Ridiculous Endings in Great Movies

Every once in a while, a movie comes along that captivates us with its plot, characters, and stunning visuals. Yet, sometimes these very things can lead to endings that are so outrageous that they become the talk of the town. In this article, we explore a few examples of films that seemed to take their inspiration from a bizarre twist of fate, and delve into why these endings are so disappointing.

Forbidden Planet: A Sci-Fi Classic with a Baffling Conclusion

Forbidden Planet, a beloved science fiction film, stands as a testament to groundbreaking special effects and a unique narrative. However, it too is not exempt from some bizarre elements in its storyline. For instance, the film suggests that there were twelve survivors among the Krull, each with a planetary self-destruction lever that cannot be overridden. This detail appears to be inconsistent with the narrative, making the premise harder to swallow. Furthermore, the depiction of intergalactic wizardry in the Harry Potter series raises questions. Drawing attention to the number of wizards graduating annually, it's quite plausible that the wizard population would eventually face a labor shortage, leading to a potentially embarrassing surplus of unemployed wizards.

Superman: The Downfall of a Superhero

Superman, the iconic hero who can fly, was introduced to an entire generation through the 1978 film. The movie captured the essence of the character, including his origin story, feisty supporting characters, and an enigmatic villain. However, the decision to kill Lois Lane elevates the stakes to unreasonable levels, as it forces Superman to perform an impossible feat. The solution—flying around the Earth backward in time to save her—deserves a special mention for its sheer absurdity. This trope becomes even more overused in subsequent films. Superman’s powers seemingly flout logic in the climax, culminating with him suddenly possessing what he needed to save the day. This approach is common in comic books and films from the Golden and Silver Ages, but in a live-action context, it can feel incredibly jarring.

Unsatisfying Conclusions: Gilda and The Village

In the noir classic Gilda, the ending is so peculiar that it defies conventional narrative. The film's femme fatale, Gilda, is ultimately revealed to not be as cold-blooded as she appeared, but rather someone who was performing a charade. The ending's abrupt shift from an uncompromising character to a vulnerable one can leave audiences uncertain and unsatisfied. Similarly, the film The Village boasts a fantastic cast and stunning cinematography, but its ending is shockingly unrealistic. This film about a remote village sealing itself off from the outside world ends with a plot twist that feels as though it was pulled out of a hat rather than woven seamlessly into the narrative. These examples highlight the importance of maintaining coherence and believability in a story's climax.

Avengers: Endgame: A Superhero Marvel

While not every film necessitates a flaw, Avengers: Endgame, despite its superb execution, did not escape criticism for its conclusion. The endgame concept was both ambitious and thrilling, but it often felt like the writers were playing a logistical game rather than telling a cohesive story. Some reviewers felt that the team’s journey felt more like a series of mathematical problems than a narrative arc, which detracted from the emotional impact of the finale.

Ultimately, while these films showcase incredible storytelling and production values, the inclusion of ridiculous conclusions can overshadow the intended impact. It serves as a reminder for filmmakers to balance their ambition with narrative coherence and to consider the audience's reaction when crafting the final moments of their stories.

Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses of beloved films and their intricacies, and join us in dissecting the great moments and letdowns in cinema.