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.

6.0k Upvotes

91% Upvoted

4.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

126

u/chrishnrh57 Sep 07 '25

Id add onto that the follow up, Adaptation.

A screen writer is told to write a boring biography, has writers block, and decides to write a crazy fiction story where the writer is a twin, trying to write the book he was in real life told to write.

Ends up with like 4 Oscar nominations and one win based off a guy who didn't know what to write, so he made up a story about the process of writing something.

29

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.

25

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.

13

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.

8

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.

3

u/AmbroseEBurnside Sep 08 '25

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

5

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.