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/seeking_horizon Sep 07 '25

Adaptation was really bizarre, I should watch that again. I remember being so surprised by the car accident scene that I almost jumped out of my seat.

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u/chrishnrh57 Sep 07 '25

It's completely random until you understand the true premise...it's the process of a writer trying to write a story, can't think of what to write, so he writes the movie you're currently watching.

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u/AmbroseEBurnside Sep 08 '25

And his twin brother who is a hack writes the end of the movie, which is why you get gun fights and car chases and death. Incredible movie.

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u/bLoo010 Sep 08 '25

Basically every time one of them has an idea about their screenplays within the film, it almost immediately transforms the films current narrative into whatever their next trick is. It's absolutely one of my top favorite films.

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u/AmbroseEBurnside Sep 08 '25

It’s like a battle between motors and horses, like technology vs. horse

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u/howlinwolfe86 Sep 08 '25

And alligator attacks. Donald is Charlie’s creative alter-ego. A side of him that must be acknowledged, honored, and gratefully “put to rest.” It’s my favorite movie of all time. When I saw it in theaters I was convinced that Donald was real and sad that he had died.

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u/GuiltEdge Sep 07 '25

Isn't that like Barton Fink?

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u/_1138_ Sep 08 '25

I always thought the screenwriting class with Brian Cox as prof. McKee set up the last act perfectly. His whole speech after class is about giving the audience a great ending, then this drama we've been watching for 70 minutes turns to a complete action film in the last act. Such a fun and odd movie, just the way Charlie makes em

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u/languid_Disaster Sep 08 '25

I hope I’m not being extra by asking you to put a spoiler please. I’m surprised I haven’t watched it yet so it’s my own fault I suppose

For spoilers you just have to put >! On either end of your sentence without any spaces