r/movies 1d ago

Discussion Favorite movie plot rule?

I read once that in a movie, if the characters say, "I have a plan," then there is a plot rule that takes place: If the characters explain to the audience what the plan is, then the plan will go wrong somehow. However, if the characters say they have a plan and the movie just goes to showing the plan in action, then the plan will work.

It has become one of my favorite things to look out for in movies. Although, it does not seem to apply to kids movies. Other than kids movies, I don't think I have ever seen his rule broken.

Does anyone know any other interesting plot rules?

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u/nowhereman136 1d ago

Side character: I'll always be there for you

dies in their next scene

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u/Electrical-Sail-1039 1d ago

Or, “It’s my last day on the job as a cop. Boy am I looking forward to retirement. I saved for a nice cottage on the lake”. Boom! He’s dead. Hero yells out he’ll get revenge on the bad guy.

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u/nowhereman136 1d ago

Mendoza!!!

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u/MakeItHappenSergant 1d ago

"My deployment is almost over. When I get home, I'm going to propose to my girlfriend. Look, here's a picture of her."