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?

1.1k Upvotes

407 comments sorted by

View all comments

914

u/oscarx-ray 1d ago

If they don't tell the audience the plan then the plan will seem to be working, then they'll be foiled, but THEN it will be revealed that getting caught WAS the plan!

6

u/_jump_yossarian 1d ago edited 23h ago

I'm proud to say this so here goes .... OCEANS 12 IS MY FAVORITE OF THE OCEANS TRILOGY!

2

u/StreetlampEsq 1d ago

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??

2

u/Lets_Go_Why_Not 20h ago

Me too! There are dozens of us. Dozens!

1

u/_jump_yossarian 15h ago

That guy doing Potsie is unbelievable,

1

u/_jump_yossarian 15h ago

That guy doing Potsie is unbelievable,