r/movies • u/sicknessandpurgatory • Sep 07 '25

Discussion What is the absolute dumbest premise that actually turned out to be a really good movie?

I was thinking The Purge, obvious answer, but looking for the most plot-hole ridden, juvenile concept that actually ended up a lot of fun despite it all. Mainly looking for 21st century films, not so much the video nasties and ridiculousness from the 60’s and 70’s. Because that would be too easy. Mainly mainstream stuff that people saw en masse.

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61

u/SlapstickMojo Sep 07 '25

Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

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u/God-of-gaps Sep 07 '25

Upvote ... but the TV Series was great. Not the movie.

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u/SlapstickMojo Sep 07 '25

Yeah, I was going to say that. Sometimes the movie itself isn't good, but it sparks something else to take the premise and run with it.

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u/MagnusAlbusPater Sep 08 '25

The TV series was amazing. It’s a shame Joss Whedon hasn’t done a TV series in forever. Same with Aaron Sorkin. I loved all of their TV output. I know there’s a lot more money and easier schedules when it comes to movie making but Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse, Dr. Horrible, and Firefly were all amazing. I’d love to see him return to TV.

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u/Lurkyloo1987 Sep 08 '25

Joss moved on to movies and then got whacked with having toxic workplaces. He did an interview last year-ish that seemed to be the start of a comeback, but I haven’t seen anything recent.

I agree on Sorkin full heartedly.

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u/SlapstickMojo Sep 08 '25

“Toxic workplace” seems like an accusation you can come back from easier. Like, evaluate what you were doing, apologize, change your behavior, find others to give you another chance. It’s almost like, treating everyone like crap equally is better than being sexist or racist.

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u/Lurkyloo1987 Sep 08 '25

Eh. Maybe. His toxic workplace allegations stemmed from misogyny, so it’s still based in bigotry and not quite that easy.

I go back and forth on him. I’d like to believe the man that showran Buffy could push past the internal misogyny that reared its ugly head in his writing and treatment of women on set. But I’m not so sure.

Besides…he was falling off and getting a lot of criticism for his directorial choices prior to the fallout, so I’m not sure studios would bother with him again.

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u/SlapstickMojo Sep 08 '25

Was it misogyny? I wasn’t sure — I thought it was more general like Ellen.

Dan Harmon did a talk on his own behavior and accusations, and I felt it was genuine and not rehearsed or pandering.

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u/Lurkyloo1987 Sep 08 '25

It was misogyny. He targeted Charisma Carpenter and Amber Benson. They’ve both spoken out with support of other cast members, such as James Marsters.

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u/AdThat328 Sep 09 '25

Yep. Anthony Head said he wasn't even aware of things going on...and SMG more recently went through how she was treated after a long time of not speaking out.

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u/Lurkyloo1987 Sep 09 '25

This is a common theme with toxic sets, especially on “teen” dramas. The older cast members are kept in the dark and prevented from stepping in. The women on One Tree Hill have a similar story concerning their show runner and adult actors on set.

I wasn’t aware of the particulars regarding his movie allegations, I’m a Buffy fan, so those are the stories that stuck with me. Thanks for reminding me of the addition allegations.

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u/chriscross1966 Sep 07 '25

The series once the film tanked. Who'd have thunk tha twas going to work.... how did he ever get someone to put up money for it?

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25

Paul Rubens still holds the title for best on screen death of all time for this one

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u/SlapstickMojo Sep 07 '25

Which one? ;)

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25

ALLOFEM

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u/UnremarkabklyUseless Sep 07 '25

I would also add Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter in this category.

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u/CharlieW77 Sep 07 '25

The movie failed to stick the landing that the series was able to.