You’re Killing Me, Smalls!

If you are like me, then you recognize the title of this article from The Sandlot and if not, you just think I’m an idiot. A friend pointed out that I use quite a bit of “movie speak” in everyday conversations, mostly because she had no idea why I felt the need to say “Alright, alright, alright” when apparently, to her, one “Alright” would have sufficed.

Anyone who has ever seen Mr. McConaughey in his pink pants knows what I’m talking about. After some deliberation I realized how often I use movie quotes, and I am hoping I’m not alone. So this is part blog/part poll to see who shares my apparent love of “movie speak”.

I give you my Top 5 most often quoted movies.

Dazed And Confused (1993)

Not only can I quote the entire movie, but I have been known to throw out “You gotta keep livin’ man, L-I-V-I-N” just because I can. I also find that “It’s what everybody in this car needs is some good ol’ worthwhile visceral experience” comes in handy as a road trip begins. Dazed is a cult classic, and for good reason, so please tell me I’m not the only one adores this cinematic gem.  

4. The Princess Bride (1987) 

I do like to answer requests with “As you wish” just for my own personal entertainment. I can’t begin to tell you how many times my roommate and I go through the rhyming scene between Fezzik and Inigo:

Inigo: That Vizzini, he can *fuss*.
Fezzik: Fuss, fuss… I think he like to scream at *us*.
Inigo: Probably he means no *harm*.
Fezzik: He’s really very short on *charm*.
Though the best part is, naturally, the end of the scene
            Vizzini: No more rhyming now, I mean it.
            Fezzik: Anybody want a peanut?

The Princess Bride

3. Dream for an Insomniac (1996)

This movie is a little known romantic comedy starring Ione Skye and  Jennifer Aniston with an array of quotable little ditties which are the things Hallmark cards are made of. For example “Anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of your time” is great for giving a friend advice and “There are too many mediocre things in life to deal with and love shouldn’t be one of them” is good for a break-up.

2. Pretty in Pink (1986)

Jon Cryer may play in as many television shows or movies as he likes, but he will forever be Duckie to me. With such classic quotes like “I’m off like a dirty shirt” and  “Drinking and driving don’t mix, that’s why I ride a bike” what’s not to love about the Duck Man. Now with every teen movie, you must have the sappy one-liner such as “If somebody doesn’t believe in me, I can’t believe in them.”

1. Empire Records (1995)

I have no qualms about admitting that Empire Records is probably my most quoted movie. Rory Cochran, as Lucas, can say just about anything in this movie and be funny, “Always play with their minds”, “Who knows where thoughts come from? They just appear” and “What’s with today, today?” are my personal favorites. However” I don’t feel that I need to explain my art to you, Warren” and “Shock me shock me shock me with that deviant behavior” are quite popular but the most often used line would have to be the classic line “Damn the man. Save the Empire.”

While I continue to hold The Boondock Saints and The Karate Kid in the highest regard, as they share the top spot on my All-time favorite movies list; I don’t quote them as often as the movies I’ve noted today. I should say, for the record, that Anchorman, Super Troopers, and Dirty Dancing were all honorable mentions, but didn’t quite make the cut. So scan your DVD collection, ask your friends and let me know what your most often quoted movies are.