovich--unanswered Fun movie. Julia Roberts did a great job. Makes me want to go out and fight a big, corrupt corporation on the behalf of others.

15. I'll come 'round sometime and get that squeak out of your door. Chocolat Beautiful movie. Beautifully acted. This line (said by Johnny Depp's character) gives me chills every time. ;D Plus, hello?! A movie about chocolate--there is no bad here.

[Sara]

Onjel's list

Correctly answered below.

I'm kicking myself for not including, "The Hunger", "The Last Emperor" and "Pulp Fiction", not to mention "Valmont". I would have included "Indochine", but I figured a foreign film probably wasn't fair game.

1. "I have had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming." BladeRunner I love, love, love this film. It so beautifully explores what it means to be human and the ambience was perfectly captured. The sets were awesome and hey, Harrison Ford and a young Rutger Hauer.

2. "This weekend we'll go out. We'll go to the city, see a show and have dinner, I promise. " The Godfather Everything about this movie was a piece of art. From the music to the sets, to the costumes to the dialogue to the acting. Al Pacino played Michael so perfectly, in his metamorphosis from nice kid home from war with the promise of becoming a "respectable" member of society to the godfather. And, hey, young Al Pacino and James Caan.

3. "I do take my responsibilities as seriously as you, you know. You do your job and let me do mine, yes?" Alien What can I say? It scared the crap outta me. And, I clearly like Ridley Scott.

4. "What are they gonna say about him? What are they gonna say? That he was a kind man? That he was a wise man? That he had plans? That he had wisdom? Bullshit man!" Apocalypse Now I love the original version, not the director's cut. It so wonderfully adapted and brought to life "Heart of Darkness" and the surfing scene was so wonderfully surreal.

5. "Story of my life. I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop." Some Like it Hot This is a classic comedy. I can't say enough about how funny this movie still is.

6. "I'll admit I may have seen better days, but I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail, like a salted peanut." All About Eve The dialogue, the acting, all of it was magnificent in this film. Bette Davis shone.

7. "And really, I think what we're talking about is standards, basically; very, very specific, rigid, you could say, but in this world where would we be without them, I think. And notice where we are." Best in Show Like I wouldn't love a movie that is a parody of The Westminster Dog Show. Plus, cute dogs.

8. "Well, I suppose I could, uh, work in a shop of some kind, or... or do, uh, freelance, uh, selling of some sort of, uh, product. You know..." This is Spinal Tap How could I not love a movie that is a mock up of a "rockumentary" of a 1970's band? It was so well done, you would almost think it was a real thing. Plus? I love Christopher Guest.

9. Character 1: "No, I'll join this conversation on the proviso that we stop bitching about people talking about wigs, dresses, bust sizes, penises, drugs, night clubs, and bloody Abba!"
Character 2: "Doesn't give us much to talk about then, does it?" The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert It has humor, biting humor, pathos, gut-wrenching emotion and drag outfits out of this world. What's not to love?

10. "The chain in those handcuffs is high-tensile steel. It'd take you ten minutes to hack through it with this. Now, if you're lucky, you could hack through your ankle in five minutes. Go." Mad Max the first one. The stylized violence got me. Plus the bleak landscape of a mostly post-apocalyptic world was actually believable. Plus, young Mel Gibson.

11. "Oh, so that's it, you lost your family? That makes you something special, does it?" Road Warrior See, above.

12. "Storm's getting worse." Serenity 'Nuf said. Plus, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin and Simon Tam.

13. "Take your filthy hands off my asp!" The Pink Panther Another classic comedy for me. David Niven and Peter Sellers are comic gold.

14. "The sky is pocked with stars. What eyes the wise men must have had to see a new one in so many." The Lion in Winter I'm a sucker for an historical costume drama. Plus, Peter O'Toole and young Timothy Dalton.

15. "And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for doing your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not doing mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?" A Man for All Seasons
I love the exploration of the philosophical differences between Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More. Well acted and the dialogue was riveting. Besides, the historical costume drama thing.

[Sara]

Erin's list

1. "My son's a homosexual, and I love him. I love my dead gay son!" Heathers OK, well, I saw this movie for the first time in 1989, and watched it so many times I literally had it memorized. There are non-publishable reasons why I loved it so much, but it also was sick and dark and a perfect antithesis to the ordinary 80s teen movie.

2 "Come on now, be honest! Which one of you wouldn't rather listen to his hairdresser than Hercules? Or Horatius, or Orpheus... people so lofty they sound as if they shit marble!" Amadeus Aside from being my first "date" movie (quotes because I was 11 and my mom was there, so it doesn't really count), a Mozart who was basically an incredibly talented child was very identifiable for me at that age.

3. "Your mom puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?" Real Genius Silly, fast-moving, and delightful.

4. "Dear Buddha, please bring me a pony and a plastic rocket..." Serenity Do I really have to explain this one to you guys?

5. "I hope it feels so good to be right. There's nothing more exhilarating than pointing out the shortcomings of others, is there?" Clerks--unguessed Although I think Kevin Smith made better films, this movie really brings back a particular era in my life.

6. "For this revolt of thine, methinks, is like / Another fall of man." Henry V Aside from being brilliant directed, exciting, and weirdly hot, one of the first Shakespeare adaptations I saw that really brought the Ho-Yay. Especially in the scene this quote is from.

7. "Why, you wouldn't even look at a clock unless hours were lines of coke, dials looked like the signs of gay bars, or time itself was a fair hustler in black leather." My Own Private Idaho Oh, River. Such a brilliant and off-beat film...both funny and tragic.

8. "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything." Fight Club Although there is a lot that is HUGELY problematic in this film, I'm attracted to both the modern discontent and critique of consumer culture inherent in the film. Also, the use of "Where is My Mind?" in the closing credits.

9. "To trudge: the slow, weary, depressing yet determined walk of a man who has nothing left in life except the impulse to simply soldier on." A Knight's Tale--unguessed I really wanted to hate this movie; it's an intentionally anachronistic film set in medieval times. And yet it works so well. Especially Paul Bettany as the hottest and funniest Chauncer ever, and Heath Ledger (*sigh*) dancing to David Bowie's "Golden Years."

10. "The man I bought it from explained to me that, when a husband gives it to his wife, they become two halves of the same person. Nothing can separate them... not even death." Dead Again Well, this movie completely ate my brain when I first saw; a hybrid romance-noir...which suits me just fine. This is as close as I get to watching a romance.

11. "I find it poor logic to say that women should vote because they are good. Men do not vote because they are good; they vote because they are male, and women should vote, not because we are angels and men are animals, but because we are human beings and citizens of this country." Little Women I adored that this adaptation blended Louisa Mae Alcott's life with the novel itself. Plus, Susan Sarandon's Marmee? Is pretty much exactly how my mom is. Which is awesome.

12. "Mr. President, we must not allow a mineshaft gap!" Dr Strangelove, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb I have yet to see a better critique of the military-industrial complex.

13. "Man, I had a finger up my asshole tonight." "Is it Friday already?" The Usual Suspects Hilarious, thrilling, and with possibly the best twist ever. And even after you know the twist, it's totally rewatchable.

14. "There was nothing wrong with it... until I was about 12 years old and that no-talent ass clown became famous and started winning Grammys." Office Space This movie came out not long after I started working in a cubicle, and it just hit every single frustrating thing about working in an office.

15. "Because people who have no hopes are easy to control; and whoever has the control... has the power!" The Neverending Story--unguessed Such a gorgeous film, and so powerful, at least to me. The idea of the death of imagination is just horrifying in its implications.

[Sara]

Sharky's list

Okay, here’s a list of quotes and movies from me. I’ve tried to choose some I haven’t seen mentioned yet. It should do a good job of closing out this thread, huh?

10. ”Who are you?” “Jacob McCandles.” “I thought you were dead.” “Not hardly.” Big Jake. My dad loved John Wayne movies, and always took his sons to see them. What kind of idiot would kidnap the Duke’s grandson? Well, Richard Boone, of course! Wayne made better movies, but the repeated question put to “Big Jake” McCandles and the drawled “Not hardly” is one of my favorite movie memories. And, because of what these movies meant to a boy and his dad, one of my favorite memories, period.

9. ”Ordinarily, I'd take you in my court and try you and hang you. But if you've got money for whiskey, I guess we can dispense with those proceedings.” The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. Not a perfect film, but Paul Newman’s Roy Bean was an iconic character if ever there was one to a sixteen-year-old kid. One of the first films I ever saw multiple times in the theater, I might have to drive down to Langtry one of these days.

8. ”You’re the greatest lover I’ve ever known.” “I practice a lot when I’m alone.” Love and Death. Once upon a time, there was a guy named Woody Allen who made really funny stuff, this one a riff on Russian dramas. I miss him. This was a movie I loved in the day, made with Diane Keaton two years before Annie Hall.

7. ” Proposition: I'm a king, not a man. And a very civilized king. Could it possibly be civilized to destroy the thing I love? Did they ask for this calamity? Can passion be selected?” Camelot. I was introduced to the Arthurian world by Disney’s The Sword in the Stone and read White’s The Once and Future King later for the full story. Was Richard Harris too old to play Arthur? Maybe, but Camelot is a dream of a place I’d love to go, since “in short there’s simply not a more congenial spot for hap’ly ever aftering than here in Camelot.”

6. ”I thought all writers drank to excess and beat their wives. You know, at one time I think I secretly wanted to be a writer.” The Philadelphia Story. Hepburn, Grant, Stewart… Preserving the talent of these three forever is the best argument in favor of cloning I’ve ever heard. Someone already picked a line from Bringing Up Baby, my favorite pairing of Cary and Kate, but this one’s a classic. All I can say about this film is, “My, she was yar!”

5. ”Where does he get those wonderful toys?” Batman. For over forty years I’ve wanted those wonderful toys. I was in first or second grade when I was introduced to “Batman”, via the campy TV series. As a kid, I loved it. But, as I grew up I came to learn about the Dark Knight. I loved Tim Burton’s vision at the end of the ‘80’s, and the trailer where you hear Nicholson reading the paper saying, “Winged freak terrorizes? Wait’ll they get a load of ME!” then reveals himself for the first time as The Joker made me want to cheer. I liked “Batman Begins” more in some ways, but still love this movie.



4. ” What is this thing? I mean, it serves no useful purpose for there to be a bunch of chompy, crushy things in the middle of a hallway. No, I mean we shouldn't have to do this, it makes no logical sense, why is it here?.” Galaxy Quest. An absolute pitch-perfect salute to fandom, showing the geeky and the heroic sides of the whole phenomenon. What a great cast! The toughest part on this one is choosing which line to highlight; I love so many! But Sigourney Weaver’s look of exasperated disbelief as she faces the chompers is priceless. “Whoever wrote this episode should die!”

3. ”Life’s not fair. You see, I shall never be king. And you, you shall never see the light of another day.” The Lion King. I watched my then-three-year-old sit transfixed through the entire movie, legs wrapped around a container of popcorn he could have fit in. His early life was filled with Simba, Scar, Mufasa, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, & Rafiki. We reenacted Scar and Mufasa’s confrontation at the cliff on the slide of his swing set countless times. This is Disney animation at its finest, crafting films the entire family can enjoy and relive over and over.

2. ” And where were you twenty years ago? Ten years ago? Where were you when I was new? When I was one of those innocent young maidens you always come to? How dare you! How dare you come to me now, when I am this!?” The Last Unicorn. This is not great animation. But the story moves me, and I loved the music that America recorded for it. I searched for the soundtrack for years, but it eluded my grasp until I managed to find a German import several years ago. I’d love to see a retelling of this story on film with a bigger budget used wisely, but Peter Beagle’s story leaves a lump in my throat even with the cheap animation.

1. ” I will take the Ring to Mordor… though, I do not know the way.” The Fellowship of the Ring. Was it chance, or destiny, or design that such a quest should fall to an unlikely hero? It doesn’t matter. Sometimes, you have to leave all you know and love behind to save them or perish in the attempt. This is such a great scene, with all the races arguing loudly as Frodo watches their reflection in the gold of the One Ring. Peter Jackson’s images didn’t replace the ones I carried in my head since my first reading of Tolkien’s masterpiece, they merely enhanced them. All I can say is, “Thank you, sir.”

[Sara]

Liz's list

OK, here are the answers with explanations. I tried to pick movies that other people hadn't picked (except I screwed up with one), and also, I tried to pick quotes that I love as well as movies that I love, so these aren't my 15 favorite per se (and I'm not sure what those are actually), but I give all of these a 10/10.

I'll go back an comment on the other movies people mentioned, maybe tomorrow.


The Movie Quote Meme
1. Pick 15 of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie.
3. Post them here for everyone to guess.
4. Fill in the film title once it's guessed.
5. NO GOOGLING/using IMDb search functions.

1. I'd like to play a character like the Terminator, because I think the Hispanic people are crying out for a destructive killing machine they can embrace as their own. unanswered America’s Sweethearts
Fantastic metacommentary comedy. Follows the structure of Singing in the Rain, and plays on similar themes, but concerned with the state of modern day Hollywood. Also, not a musical. Pokes fun at every celebrity scandal you wish you’ve never heard of. Great cast, who shine at basically playing themselves. Every scene is a gem. Oh, and my avatar and sig line are from the movie, in case you didn’t know.

2. I didn't lose it. It's not like, "Whoops! Where'd my job go?" I *quit*! American Beauty
This movie made me fall in love with Alan Ball. Dark comedy, questions about how we perceive life and death and learning to find beauty everywhere. Really just reaches out and grabs me and holds me in awe.

3. Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion. Donnie Darko
This is a fantastic film that I have seen several times, but I still don’t understand exactly what it’s about. If you haven’t seen it yet, you definitely should.

4. And God said, "Where the Hell is Tim?" And there the Hell was Tim. unanswered Noises Off
This is an adaptation of a three act play about a highly dysfunctional cast and crew trying to put on a one act play, with farcical humor. The first act is the dress rehearsal, which they barely get through, from the audience’s POV. The second act is a performance of the play in which everything that can go wrong does go wrong, seen from backstage POV (I’m told that on stage, they have a rotating set that simply swings round). The third act is another performance of the play, seen from the audience’s POV, in which things have gotten even worse, and they've just tossed the script entirely. The cast of the movie consists of some very big names, Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Nicholette Sheridan, and the girl from Airplane.

5. What she said, it was like a curse. This power I had, this belief in myself, I could actually feel it draining away. I could feel myself becoming ordinary. All the secrets I once saw, I couldn't see them anymore. All I could see was, were my mistakes, my weaknesses. The best part of me just disappeared. But I can't put it all on my mother. I did it to myself. unanswered Joy Luck Club
It’s about family and stories. Mostly about mother-daughter issues, which hit really close to home for me, particularly this quote above. Visuals, music, and acting are fantastic. There are so many beautiful quotes from this movie that really stick in my mind.

6. No, no, you've always had that wrong about me. I really am this shallow. About a Boy
At its heart, it’s about the search for meaning in one’s life. The story is funny, heartwarming and unique. Fantastic chemistry between Hugh Grant and the kid who plays Marcus. And I love the dual opposing voice overs. No man is an island.

7. That you can lose yourself. Everything. All boundaries. All time. That two bodies can become so mixed up, that you don't know who's who or what's what. And just when the sweet confusion is so intense you think you're gonna die... you kind of do. Leaving you alone in your separate body, but the one you love is still there. That's a miracle. You can go to heaven and come back alive. You can go back anytime you want with the one you love. unanswered Bicentennial Man
Brilliant underrated film, mostly because it was mis-marketed as a Robin Williams vehicle movie when it really should have been marketed as an adaptation of an Isaac Asimov short story and his robot lore. At its heart, it’s about what it means to be human, one of the quintessential questions addressed in sci-fi.

8. I think there has to be a door between where you cook and where you crap. Even in the bush - tribal people, you know, they have a place for both. Probably it's like a law. God! It's probably in the Bible. It's at least a building code violation. unanswered Life as a House
Pitch perfect family drama, heartwarming without being sappy, that builds and then comes to completion perfectly. Great cast, but particularly strong performances from Kevin Kline and Hayden Christiansen. If a house is a symbol of identity, then this movie is at heart about a dying man rebuilding his identity during his last months, and in the process bringing the people around him together as a community.

9. This happens. This is something that happens. unanswered Magnolia.
Complex multiple storyline structure, fantastic cast, about the connections between people, hopes and dreams, and quirky twists of fate.

10. I would like to say this. Tardiness is not something you can do on your own. Many, many people contributed to my tardiness. I would like to thank my parents for never giving me a ride to school, the LA city bus driver who took a chance on an unknown kid and last but not least, the wonderful crew from McDonalds who spend hours making those egg McMuffins without which I'd never be tardy. Clueless
Hilarious but serious at the same time, poking fun at modern day youth culture. Clever adaptation of Emma. Imminently quotable.

11. Sir knight? I've just pissed in my pants... and nobody can do anything about it. Dances With Wolves
Lyrical, beautiful story about the closing of the frontier. Gorgeous scenery, music, and not even marred by Kevin Costner’s acting, mostly because he doesn’t have to do anything.

12. I figure fuck it, while I'm at it why not just shoot my buddy, take his job, give it to his sworn enemy, hike up gas prices, bomb a village, club a baby seal, hit the hash pipe and join the National Guard? I could be elected president. unanswered Good Will Hunting
Story of struggling genius, very real and clever screenplay, with great Matt Damon and Ben Affleck chemistry, and Robin Williams.

13. What about Claudette Colbert? She's British, isn't she? She sounds British. Is she, like, affected or is she British? unanswered Gosford Park
I can’t believe that I didn’t recognize the quote from Sara’s (?) list, because I tried not to pick movies that people had already been picked. Oops.
Anyway, complicated multiple storyline structure, great cast, period drama. Really brings out the sense of nostalgia and tragedy for an aristocracy who secretly knows their time is past.

14. Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I'm being repressed! Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python, need I say more? OK, I will. Imminently quotable. Laugh out loud moments in every scene. Great playing with conventional storytelling structure, and with the King Arthur legend.

15. We're more of the love, blood, and rhetoric school. Well, we can do you blood and love without the rhetoric, and we can do you blood and rhetoric without the love, and we can do you all three concurrent or consecutive. But we can't give you love and rhetoric without the blood. Blood is compulsory. They're all blood, you see. unanswered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Adaptation of the Tom Stoppard play. Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, and Richard Dryfuss. Based on Hamlet, my favorite Shakespeare play, and consists of witty rapid fire dialogue and existential dilemma.