Movies have been a popular form of entertainment for decades especially with young people.  Many teenagers go to movies as their first dates or frequent the newest releases on weekends at the local cineplex. These particular large-screen experiences can produce what is referred to as a “One-liner”.  A “One-liner” is simply a short phrase within a movie that stands out from the rest of the dialogue.  These lines are often funny  or inspiring.

If you have ever walked down the halls you probably have heard these sayings from people talking with their friends.  Recent hits such as Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, and especially The Hangover have produced some of the most renowned and well-known “One liners” of all time.  These phrases are often what can make or break a movie.

When people go see a comedy or an inspiring movie they may reminisce on all the things that happened, but after a month or so you will probably find that the only thing they talk about is that one liner hidden within the film.  They are short, but absolutely hysterical.

After speaking to several students of Elder I learned that half the people could give me their favorite “one-liner” in less than a couple seconds.  However, the other half had so many favorites that they couldn’t decide.  Movies are released every month and with them comes a plethora of new quotes.  Some of my favorites given to me by the students of Elder include the following:

“I won’t call him dad.  Even if there’s a fire,” said Brennan from Step Brothers.

“Brothers Don’t shake hands.  Brothers gotta hug,” said Tommy from Tommy Boy.

“Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up,” said Alfred from Batman Begins.

“If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis,” said the Old Farm Lady from Billy Madison.

“You can’t handle the truth,” said Colonel Jessep from A Few Good Men.

The previous quotes hardly even reach the tip of the iceberg for the vast amount of “one-liners” that are currently present in today’s world.  These quotes are not of course always funny though.  Some of them are used by coaches and even teachers in order to motivate their students to do better.

“My momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,’” said Forrest Gump.

Sometimes the best quotes are from animated characters as well such as Yoda from Star Wars when he says “Do, or do not.  There is no try”.

These “one-liners” are similar to some of the most famous paintings in the world in the sense that each contains a hidden message.  Although they are easier to understand many people continue to not comprehend the deeper meaning.  If we choose we can take more out of these quotes by relating it to our own lives.  Sometimes it is important to remember that the most interesting things are the most simple.

These simple sayings coincide with the expression “short and sweet”.  A quick stroke of brilliance can often lead to making or breaking a film.  Although sometimes hidden, these “one-liners” are the pinnacle of excitement and humor when it comes to entertaining a crowd.  Just remember the next time you’re feeling sad and or under the weather a quick four or five words can completely alter your mood.