Common Unrealistic Movie Tropes: The Luck and Heroic Timing Myths

Movies are often lauded for their thrilling plots and incredible storylines. However, certain patterns and cliches have become so ingrained that they can seem nearly as fictional as the fantastical scenarios they depict. Two of the most common are the ldquo;hero always survives due to luckrdquo; and ldquo;heroic timingrdquo; tropes. This article will explore these tropes, providing examples and shedding light on why they are not realistic.

The Main Character Always Survives Due to Luck

In a surprising number of films, the main character is often depicted as being incredibly lucky. This aspect of the story is often glossed over to focus on the grand plot points and tense sequences, making it seem as if the main character could do no wrong. Whether it's The Fast and the Furious, Bad Boys, or even the Mummy franchise, our heroes manage to survive improbable situations that seem out of sync with the laws of probability.

Examples and Analysis

The Fast and the Furious Series: In various installments, characters perform stunning driving feats that defy both physics and common sense. For instance, the iconic car chase scenes where cars are jumped or narrowly avoid crashes are remarkable, yet the characters always seem to land perfectly, escape undamaged, and even evading consequences that would logically follow such actions.

Bad Boys: Mike and Marcus in Bad Boys and Bad Boys II face near-certain death in numerous scenarios but emerge unscathed. Their dodging of bullets and flying cars are so precise and outlandish that one can question their survival in real-life circumstances. The scenes may be thrilling, but they stretch the limits of believability.

The Mummy (2017): In the reboot of the The Mummy franchise, the protagonists face a myriad of supernatural and scientifically implausible challenges yet always escape or overcome them. The sheer frequency and improbability of their escapes cast doubt on the realism of these scenarios.

Heroic Timing Always Saves the Day

Another typical trope in films is the ldquo;heroic timingrdquo; myth. This involves the protagonist or one of their allies saving the day at the eleventh hour when the villain is about to claim victory. It's a hallmark of many action and adventure movies, including Miss?o Impossível, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Die Hard.

Examples and Analysis

Miss?o Impossível: In the Miss?o Impossível series, the team must execute complex and dangerous missions that would be nearly impossible to complete. Yet, they always manage to intervene precisely at the moment of crisis, defusing bombs and saving the day at the last second. The timings are often so exact, they border on the impossible.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier: During the climactic battle, the heroes are brought to the brink of defeat, only to be met with a miraculous turn of events that allows them to triumph. While these moments add excitement, they can seem overly convenient and implausible.

Die Hard: John McCallum in Die Hard faces a series of challenges, all ending in a surprise victory. From stopping a train to thwarting terrorists, his timing and quick thinking always manage to save the day. Each escape and intervention seems almost orchestrated, with no logical prediction or consequence.

Addressing the Unreality of These Tropes

The prevalence of such luck and heroic timing tropes is not because filmmakers lack imagination or creativity. Instead, it may be due to the desire to maintain suspense and excitement for fans. However, when these tropes are overused, they start to feel cliché and unrealistic.

To address the unreality of these situations, filmmakers can consider the following:

Introducing more realism through accurate physics and probability. Explaining the heroes' survival through narrative devices that make their luck believable. Subtly including realistic consequences that balance the thrill of suspense with a touch of plausibility.

Incorporating elements of realism can make the final product more engaging and relatable, leading to a more satisfying experience for viewers.

Conclusion

While it's entertaining to watch heroes save the day through sheer luck or precise timing, it's important for filmmakers to strive for a balance that keeps the plot exciting but also achievable. By addressing these common tropes, movies can offer more nuanced and realistic scenarios that enhance the overall experience for the audience.