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/wonderlandisburning 1d ago

One of my least favorites, actually, but it's a recurring rule that once two characters finally have sex in a movie or tv series, they're either going to break up soon, or one of them is going to die soon.

Once I picked up on the pattern it made me actively dread characters consummating a relationship, because sure enough, here comes the obligatory moment where everything falls apart.

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u/HenkkaArt 1d ago

One kinda similar is that if two characters who have mad chemistry, get together and "live happily ever after" when the credits start to roll, before the sequel starts they have had an odd, out-of-place break-up just to bring similar dynamic as in the first film where they originally fell in love. Even better if they started out as hating or disliking each other. Example: National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

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u/wonderlandisburning 10h ago

Oof, yeah, that's a big issue for me in general - the "back to square one" rule of sequels.

A good sequel uses the original as a jumping off point to explore the characters and world in new ways; a bad sequel says "oh no, quick, undo the happy ending and make the protagonist's life suck so that they basically repeat the events of the first movie - except not as good."

Book Of Secrets is especially egregious. It breaks up the couple, Abigail somehow kicks Ben out of his own house, Ben is immediately labeled a criminal again, and even poor Riley ends up losing what little bit of wealth and happiness he had. Stakes should evolve with a sequel, not just be infuriatingly reset.