He Slimed Me

Inside all of us hides an inner nerd. I’ve been accused around the office of not hiding mine particularly well, especially when it comes to quoting famous and obscure movies alike.

A few years ago, I reviewed the American Film Institute’s top 100 movie quotes list, and shared the secret marketing messages hidden in each. When I saw Liquid Generation’s 100 best movie lines in 200 seconds, I realized that more hidden messages needed to be freed.

(Video caution: Some PG-13 in there…)

Here goes:

“He slimed me.”
Ghostbusters, 1984
Secret message: People know when you’re trying to pull the wool over their eyes or use a cheesy sales tactic. Don’t.

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”
A Christmas Story, 1983
Secret message: Don’t let someone scare you out of doing something you want to do. There’s nothing wrong with a little risk.

“I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.”
Airplane!, 1980
Secret message: Not sure, but if you haven’t seen Airplane!, you’re missing out.

“There’s no crying in baseball!”
A League of Their Own, 1992
Secret message: Get knocked down, and then get up again. Don’t ever let them keep you down.

“I’m the dude.”
The Big Lebowski, 1998
Secret message: If you don’t think so first, no one else will.

“My precious.”
The Return of the King, 2003
Secret message: Passion is the fuel that fires the services firm engine. Ask yourself if you want it bad enough that you’d sneak into Mordor, face the eye of Sauron, and throw a hobbit or two into the fires of Mount Doom for it. Then you know you really want it.

“They’re here.”
Poltergeist, 1982
Secret message: Recognize when things are a-changin’ and roll with the new punches. Twitter, anyone?

“It’s alive!”
Frankenstein, 1931
Secret message: It feels great to launch a new website, until everyone starts pointing out all the technical glitches. What’s it to you that we left a few bolts sticking out of the neck anyway?

“Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me.”
The Graduate, 1967
Secret message: With value, of course.

“What’s the most you’ve ever lost in a coin toss?”
No Country for Old Men, 2007
Secret message: Do whatever you can to put the odds in your favor. The consequences of coming in second can be dire. (If you want to know what the consequences could be and you’ve got a strong stomach, watch the movie.)

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
Dirty Dancing, 1987
Secret message: Stick up for yourself. Or you could wait for Patrick Swayze to come by.

“I’ll have what she’s having.”
When Harry Met Sally, 1989
Secret message: Don’t reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to. If it’s working for someone else, it might work for you.

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
Love Story, 1970
Secret message: If I messed up, I wouldn’t try this one at home, and I wouldn’t try it with a client. Mess up…fess up.

“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore.”
Network, 1976
Secret message: You’re in charge of your own destiny, chief. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

“You can’t handle the truth!”
A Few Good Men, 1992
Secret message: Don’t ask for feedback unless you really want it and are prepared to do something about it. And be careful if you’re going to expense that golf outing. (And don’t order any Code Reds. So messy.)

“What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”
Cool Hand Luke, 1967
Secret message: Communication is key. (Glad they didn’t pick, “I can eat 50 eggs.” What would I have done with that?!)

“Welcome to the party, pal.”
Die Hard, 1988
Secret message: Welcome competition. It usually means there’s plenty of business to be had in the market.

“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”
The Usual Suspects, 1994
Secret message: The market is being underserved by your competitors. You can do better! Are you just gonna stand around and let that happen, or are you afraid to stand up to Keyser Soze?

“Sweep the leg.”
Karate Kid, 1984
Secret message: And even if Keyser Soze isn’t playing fair, stick to your values. In the end, you’ll come out on top with no cheap tricks.

If you’re interested, here’s a few more from that AFI list.

Got any favorites that I missed? I’m curious to know your top quotes, and what they really mean.