How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Men in Black.
Quote #1
DEE: I'm sorry about back there.
KAY: It happens.
DEE: Didn't used to. The spirit's willing, Kay, but the rest of me…. They're beautiful, aren't they?
KAY: What?
DEE: The stars. We never just look anymore.
KAY: No.
DEE: I'll tell you, Kay. I will miss the chase.
KAY: No, Dee, you won't.
Part of growing up is knowing when to quit. At least, that's what we keep telling ourselves when it comes to Halo; those 13 year-olds are just crazy good. In this scene, Dee calls it quits by accepting the age he is. This scene also sets Kay on his own developmental story while foreshadowing his ultimate decision at the film's conclusion.
Quote #2
OFFICER: And why is it that none of the other officers saw either of these events?
JAY: Some of the other officers are soggy around the midsection. I guess that's why they weren't able to keep up.
BEAT COP: Edwards, if you were half the man I am—
JAY: What the hell you talking about? I am half the man you are.
BEAT COP: What is your problem?
BEAT COP: You know, I think he threw him off the roof.
JAY: Maybe you next.
As we've mentioned, Jay's already an adult, so his story won't entail what many consider a typical coming of age story where the protagonist transitions from childhood to adulthood. But he does have the qualities of a young guy, including a distaste for authority and a penchant for name-calling. Hey beat cop, don't feed the trolls.
Quote #3
JAY: All right, I'm in because, look, there's some next-level s*** going on around here, and I'm with that. But before y'all get to beaming me up, there's a couple of things I want you to understand. First off, you chose me, so you recognize the skills, so I don't want nobody calling me son or kid or sport or nothing like that, cool?
KAY: Cool. Whatever you say, slick. But I need to tell you something about all your skills. As of right now, they mean precisely dick.
Jay's introduction to the Men in Black headquarters is his first step into a larger world; or in this case, the world remains the same size but the galaxy sure seems a lot bigger. As Kay says, Jay's skills aren't up to competing in this galaxy, and he'll need to grow up to meet the challenge. Part of coming of age is knowing what you don't know, and Jay's still pretty cocky.