A character in Antz (1998)

General Mandible quotes from Antz (1998)

Gene Hackman

Scenes with General Mandible

15 scenes
Ladybug

This tastes just like crap.

Beetle

Really? Let me try some. Hey, it is crap. Not bad.

Mosquito

What if, like, we're just these tiny things... and we're just, like, part of this whole other huge universe...that's, like, so big we don't even know it exists?

Ladybug

Man, that is so deep.
Bala : Excuse me. I guess you didn't recognize me. My name is Princess Bala. I've been traveling, and I'm all... schlumpy.

Chip

It's worse than I thought. They're Euro-trash.
Bala : Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Z

Well, maybe, then again, maybe not, and then again... yowch.
Bala : That's it. You're the guy from the bar.

Z

Shhh.

Queen

Bar? What bar?
Bala : I... danced with this guy at the bar the other night. He was just a worker, then.

Queen

What were you doing at a bar?

General Mandible

Precisely what I want to know.
Bala : No. This isn't about me. I mean, Look at this worker. Look what he's done.

Z

I think - I think you're thinking of someone else. After all, I am a soldier.
Bala : Exactly. You WERE a worker, but now you're a war hero.

Queen

He's a worker?

General Mandible

A worker danced with my fiance?

Z

F-fiance? Hey, w-wait a minute. Th-this is not how it looks. I-I can explain this... hey, SHE was the one making all the moves.
Bala : Don't you get it? I chose you because you were the most pathetic bug in the joint.

Z

You know, I was going to let you become a part of my most erotic fantasies, but now you can just write it off.
Bala : I've been kidnapped by the village idiot.

Z

Who's the bigger idiot? The idiot, or the idiot who gets kidnapped by the idiot?

Z

Let me ask you something - what made you come to the bar that night?
Bala : I guess I was looking for a little trouble.

Z

Well, trouble's my middle name. Actually, my middle name is Marion, but I don't want you spreading that around.

Weaver

Z, I've known you for a long time, right?

Z

Definitely; you were born two seconds after me.

Weaver

And ever since I've known you, all you do is complain; what are you bitching about? If you haven't noticed, us ants are runnin' the show. We're the lords of the Earth!

Z

Hey. Don't talk to me about "Earth", 'cause I just spent my day hauling it around.

Colonel Cutter

Time stands still for no ant.

General Mandible

Sacrifice. To some, it is just a word. To others it is a code. What matters is the colony...He's willing to live for the colony...to fight for the colony... to die for the colony.

General Mandible
[his first words]

Workers. They're weak. They lack discipline. They lack commitment.

Foreman
[he comes in]

General, I know there's been a glitch or two. But everybody is working full tilt as it is, and-

General Mandible

You can't help it, it's your nature. But in spite of your limitations, you are going to finish this tunnel on schedule. Come hell or high water. For now on, anyone who falls behind is going to have to explain themselves to Colonel Cutter. And let me assure you, the colonel is not as understanding as I am. Dismissed. Four more days, Cutter. Four more days. Then we can bid final farewell to their kind of incompetence.

Colonel Cutter

Yes, sir.

General Mandible

A fresh start. Imagine it!

Colonel Cutter

A strong colony, sir. A colony we can be proud of.

General Mandible

Yes, but we're not there yet. Cutter, we just got word that a termite army has mobilized against us.

Colonel Cutter

Against us?

General Mandible

We'll have to send troops deep into hostile territory to attack their colony.

Colonel Cutter

Attack a termite colony, sir? That's suicide.

General Mandible

Exactly. Do you have the list I asked for?

Colonel Cutter

Yes, General. [takes the list to General] These are the units loyal to the queen.

General Mandible

Hm. Then they're the ones we'll be sending. It's a shame. There's some fine officers here.

Colonel Cutter

Don't we need the queen's approval to declare war?

General Mandible

Our very next stop, Cutter.

Queen

General, we've been at peace with that colony for years. Why would they attack us?

General Mandible

They want our land. They're desperate for more foraging territory. Perhaps they think we've grown soft or weak.

Queen

Why don't we dispatch an ambassador, negotiate a new treaty? Certainly, we don't need to send soldiers.

General Mandible

Believe me. Every ant in this colony is so precious to me. That's why we must strike now, when we have the element of surprise. If the termite shock troops enter our colony, well...

Queen

Yes, General, I know what they can do to us. Very well.

General Mandible

You've made a wise decision. In fact, you've insured the future of this colony.

Princess Bala

Hello, General.

General Mandible

Princess Bala. What a nice surprise. You look lovelier each time I see you.

Princess Bala

Thanks. I hope you're not just here on business.

General Mandible

Oh, of course... [chuckling] ...of course not.

Princess Bala

Because, um, it might be nice if we had a conversation once before we get married.

General Mandible

You're absolutely right. Cutter, schedule some private time for me and Princess Bala.

Colonel Cutter

Uh, in fact, sir, there is time right now for a personal moment. We're a few seconds ahead of schedule.

General Mandible

Excellent. Princess.

Princess Bala

Well, a few seconds isn't much, but I guess if it's quality time. So, how was your day? Anything interesting happen?

General Mandible

We declared war.

Princess Bala

Declared war? Boy, talk about a rough day.

Colonel Cutter

Sir, I hate to interrupt, but time stands still for no ant.

General Mandible

Princess.

Princess Bala

Mom, could you remind me, why am I marrying this guy?

Queen

Bala, do we have to argue about this again?

Princess Bala

We don't seem to have anything in common. The guy's a stiff.

Queen

Yes, darling. I know the general may be a little gruff and somewhat overbearing at times, but I know that he cares about you. He's just not particulary good at showing it. But you should have seen how persistently he asked for your hand in marriage.

Princess Bala

But why me?

Queen

Because you're the one who has to continue my work. It's your place, dear.

Princess Bala

What if they don't like my place?

Queen

Everyone has their place, Bala, you, the soldiers, the workers. Now, it's not all that bad being princess, is it? Would you prefer to be carting dirt all day?

Princess Bala

Mother, don't be so dramatic. At least, they seem to have some fun every now and then.

Z Marion-4195

Princess, fancy meeting you here. What do you say we lose this crowd? Oh, me? You know, I... I wear many hats. I guess you'd have to call me a Renaissance ant.

Man

Eyes right!

General Mandible

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Princess Bala

Mm.

General Mandible

The precision. The order.

Z Marion-4195

Princess Bala! Princess Bala! Hey. It's me. Remember Z from the bar? Princess Bala! Princess Bala! Princess...

Queen

Bala, you must encourage the troops. Wave.

Z Marion-4195

Oh. She sees me. Excuse me, guys. I... Sorry. I just got a better offer. Could you excuse me?

Soldier Ant

Company halt!

Z Marion-4195
[they all stand to halt]

Princess. Princess Bala!

Soldier Ant

Quiet there! Get back in rank.

Barbatus

You new, kid?

Z Marion-4195

Oh, yes, but I'm getting out soon. I got a trial membership.

Barbatus

Trial membership. [chuckling] That's a good one! Name's Barbatus.

Z Marion-4195

Z.

Man

Right face!

Barbatus
[They turn right]

Psst.

General Mandible
[???]

Sacrifice. To some, it is just a word. To others, it is a code.

Z Marion-4195

Jeez. I'm really bad at word games.

General Mandible

A soldier knows that the life of an individual ant doesn't matter. What matters is the colony. He's willing to live for the colony, to fight for the colony, to die for the colony.

Z Marion-4195

This guy's crazy.

Barbatus

I hear ya.

General Mandible

At 0800 hours, we received word that the termite enemy has mobilized. We have no choice but to launch a preemptive strike. You are the queen's finest. I know you will all do you duty. I am proud to send you into battle.

Z Marion-4195

Into... I'm sorry-I'm sorry, into battle?

General Mandible

Dismissed.

Man

Left face! Forward march!

Z Marion-4195

Talk to me. You know, I think there's been a terrible mistake. [being shipped off to battle] You know, the truth is I just... I just came for the speech.

Barbatus

Don't worry, kid. I'll watch out for ya.

Ant
[???]

Sound off.

Soldier Ant

One.

Soldier Ant

Two.

Ant

Sound off.

Barbatus

Three.

Z Marion-4195

Huh?

Ant

Sound off.

Soldier Ant

Five.

Soldier Ant

Six.

Soldier Ant

Seven.

Soldier Ant

Eight.

Soldier Ant

Nine.

Soldier Ant

Ten.

Soldier Ant

Eleven.

Soldier Ant

Twelve.

Soldier Ant

Thirteen.

Soldier Ant
[singing]

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!

All
[singing]

We slaughter termites just for fun, hurrah, hurrah!

Z Marion-4195

So these termites, they're, they're pushovers, right?

Barbatus

Not really, kid. They're five times our size, and they shoot acid from their foreheads.

Z Marion-4195

Huh?! [stops marching, gaping in disbelief]

Soldier Ant
[gives Z a shove from behind]

Hey! Keep it movin', shorty!

Z Marion-4195
[Later, as the ant army is marching towards the termites' nest]

So, what exactly does our platoon do? Are we gonna be serving beverages, or processing paperwork?

Barbatus

Our platoon has the best assignment of all. We're the first into battle.

Z Marion-4195
[They marched up the termites' nest] [panicked]

Hey, wait a minute, let's not get...we're being too hasty here! These guys sound like bruisers! Just how were you figuring on beating them?!

Barbatus

Superior numbers, kid. Overwhelm their defenses, and kill their queen.

Z Marion-4195
[stammering]

I, um...Hey, fellas, that's...you're being a little extreme, I feel. Why don't...Why don't we just try and influence their political process with campaign contributions?

Barbatus
[laughing]

I like you, kid. You got a sense of humor!

Ant Officer

FORWARD!!

Barbatus

Come on! Let's kick some termite butt!

Soldier Ant

OVER THE TOP!!!

Soldier Ant

Where is everyone?

Soldier Ant
[???]

Something's not right.

Barbatus

Don't be scared, kid.

Ant Officer
[One of the soldier ants looks up, the termite let out a roar and eats it. Many of termites storm out of Termite's hole]

ATTACK!!!

Soldier Ant
[???]

Come on.

Z Marion-4195

Barbatus, you saved my life.

Barbatus

Ah, don't get all sappy about it. [Barbatus attacks the termite, while the soldier ants catches up]

Z Marion-4195

Hey, guys. Look out behind you! Hey... Hey, guys. Can somebody help me here? Can anybody... Hey.

Colonel Cutter

We're on schedule. Work is completed on "A" section sir, including a path through "D" section now.

General Mandible

We need to push harder, Cutter. I want double shifts around-the-clock. We can't afford to let up. Is that clear?

Colonel Cutter

Crystal, sir.

General Mandible

Good. What about section...

Guard Ant
[he comes in]

Excuse me, sir.

General Mandible

This had better be important.

Guard Ant

Well, it's about the termite battle, sir. The enemy was destroyed, but I'm afraid it was a disaster for our troops, as well.

General Mandible

Well, that's terrible. Terrible.

Guard Ant

There is a better good news, sir. One soldier did make it back.

Colonel Cutter

No kidding.

General Mandible

What did you say?

Guard Ant

Word is spreading through the colony. The queen requested a meeting with the war hero.

General Mandible
[on hearing that one soldier survived the battle with the termites]

Damn! [covering his true feelings] Good. damn good. Uh, I'll handle this. [he walks to Z and Ant] Congratulations, soldier. [chuckling] Well, you're a little short for a war hero, aren't you?

Z Marion-4195

A war hero? Sir. I-I don't actually think that I'm a hero.

General Mandible
[takes Z]

Good. I don't like heroes.

Z Marion-4195
[the worker ants cheers]

But, sir. You don't understand. I... I didn't do anything. I mean, it was all horrible. It was just a massacre. A-A massacre upon a massacre.

General Mandible
[to Z]

That's good, soldier. Now, wave.

Azteca
[the worker ants cheering, Z waves his arm, the worker ants continue cheering]

There was nothing you could do, Weaver. You didn't know they were going to war.

Weaver

I just feel horrible. Poor Z. I should have never let him go.

Azteca

Wait a minute. That's no soldier. That's Z!

Weaver

Z? The little guy made it! [he chuckles]

General Mandible

Let's go, soldier.
[the worker ants cheering]

General Mandible

As I was saying, son, you are an ant after my own heart. An ant that looks death in the face and laughs.

Z Marion-4195

Well, actually, the truth is, I-I generally just make belittling comments, and snicker behind death's back. [chuckling]

Queen

General Mandible.

General Mandible
[to Z]

Keep your comments to yourself. Let me do the talking. May I present Her Majesty the Queen.

Z Marion-4195

Charmed. Charmed.

General Mandible

And the royal Princess Bala.

Queen

Welcome home, soldier. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for your heroic efforts.

General Mandible

The private has asked me to convey his most humble appreciation.

Z Marion-4195

Please. Please. It was nothing really. Just your average run-of-the-mill valor, and extraordinary courageousness, you know. In the heat of battle, there's very little time to think. One must attack! Attack! Attack! [chuckling]

General Mandible

Well, indeed. As you can see, Your Highness, the battlefield is still fresh in his mind. So, begging your pardon, but this is the perfect time to debrief the private.

Z Marion-4195

Oh, please, General. Not on our first date. [chuckling] Not on our first date.

Princess Bala

Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Z Marion-4195
[recognizing his line from the night before]

Well, maybe. [takes the hat off] Then again, maybe not. And then... then again. Yowch.

Princess Bala

That's it! You're the guy from the bar.

Z Marion-4195

Don't... Shh.

Queen

Bar? What bar?

Princess Bala

I danced with this guy at the bar the other night. He was just a worker then.

Queen

What were you doing at a bar?

General Mandible

Precisely what I want to know.

Princess Bala

No. This isn't about me. I mean, look at this worker. Look what he's done.

Z Marion-4195

I think you're thinkin' of someone else. [puts the hat back on] After all, I am a soldier.

Princess Bala

Exactly. You were a worker. But now, you're a war hero.

Queen

He's a worker?

General Mandible

A worker danced with my fiancee?

Z Marion-4195

F-Fiancee? W-W-Wait a minute. This is not how it looks. I can explain this. This... Hey. She was the one making all the moves.

General Mandible

Arrest him.

Z Marion-4195

H-Hey wait a minute. Take it easy. Can't we discuss this?

Queen

What are you doing? Let go of my daughter. He's taking her hostage!

Z Marion-4195

No. No. No. I'm not. I mean, yes, yes, I am. One more step and then the princess gets it.

Princess Bala

Let go of me! [hits Z]

Z Marion-4195

Ow! Don't make me hurt her!

Queen
[Cutter watches, as the Queen tells Mandible that she wants Bala back]

No more excuses, General. I want my daughter back. Frankly, I'm beginning to doubt your ability to handle this.

General Mandible

Believe me, Your Highness, we will spare no effort to bring her back. Princess Bala is essential to all our plans for the future.

Worker Ant

So he kills himself a hundred termites, gets a few medals, then bada-ding, bada-bip, bags himself the princess.

Worker Ant

He looks dead in the eye...

Worker Ant

And says, "Bite me."

Female Ant

He said that to General Mandible?

Worker Ant

Buddy. Hey, hey, buddy. You heard about the war hero named Z? Runs off the the princess, right? When they sent the guards after him, he just looks at 'em and boom! They burst into flames.

Weaver

Z? [chuckling] You talkin' about Z? Hey, I know the guy. He's a friend of mine. I think your information...

Worker Ant

You know Z?

Weaver

Yeah. He's a worker. He used to dig around here.

Worker Ant

A worker? That's impossible. A worker can't do anything, except work.

Female Ant

Yeah. It's not like we got a choice.

Azteca

We do have a choice. Uh, I mean, look at Z. He decided he wanted something, and he went for it.

Weaver

He's not alone. I used to be a soldier, and I switched places with him.

Worker Ant

Wait a second. You're tellin' me, I don't have to be here?

Female Ant

We've got a choice?

Worker Ant

The authorities don't want you to know, but we don't have to work on the tunnel any more.

Worker Ant

It's the workers who control the means of production.

Worker Ant

If Z don't dig, I don't dig.

Foreman

People, what is this? An encounter group? Let's get back to work.

Worker Ant

Why?

Worker Ant

...on the tunnel anymore! This guy, Z, he's leadin' the revolution!

Foreman

I'll get back to you.
[the worker ants chattering]

All
[chanting]

We want Z! We want Z!

Foreman

People, come on. I know some ants who aren't gonna make their quota.

Worker Ant

Buzz off, pawn of the oppressor.

All
[continues chanting]

We want Z! We want Z!

Colonel Cutter

Sorry, sir. I came as soon as I heard. I was debriefing the trackers.

General Mandible

And? What's the report?

Colonel Cutter

Well, this Z, sir. He's one slippery character. They lost Bala's trail at the edge of the lake.

General Mandible

The lake?

All
[singing]

All we are saying is give Z a chance.

General Mandible

What's that soldier doing there?

Colonel Cutter

It appears he's holding hands, sir, with a worker.

General Mandible

I don't like the way things are going, Cutter. I'm counting on you for results. Now, can I depend on you or not?

Colonel Cutter

Yes, sir.

General Mandible

All right, then. Let's wrap this up.

All
[continues chanting]

We want Z! We want Z! We want Z!

General Mandible

I've heard a lot about this Z. I even had the pleasure of meeting him once. But where is he know? Can anyone point him out? I mean, if this Z cares so much about us, then why isn't he here? I'll tell you why. Because Z doesn't give a damn about us. That's why he kidnapped our princess. That's why he ran away. Z is no hero. We are the heroes. We are the ones ensuring the future of our great colony. And when we've completed this magnificent structure, we will reap the benefits: more food and less work for everyone. And as further reward for your heroic efforts, each and every one of you will get the day off... so you can be the guests of honor at the MegaTunnel dedication ceremonies!

Foreman
[the ants cheering]

Mandible! Mandible!

All
[chanting]

Mandible! Mandible! Mandible! Mandible!

General Mandible

Now bring me that soldier.

General Mandible
[Weaver is beaten up by soldiers in Mandible's office]

That's enough.

Weaver

I ain't tellin' you nothin'.

General Mandible

Soldier, the princess is vital to the future of this colony. She must be returned to take their place as queen.

Weaver

We already have a queen.

General Mandible

As for your friend, Z, why should I hurt him? [chuckling] He's not important. Now, soldier, we all know that one individual ant doesn't matter. Not you, not Cutter... not even her.

Weaver
[Azteca is dragged in by more soldiers]

Azteca! [struggles, but is restrained]

Azteca

Don't tell that tight-a** anything, Weaver!

General Mandible

Where is Z?!

Weaver

I don't know where he is!

General Mandible

Hmm. That's too bad.

Weaver
[He nods to the soldiers holding Azteca; one closes in on her, and she is heard crying out in pain]

Wait! Insectopia! I know it sounds crazy, but that's where he'd be going!

Colonel Cutter

Soldier, you think this is a game? Insectopia does not exist.

General Mandible

As a matter of fact... it does.

Colonel Cutter

Sir?

General Mandible

I'll brief you on the coordinates. You're gonna bring the princess back. And as for Z... kill him.

Weaver
[Azteca looks horrified]

But you said he didn't matter!

General Mandible

It's for the good of the colony. You made the right decision. Gentlemen, now you can see how dangerous individualism can be. It makes us vulnerable.

Soldier Ant

Let's go.

General Mandible

Take him back to the MegaTunnel. Put him on the front line. Dismissed.

Z Marion-4195

Jeez, what was I thinking? I almost got you killed.

Princess Bala

Z, you know, you really shouldn't be so hard on...

Z Marion-4195

That's it. I'm taking you back to the colony. Ow! Insectopia. You know, I must've been crazy.

Princess Bala

Z?

Z Marion-4195

But you know what? I can admit it when I'm wrong.

Princess Bala

Z.

Z Marion-4195

And this time, I gotta tell ya, I was absolutely 100% correct. Have... Have you ever seen anything more beautiful in your life?

Princess Bala

It's Insect...

Z Marion-4195

Shh! Don't jinx it. Come on!

Neil Finn
[Neil Finn music playing a song I Can See Clearly Now] [singing]

♫I can see clearly now The rain has gone / I can see all obstacles in my way / Gone are the dark clouds That had me blind / It's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day / It's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day / Look all around Nothing but blue skies / Look straight ahead Nothing but blue skies / Whoa / I can see clearly now The rain has gone / I can see all obstacles in my way.♫

General Mandible

All right, everybody. I want all teams in place, fully prepared, ready to seal the doors here and here. Make certain the digging crew stays on schedule for breakthrough midway in the dedication ceremony. Now all we need is the princess.

General Mandible

Ah, Princess. You're just in time.

Princess Bala

Take your hands of me. General, what exactly is going on here? I demand an explanation.

General Mandible

I'll explain everything afterwards. Is the southeast entrance secure?

Guard Ant

Yes, sir.

Princess Bala

Not afterwards. Now. I don't like the way you think and I don't like the way you run this colony. And I don't like you. The wedding is off. Things are going to change around here.

General Mandible

You're right, Princess. Things are going to change. Why don't we make her more comfortable? She'll be here for a while.

Princess Bala

What do you think you're doing? My mother will have your head.

General Mandible

I doubt that. [chuckling] Ah, you've got a fighter spirit, Bala. And that's just what we need to start our new colony. We will rinse away all the filth from our gutters. We'll start anew, with you by my side as my queen.

Princess Bala

You're crazy.

General Mandible

I believe history will see things differently. All right, gentlemen. Time to take your positions. Someday... Someday you'll thank me.

General Mandible

Today is the realization of a dream. A dream of a proud colony. A pure colony. A colony reborn. Moments from now this tunnel will open. The past will be washed away and a new day will dawn.

Queen

A stirring speech, General. I only wish my daughter were here to appreciate it.

General Mandible

Your Majesty, I know how concerned you are about Bala. But my scouts are on her trail and it's only a matter of time...

Queen

General, I don't want to discuss it. Just find her.

General Mandible

Oh, I will, Your Highness. Good-bye. Seal up the doors. Cutter, did you hear me?

Colonel Cutter

Sir, I've been thinking. Do we need to go through with this? Look at what these workers have done. They got the right stuff. Isn't there any other way?

General Mandible

Cutter, you're a fine officer. You have discipline, courage, ability. But you seem to have a certain weakness for the lower orders that I find disturbing. Now, are you with me?

Colonel Cutter

Sir, uh… I apologize.

General Mandible

All right, then. Seal it up.

Colonel Cutter

Yes, sir.

Queen

As I look out on this magnificent tunnel, I am filled with pride.

Z Marion-4195

Jump!

Queen

In these difficult times, it is a great solace to know that you, our workers...

Princess Bala

Mom! Wait!

Z Marion-4195

Every worker in the colony is here. Hey, wait a minute. That guy owes me money.

Queen

This tremendous accomplishment is a testimony to the strength...

Foreman

People! Put your backs into it!

Z Marion-4195

Go warn your mother. I gotta get to those diggers before they break through.

Princess Bala

There's not enough time.

Z Marion-4195

Hey, leave the pessimism to me, okay? [Z went to the Tunnel while Bala headed to her mother.] Excuse me! Sorry about that. Excuse me.

Queen

In a few moments, when our expert diggers break through to the surface...

Princess Bala

Mom! Mom, stop.

Queen

...the sun will pour into this... Bala! Where've you been? Are you all right? [hugs Bala]

Princess Bala

I'm fine.

Queen

What happened?

Princess Bala

Mother, we're in terrible danger.

Foreman

Put your backs into it, people.

Z Marion-4195

Wait! Hold... Hey, stop digging!

Weaver

Z? Is that you?

Z Marion-4195

Weaver, stop!

Weaver

Z! You're back! Oh, Z! Oh.

Z Marion-4195
[gasping]

Weaver!

Azteca

Z! What's the matter?

Z Marion-4195

Ho-Hold up, everyone. Stop. Stop digging.

Foreman

On whose authority?

Z Marion-4195

On your own authority. If you break through that wall, we're all gonna...

Princess Bala

Drown! This tunnel is going to flood.

Queen

So we've got to get everyone out of here.
[the worker ants murmuring]

Foreman

Look, I got orders, and those orders say "dig."

Z Marion-4195

What if someone ordered you to jump off a bridge? Oh, brother, I'm asking the wrong guy here. Look, think for yourselves!

Foreman

Give me that! I've enough out of you. Get back to work.

Weaver

What's that noise?

Foreman

Uh-oh...

Weaver

Let's get outta here!

Z Marion-4195

Run!

Weaver
[The hole burst open and water gushed through. Z and the other worker ants started to run for their lives.]

Run! Keep going!

Queen

Everyone, listen to me. We've all been deceived. We need to calmly head toward the exits.

Digger

Run for your lives! It's gonna flood!

Queen

No. Don't panic. Don't panic!

Worker Ant

Every ant for himself!

Worker Ant

All the exits are blocked!

Worker Ant

We're trapped!

Princess Bala
[Ants screaming while panicked ants are swept away.]

What are we going to do?

Foreman

There's nothing we can do!
Worker Ant: Oh Ueh!
Worker Ant: Ah!
Worker Ant: Go Go Go! Dark!

Z Marion-4195

Yes, there is. Weaver, give me a leg up. [climbs on Weaver] Everyone, listen to me!

Worker Ant

Who the heck are you?

Princess Bala

He's Z!

Z Marion-4195
[the worker ants chattering]

Listen, we gotta help each other get outta here before we all drown.

Worker Ant

How?

Z Marion-4195

By making a ladder.

Female Ant

A ladder!

Z Marion-4195

Hey, if we built this, we can do anything. [jumps off Weaver] Okay, let's move it!

Weaver

I'm on it. All of you, gather around. You, start climbing.

Worker Ant

Grab my arm.

Worker Ant

All right. Here I go.

Worker Ant

Come on.

Worker Ant

Go, go, go!

Worker Ant

Right!

Azteca

Excuse me, Your Majesty. [holds up the Queen, by climbing up]

Princess Bala

Z, I've gotta help my Mom.

Z Marion-4195

Don't worry. I know almost exactly what I'm doing. [hugs Bala] I'll see you at the top.

General Mandible

Gentlemen, there comes a time, in the evolution of a perfect colony, when the strong are meant to rise above the weak. Now is that time. Below us right now, the weak elements of the colony, are being washed away.

Z Marion-4195

Oh, my God, we're not gonna make it! We need more ants.

Weaver
[grunting]

You two better get up there.

Azteca

Weaver, you can't hold it alone.

Weaver

GET GOING!

Z Marion-4195

Hang in there, buddy.

Z Marion-4195
[Z and Azteca began to climb to the top.]

Got it!

Azteca

Hurry up! Go, go, go, go!
[Z began to dig his way to the top]

General Mandible

Our princess is secured, and our glorious future is at hand. We can all stand proud. It is time for a new beginning.

General Mandible
[The ants made a big hole above the ground avoiding drowning from the oncoming flood]

WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!

Colonel Cutter

I think that's the "weak elements", sir.

Z Marion-4195

Gimme a hand!

General Mandible

Z! YOU?! LET GO! [grabs a spear] DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?! IT'S FOR THE GOOD OF THE COLONY!

Z Marion-4195

What are you saying?! We are the colony!

General Mandible
[Mandible is about to kill Z with the spear, but Cutter punches his face, knocking him down] [rubbing his face]

Cutter, what are you doing?

Colonel Cutter

Something I should have done, a long time ago. This is for the good of the colony, sir. :[grabs onto Z's hand to pull him up]

General Mandible
[his last words; glares at Cutter in fury]

YOU USELESS, UNGRATEFUL MAGGOT! I AM THE COLONY! [charges at him]

Z Marion-4195
[gasps]

Look out!

Princess Bala
[As Z pushes Cutter aside, Mandible tackles him and they fall down into the hole past the colony. Mandible hits a root, killing him, and Z lands into the water, uncounscious]

Z!

Colonel Cutter
[Cutter's eyes widen] [determined]

Men, let's move it! Get these ants up here.

Queen Ant
[The soldiers start pulling the ants out. Cutter flies into the hole and dives in. Z continues to sink. Cutter rescues his friend]

Thank goodness we made it.

Princess Bala

Wait here.

Azteca

Okay. Weaver.

Worker Ant

Thank you.

Princess Bala

Where's Z? Oh, no.

Weaver

Back up, everybody, back up! Give him some air. Back up.

Princess Bala

Z, oh, Z. Please wake up.

Azteca

Oh, no. [sobbing]

Z Marion-4195

Huh! [coughs]

Princess Bala
[The ants start cheering] [kisses Z]
Z Marion-4195

Yowch!

Azteca

You know, Weaver, you still owe me that dinner.

Weaver
[kisses Azteca]

Babylove.

Azteca

We made it, Z!

Weaver

You da ant! [congratulates him]

Princess Bala

You did it.

Z Marion-4195

We did it. [the ants grab Z and Bala] Fellas, fellas, please. This is very embarrasing for me, I...

Z Marion-4195
[Bala laughs]

On the other hand, I probably could get used to this.

Other characters in Antz

More Gene Hackman characters

All Gene Hackman quotes →