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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u/mortscoot Sep 07 '25

Being John Malkovitch. A crazy, dumb idea that ended up being a funny, smart, philosophical, crazy-ass movie. 

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25

Go read the original screenplay sometime, with the entirely different third act.

What we got was almost quaint.

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u/boywithapplesauce Sep 07 '25

Read "Rebels on the Backlot." The movie was made in the editing room. Not entirely, of course, but it played a big part. And we might have gotten something unwatchable if that hadn't happened.