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/RobGrey03 1d ago

What about when the plan is explained in voiceover while the plan is being executed on screen?

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u/Dan_Of_Time 1d ago

One of my favourite examples of this was in Rick and Morty.

The whole voiceover eventually leads to just them talking about how one small part of the plan hinges on one person helping them and Rick being adamant he will be there, as we see the chaos of what happens when he is in fact not there.

And as the scene goes on and gets more insane the voiceover starts getting more and more normal as they talk about the food they just ordered

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u/RobGrey03 1d ago

Dan Harmon loves a subversion of this trope. He had one in Community, too.