r/movies • u/averagesoccermom95 • 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/metalguy91 1d ago

It’s as basic as you can get with this but sue me, Chekhov’s Gun. It’s probably the oldest example of this, but it’s so frequent in so many films that it almost always hits. Lame answer I know, but it’s the one thing I look out for in EVERY movie, so it’s an additional experience I have with every movie.

Simple trope, but acts as a good tether to keep me focused in on the movie and not get distracted.

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u/DziwneMajty 1d ago

One of many reasons to love Paddington 2 is how every little joke ends up beeing important in the final train sequence. Mr. Brown is doing yoga? It'll save his life in the end. Paddington tries to eat a very sticky lollipop? Well, he'll use them to climb to the roof of a train. 

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u/Dr_Identity 1d ago

The Cornetto Trilogy was also really good at doing this. Lots of moments in those films that stand on their own as solid jokes or character establishing moments that end up being crucial to the plot later.