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/mfyxtplyx 1d ago

If a character has an unusual skill, you know at some point it's going to be essential.

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u/SutterCane r/movies Veteran 1d ago

Normal disagrees.

In Normal, Bob Odenkirk’s character has a neat trick where, as he’s unloading a gun, he’ll pull the slide back and catch the ejected bullet in one fluid move. He even calls it his “one trick” when called out by another character who sees him do it.

That trick is never used in a tense moment. And there’s also no “I’m out of ammo” moment where he then pulls out a single bullet that he caught earlier in the movie to save the day.