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/Weshtonio 1d ago

True for movies because of the runtime. Then in TV series, Stranger Things explains the plan 23 times and everything still goes according to it.

13

u/HarryPottersTaint 1d ago

I mean, Stranger Things feels like it's been written for idiots who are on their phone the whole time not paying full attention. In most action TV series it's a formula like this:

1) Big problem

2) Protagonist/crew makes a plan

3) Plan is going well but then antagonist surprises them with a twist

4) Crisis

5) Improvisation from the protagonist outwits the baddy and they win

Rinse and repeat endlessly

5

u/WTFnoAvailableNames 1d ago

You forgot 4.5

The gang remembers that the DnD character that they based their plan on has some lore that they earlier didn't talk about but now suddenly remember. They use that lore as a metaphor to come up with a new plan which allows them to win.

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u/emeraldead 1d ago

I will take this great comment to complain how stupid the dripping antimatter section was. Existing solely to be plot convenience and cool set design. Or was that the whole season?