The Biggest 'Jumping the Shark' Moment in a Movie

When a movie reaches a point where it becomes implausible, over-the-top, or clearly contrived, it can be described as jumping the shark. This term comes from the TV series Happy Days, where the character Fonzie (played by Henry Winkler) performed a motorcycle stunt over a mock shark pool. The phrase became synonymous with a production reaching its lowest point.

Exploring the Concept of Jumping the Shark

The term jumping the shark is often used in the realm of movie criticism to describe a movie's sudden turn to unrealistic and poorly executed storytelling. While there are countless examples across film history, certain scenes stand out as particularly egregious examples of this trope. These moments not only disappoint die-hard fans but also set a new low for the movie in question.

End of Watch: A Modern Jumping the Shark Moment?

A prime example of jumping the shark in recent years comes from the 2013 action thriller End of Watch. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film portrays the final days of a force of police officers during the Los Angeles riots. However, the climax of the movie takes a sharp turn when the main character and his partner cross a line in a very literal sense. At the end, the movie abruptly transitions into a glorified video game trial, featuring a virtual reality battle with a one-eyed terrorist. This shift is startling, as it departs so dramatically from the gritty, realistic tone that has characterized the film up until that point.

Interestingly, Branagh is known for similar over-the-top plot devices in his other directorial works, such as the 2014 World War II drama Fury. Once again, amidst a serious narrative, the plot finds an abrupt and ill-fitting detour into a narrative that almost feels like a Call of Duty video game sequence. This trend suggests that Branagh is particularly susceptible to creating these contrived and implausible moments.

Examples of Jumping the Shark in Other Movies

While the transition in End of Watch is perhaps the most recent and memorable, there are several other examples of movies that have jumped the shark in different ways:

1. The Matrix Reloaded: In the sequel to the original The Matrix, there is a scene where Neo and his companions visit the Oracle. The Oracle climbs the stairs, and the camera cuts to a sequence where a helicopter is inexplicably banished to the 18th century, and the rest of the sequence involves time travel, dinosaur interaction, and anachronisms that make no sense within the previously established narrative.

2. Batman: The Dark Knight Rises: The film concludes with a sequence where Batman faces off against a version of Bane that somehow transforms into a giant animated skeleton. This scene is so out of place and nonsensical that it undermines the entire integrity of the film and its plot.

3. The Crow: This action movie is notorious for its numerous plot holes and outlandish stunts. Perhaps the most egregious example is when the main character, after coming back from the dead, fights a gang of nihilist killers. The action sequences, especially one where he soaks an entire space station in gasoline and blows it to pieces, are so ridiculous that the plot line itself seems to have jumped the shark.

The Impact of Jumping the Shark

These moments, while often remembered as punchlines, can have a lasting impact on a movie's reputation. Audiences who are drawn in by the promise of a compelling narrative can be left disappointed or even angered when a film suddenly becomes unfathomable. This can lead to decreased attendance, lower ratings, and in some cases, outright criticism and derision.

For filmmakers, it is crucial to maintain a consistent tone and avoid jumping the shark. Filmmakers must strive to keep their storytelling true to their vision while also engaging and entertaining audiences. If a film veers off into incoherent or unrealistic territory, audiences may feel let down and turn away, potentially affecting the film's financial success and critical reception.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are countless examples of movies that have jumped the shark, the transition in End of Watch serves as a timely reminder of how plot devices can quickly destroy a movie's credibility and integrity. By examining these moments, we can better understand the importance of consistent storytelling and the potential pitfalls filmmakers face. It is the responsibility of both creators and audiences to ensure that movies stay true to their intended narrative and continue to captivate their audience.