Movie Quotes — 1990s Edition

Back in high school, I kept a quote notebook.  Anytime I ran across an interesting or funny quote I would put it in the book.  I eventually filled that notebook and started another.  I recently unearthed those notebooks to use for ideas for my Quote Wednesday posts.  While perusing the notebook, I ran across a huge section of movie quotes from the 1990s.  These were the movies that I watched over and over again in high school.  For today’s fun, I thought I would share those quotes.  But you have to guess what movie they are from…  (don’t worry, answers will be at the bottom of the post)

1. What’s with you today, Lucas?  Yesterday you were normal, today you’re like the Chinese guy from the Karate Kid.

What’s with today, today?

2. Slappy, Swammy, Swans, Swanson?  Maybe it’s on the briefcase.  Ah, Samonsite, I was way off!

3. If I saw myself dressed like that, I’d have to kick my own ass.

4. Yeah, but when the Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates down eat the tourists.

5. Men should be like Kleenex: soft, strong, and disposable.

6. I figure we demand some weird stuff so that later we can plead insanity.

7. Go, go Buffalo!

8. I’d like to quit thinking of the present as some minor insignificant preamble to something else.

9. What, you think just cause a guy reads comics he can’t start shit?

10. Have I stepped over some line in the sands of coolness with you?

11. What was that?  You’re trailing off… and did I catch a “niner” in there?  Were you calling from a walkie talkie?

12. A gun rack?  A gun rack. I don’t even own ahh gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack!

13. I guess in the end I’m just a trendy ass poser.

14. Are you asking me out?  That’s so cute; what’s your name again?

15. I think most Scottish cuisine is based on a dare.

Make your guesses now…

Go on… you know you quote some of these at any given opportunity…

And now for the answers…

Answers:

1. Empire Records (1994)

2. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

3. Happy Gilmore (1996)

4. Jurassic Park (1993)

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Clueless (1995)

6. Airheads (1994)

7. Idle Hands (1999)

8. Dazed and Confused (1993)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Mallrats (1993)

10. Reality Bites (1994)

11. Tommy Boy (1995)

12. Wayne’s World (1992)

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  SLC Punk (1998) — love Heroin Bob!

14. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

15. So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)

 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling — Part 2

Because there are two movies, I tend to think about this book in two parts.  So I am splitting my review into two parts corresponding with the break in movies.  Part 2 covers pages 503-759 of the hardcover edition.

Title: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2007

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 759

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me.  It’s been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that’s what, eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it’s been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun

Favorite scenes:

• Break-in at Gringotts —  This entire scene feels like an amusement park ride complete with scary dragon.
• Harry standing up for Professor McGonagall — Such a small gesture, but beautiful.
• The entire last 100 pages of the book — Of course.  Amazing.  Heartbreaking.  Satisfying.

Favorite character(s):

• Neville Longbottom — Who knew the scrawny kid in the first year would eventually land the killing blow to Nagini and stand up to all of the Death Eaters.

Other odds and ends:

• The story of Ariana’s death is just heartbreaking.  That story alone explains so much about Dumbledore and his regrets.
• Along the same lines, Helena Ravenclaw’s story involving the Bloody Baron also breaks my heart.
• Snape’s memories feel like a stopping in the story although I understand why they are there and that they set up Harry is truly understand what he needs to do.
• I loved that Draco gets a semi-redemption in the end.
• I burst into tears not when Fred, Remus, and Tonks died, but when the ghosts appear in the forrest.  Ugh!  I bawled for pages afterwards.
• I still think I could have done without the epilogue…

Favorite quotes: 

“Because,” said Harry before Hermione could answer, “sometimes you’ve got to think about more than your own safety!  Sometimes you’ve got to think about the greater good!” (pg. 568)

“Hallows,” murmured Dumbledore, “not Horcruxes, Precisely.”  (pg. 713)

“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it.  Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprose that they wear it well.”  (Dumbledore pg. 718)

“NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!” (Mrs. Weasley pg. 736)

Movie fun Part 2

My favorite scenes:

• Inside the Lestrange vault.  The multiplying treasure is just gorgeous to watch.
• At much as I like the ending battle scenes, they are very different than the book’s versions.

Things I wished to see, but didn’t:

• Some of the little moments in the book that just aren’t there.

Other odds and ends:

• The opening shot of the dementors surrounding the castle and Snape standing in the window is breathtaking.  Beautifully shot.
• I love the conversation between Griphook and Harry at the cottage.  Griphook has the right mix of contempt and curiosity.
• The dead Gringott’s employees was a bit of a weird addition.
•  Loved the little before the battle moments of preparation, especially Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall calling forth the statues.

Harry Potter:

1. The Sorcerer’s Stone
2. The Chamber of Secrets
3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
4. The Goblet of Fire
5. The Order of the Phoenix
6. The Half Blood Prince
7. The Deathly Hallows
   1. Part 1
   2. Part 2

 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling — Part 1

Because there are two movies, I tend to think about this book in two parts.  So I am splitting my review into two parts corresponding with the break in movies.  Part 1 covers pages 1-502 of the hardcover edition.

Title: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2007

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 759

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me.  It’s been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that’s what, eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it’s been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

Favorite scenes:

• Goodbye scene with the Dursleys — It’s bittersweet.  You want to hate the Dursleys for how they treated Harry and yet I love how Dudley finally says something.  And I screamed at Petunia to say something comforting…
• Bill and Fleur’s wedding — I love the descriptions and seeing all the Weasley’s together (expect for Percy of course).
• Bathilda Bagshot and Godric’s Hollow — I know what’s coming but this scene still scares the crap out of me.  Maybe it’s the dead body, maybe it’s the snake.  All I know is it is extra extra creepy.

Favorite character(s):

• Kreacher — Bet you weren’t expecting that one…  I really love how he begrudgingly but finally accepts Harry as his master.  Plus his sneakiness comes in handy when they are trying to find the locket.
• Ron — He leaves, he’s a git, but he redeems himself by destroying the Horcrux and trying to get on Hermione’s good side throughout most of the book.

Other odds and ends:

• I cried over Hedwig and downright bawled over Dobby.  I cried for them more than I did when Dumbledore died.  Plus I got a bit verklempt with George’s injury.
• I detest Scrimgeour with a passion.  Ugh!  So not sorry when he dies.
• I love the description of Luna’s bedroom with the painting of her friends.  She is always one of my favorite characters.

Favorite quotes: 

“He looked away, trying not to betray the resentment he felt.  There is was again: Choose what to believe.  He wanted the truth.  Why was everybody so determined that he should not get it?” (pg. 185) — When Harry learns of Rita Skeeter’s book.  He has to get over these selfish thoughts to see the truth later on…

Movie fun Part 1

My favorite scenes:

• Big chase scene with the 7 Harrys — It’s different than the book but with the same adrenaline rush and danger.
• Bathilda Bagshot and Godric’s Hollow — Creepiest scene ever.  I jumped in the theater when Nagini is revealed.  I jumped again in my home when I knew exactly how it was going to happen.  Creepy creepy!
• Favorite hands-down: The Tale of the Three Brothers — I loved loved loved the animation and the creepy shadow figures.  It fits perfectly with the story and set-up.

Things I wished to see, but didn’t:

• More Lupin and Tonks.  The movie cryptically alludes to Tonks’ pregnancy, but it’s mostly left out.  Pretty big deal in the books.
• Something with Dumbledore and his family.  I like that side story in the books and yet no mention in the movies.
• Wormtail death.  Stunning him in the cell just seems to let him off easily.  I would have felt more complete with his death.

Other odds and ends:

• I liked the change in opening to Rufus Scrimgeour’s statement about the Ministry.  While it is untrue, I like the foreshadowing and foreboding it creates.  The same is true for Hermione, Ron, and Harry’s saying goodbye to their “homes.”
• Fleur’s dress is just gorgeous.  I really wanted to see more of it.
• I like how they folded visions from Voldemort into some backstory for those nonrabid fans.

Harry Potter:

1. The Sorcerer’s Stone
2. The Chamber of Secrets
3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
4. The Goblet of Fire
5. The Order of the Phoenix
6. The Half Blood Prince
7. The Deathly Hallows
   1. Part 1
   2. Part 2

 

Twelfth Night by Shakespeare

Title: Twelfth Night or What You Will

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Classic Plays

Pages: 92

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Shakespeare; Book2Movies

Play

I’ve always been a fan of Twelfth Night.  I am going to say it’s because of the mistaken identify.  I love the interplay between the characters and their identities.  Viola is an amazing female character for Shakespeare.  I feel for her.  I understand her.  I admire her wit and intelligence.  I may say that she is my favorite of Shakespeare’s women.  The best scenes are the interplay between her and the Lady Olivia.  We see this great back and forth of wits.  With my love of characters, I do have a few issues with the play.  What happens to Malvolio?  How does Olivia feel about marrying Cesario’s (Viola’s) dead brother mistakenly?  I might have some issues with the consequences.  I also have an issue with the unresolved Clown.  What happen’s after?  It seems that Shakespeare ended the play a bit too early.

Extra fun note curtesy of IMDB: The play was referenced in the movie V For Vendetta. The character V quotes: “Conceal me what I am, and be my aid…for such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent” as he’s dancing with Evey.

Movie Adaptation — 1988 Kenneth Branagh directed production

This isn’t a movie adaptation, it’s a filmed stage production.  I love that the audience gets the feel of being in the theater.  However, I do not love the set design.  Everything is gray and white and a barren graveyard.  I just so not a fan of the stark set.  A bit more color would have been nice.  Plus, the clown was very tiring and his hair just distracted me.  It was an interesting adaptation, but not my favorite (and definitely not my favorite Branagh Shakespeare.  I much prefer Much Ado About Nothing or Othello.

 

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest

Author: Oscar Wilde

Genre: Classic play (1895 play / 2002 movie)

Pages: 92

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics — Play; Mount TBR; Books2Movie

How I Got It: Own it

Play:

I absolutely adore this play.  The back and forth between Algy and Jack keeps me going.  I love their battles of wits.  And the mistaken identity aspect adds way too much fun.  Plus, Wilde is the best at turning a phrase.  This play is full of great lines and comebacks.

Some choice quotes:

“When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people.” - Act 1

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” – Act 1

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!” - Act 1

“Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.” - Act 1

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” - Act 2

“I could deny it if I liked. I could deny anything if I liked.” - Act 2

“Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.” - Act 3

“The chin a little higher, dear. Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present.” - Act 3

“Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?” - Act 3

“I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.” - Act 3

2002 Movie:

The movie adds things here and there, but overall keeps the spirit of the play.  I love all the actors.  Rupert Everett plays he best scheming Algy.  Colin Firth is divine as Jack/Ernest.  Dame Judi Dench always plays the stiff Brit.  And Reese Witherspoon plays the perfect innocent,  but not really innocent, Cecily.  The addition of Cecily’s governess/tutor.  Does anyone else think that Archer’s manservant is modeled after Algy’s manservant Lane?  I think so.

 

Richard III by Shakespeare

Title: Richard III

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Classic Plays

Pages: 158

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Shakespeare; Book2Movies

Play

History or tragedy?  Even Wikipedia doesn’t know.  I am going to all it a history.  While there are definitely tragic elements, we aren’t supposed to identify with Richard.  The villainous villain of all of Shakespeare… and he’s the main character.  I can not get over it!  He does have the most amazing monologues throughout the play.  Shakespeare is known for his monologues, but these are over the top.  I especially love the scene on the battlefield after the ghosts have visited Richard.  Oh how the mighty have fallen!  Not one of my favorite plays, but a very interesting history.

1955 Movie Adaptation 

Before I say anything about the content, I must remark ont he ridiculous costumes.  they are so comical and colorful.  They look like something that belongs in Disney World.  I Just can’t get past them.  On to the content. Laurence Olivier is just amazing.  He exudes villainy and treachery.  And that wig is just perfect for the nasty king.  I was a bit unnerved at his monologues directly into the cameras.  It’s a bit odd for a movie.  It made me feel that I was part of Richard’s evil plan to get the crown.  But the performance is just right.  Last note…  I love how unrealistically people from old movies kiss.  That just looked awkward.

 

Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare

Title: Much Ado About Nothing

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Classic Plays

Pages: 98

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Shakespeare; Books2Movie

Play

I love the interplay of characters in this one.  We get some interesting pairs and foils.  While I don’t find the laughs like I do in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, there are some good moments.  Most of those moments come with banter between Beatrice and Benedick.  Beyond the content and characters, I do find it fascinating that this play in written mostly in prose.  We get Shakespeare’s fun with verse occasionally, but most of it is straight verse.  And I do love that it’s set in Messina on Sicily.  The setting gives the play a different feel than many of his northern settings.

Movie Adaptation 

I decided to watch the 1993 Kenneth Branaugh version as Emma Thompson and Branaugh are amazing as Beatrice and Benedick.  Overall, their love story is the one that I watch.  Hero and Claudio’s is too “love at first sight” nonsense leading to (in my opinion) Claudio’s false accusation of Hero.  Of course, that is just my issue with Shakespeare’s story.  I do love the blocking and sets in the film.  The rustic charm is to die for.  I want to visit.  And the costumes are appropriately wore in.  Overall, I think this is one of favorite adaptations of any Shakespeare work.

 

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

Title: The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials #3)

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher: Alfred Knopf 2000

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 518

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy; Mount TBR; My Years — 2000

How I Got It: I own it!

The Amber Spyglass brings the intrigue of The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife to a heartstopping close, marking the third and final volume as the most powerful of the trilogy. Along with the return of Lyra, Will, Mrs. Coulter, Lord Asriel, Dr. Mary Malone, and Iorek Byrnison the armored bear, The Amber Spyglass introduces a host of new characters: the Mulefa, mysterious wheeled creatures with the power to see Dust; Gallivespian Lord Roke, a hand-high spy-master to Lord Asriel; and Metatron, a fierce and mighty angel. And this final volume brings startling revelations, too: the painful price Lyra must pay to walk through the land of the dead, the haunting power of Dr. Malone’s amber spyglass, and the names of who will live—and who will die—for love. And all the while, war rages with the Kingdom of Heaven, a brutal battle that—in its shocking outcome—will reveal the secret of Dust.

Good graciousness…  I could not be more blown away by this trilogy.  And I have no idea how these novels can be classified in the children’s section.  These have so many layers.  We get a bit of adventure, some romance, some theology, some philosophy… It’s just so layered that I had to pause every chapter or so to ingest what I was reading.  The moment that Dr. Malone finished the spyglass and saw the Dust flowing was a beautiful revelation.  I’m still processing this novel over 12 hours after finishing.  I think this trilogy will be one of those that we be reread every few years.  Read this for a challenge to your worldview.

His Dark Materials

1. The Golden Compass
2. The Subtle Knife
3. The Amber Spyglass

 

 

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Title: The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials #1)

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher: Alfred Knopf 1995

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 399

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: YA; My Years — 1995; Mount TBR; Book2Movie

How I Got It: I own it!

In The Golden Compass, readers meet 11-year-old Lyra Belacqua, a precocious orphan growing up within the precincts of Jordan College in Oxford, England. It quickly becomes clear that Lyra’s Oxford is not precisely like our own—nor is her world. In Lyra’s world, everyone has a personal dæmon, a lifelong animal familiar. This is a world in which science, theology and magic are closely intertwined.

This book is so much more than I thought it would be.  I went into the book thinking it was a YA Fantasy novel (more or less).  But this story has so many layers.  Pullman throws in theology and philosophy and ethics and history and sociology and psychology.  This is a story of who we are and where we came from.  As Lyra learns of the world around her and makes mistakes, we journey with her.  We encounter the same puzzling questions and dilemmas.  We sometimes make mistakes and sometimes make the right choices.  We learn of parallel universes and the possibilities they hold.  We learn of deceit and betrayal, but also of loyalty.  We learn what it means to be human and bear and witch and daemon and everything else.  I loved the characters and the settings and the adventure.  But I really loved the revelations and conversations.  The plot helps us to journey along the path to a higher realization of the universe.  I can’t wait to jump into the second book, The Subtle Knife.  I’m told we travel even further down the rabbit hole.

Movie Version:

I saw this movie before reading the book and even then I thought it was bad.  Now I know how truly bad it is.  They took a wonderfully complicated novel and turned it into a silly family adventure movie.  All the complexities are gone.  Although somehow they are hinted at, leaving the audience in complete confusion.  They cut out huge swaths of the plot line.  Characters disappeared everywhere (especially my favorite, the witches).  I think part of the problem is summed up by this bit of trivia courtesy of IMDB.com

Director Chris Weitz has himself adapted Philip Pullman‘s work, citing the film and its sequels to be influenced by Barry Lyndon and Star Wars. He also mentioned that the film would make no direct mention of religion or God, two of the key themes of the books – a decision attacked by fans of the trilogy. According to Weitz, New Line Cinema feared that “perceived anti-religiosity” would make the film financially unviable in the USA. However, Weitz reassured fans by saying that religion would appear in euphemistic terms.

His Dark Materials:

1. The Golden Compass
2. The Subtle Knife
3. The Amber Spyglass

 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2006

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 652

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me.  It’s been awhile since I read the series.  I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants.  SO that’s what, eight years ago?  I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it’s been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts.  Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc.  And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

Favorite scene:

• Every one of the memories of Tom Riddle.  They are so illuminating.  I really wish they included them in the movie…
• The opening scene between the Minister of Magic and the Prime Minister.  It’s a great opening sequence showing the interaction between the magical and muggle world.  Another thing I really wish they would have put in the movie.

Favorite character(s):

• Narcissa Black Malfoy — Even though she’s only in it for one actual scene, I love her.  I especially love the contrast between her and her sister Bellatrix.
• Ron and Hermione — Their whole will-they or won’t-they is fascinating.  I just adore them.  And I especially love the scene in the hospital.

Other odds and ends:

• I forgot how angry Harry is in this movie…  Teenage angst is a bit much.
• There’s a whole passage on pages 180-181 comparing Harry and Snape.  As much as Harry doesn’t want to admit it, they are very similar.
• Slughorn is a great side character.

Favorite quotes: No one really sticks out to me.

Movie fun

My favorite scenes:

• Ron and Hermione’s fight with the birds — I love the emotional vulnerability in this scene.  It just works.
• Slughorn Christmas Party — Between Hermione avoiding Cormac and Harry wanting Ginny, this is a great scene of teenage hormones.  Plus it just looks pretty.

Things I wished to see, but didn’t:

• The book’s opening sequence.  Unfortunately they change to one (Harry in the tube station) that doesn’t really make a lot of sense.  However I did love the destruction of the bridge and Diagon Alley. It’s mentioned in the book, but to see the raw power from the Death Eaters is just terrifying.
• Harry and Ginny’s kiss in front of the entire Gryffindor common room.  The small kiss in the room of requirement just doesn’t really work.

Other odds and ends:

• In the books, I love Ginny Weasley.  She’s a great mix of Fred and George and Mrs. Weasley.  I understand why Harry likes her.  Yet, in the movies, she’s more of a wet blanket.  The movies rob her of all the interesting aspects of her personalty.  Very sad change of character from books to movies…
• I loved loved loved watching Draco’s transformation from arrogant elitist to broken little boy.  It makes his realization of what’s right and wrong that much better.  Tom Felton really gave him a haunted look in most of the scenes.
• Attack on the Burrow — WHY!?!?!  It’s just completely wrong…

Harry Potter:

1. The Sorcerer’s Stone
2. The Chamber of Secrets
3. The Prisoner of Azkaban
4. The Goblet of Fire
5. The Order of the Phoenix
6. The Half Blood Prince
7. The Deathly Hallows