A few weeks ago we launched Operation Guillaume to educate our new singe codeur français in American geekery. We didn't know where to start so we asked you guys to vote on which movies he should see.
Last Friday, we had our first brainwashing screening, and we chose to show "The Trouble with Tribbles," Schoolhouse Rock classics "Conjunction Junction" and "I'm Just a Bill," and The Princess Bride.
Guillaume's mission debriefing follows.
Trouble with the Tribbles*
* [Ed. Yes, he got this wrong--should be "The Trouble with Tribbles"--but it's too cute so we're leaving it.]
Let me start by saying that I'm glad that the clothing style from the 60s is not around anymore. If one day I have to create a galactic federation/republic/empire, I'll want my people to inspire fear. I know I'm disappointing our resident Trekkies but really, fear first. Then comfortable pajamas and mini-skirts.
That said, Star Trek isn't unenjoyable, far from it. This episode was quite similar to an old-style Columbo in that you sort of know what the end result is going to be from the beginning ("50% of a Tribble's metabolism is geared towards reproduction" gives you strong clues), but you don't know how the characters are going to find it out.
Also, it's important to note that what you watch influences what you see. After watching this, I couldn't help but notice people wearing red shirts, after Jacob explained me that the red shirts are pretty much expendable. Fortunately, just as nobody died in Trouble with the Tribbles [Ed. Except for the tribbles!?], my Saturday went without incident, thank you.
Conjunction Junction and I'm Just a Bill
Pretty funny, but I don't think I have the connection to it that most people who watched it when they were kids now have.
I've had the "conjunction function, what's your function" tune in the head for about a day though, so it's working. Next thing you know, I'll be hooked on phonics and lose my accent.
[Ed. Unlikely.]
The Princess Bride
Awesome dialogues! I should have watched this movie a long time ago!
My preferred quotes are probably:
"My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
"Inconceiveable"
"I do not think it means what you think it means."
"Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line."
Also, it certainly improves both my geekness and my ability to work at ThinkGeek (they go hand in hand, don't they?):
Before:
Guillaume: I refactored 3 librairies yesterday.
Jacob: INCONCEIVABLE!
Guillaume: [blank stare]
After:
Guillaume: I refactored 3 librairies yesterday.
Jacob: INCONCEIVABLE!
Guillaume: I do not think it means what you think it means.
So, what will we watch next? Guillaume would like to see Office Space because we quote it so often, though Star Wars (but which, and in what order?) and Back to the Future figured higher in our poll.
What would you foist next upon our test subject?
Comments