The rise of franchises and extended universes has changed the way films are discussed in popular culture.
So, how is it possible that its ending doesn’t hold up?
Within the confines of theDavid Fincherfilm, the storytelling is flawless.
Image via Newmarket Films
But, in reality, the book the film was based on was heavily criticized despite its popularity.
The book also heavily implies thatArthur Leigh Allenwas actually the Zodiac, and the film follows suit.
Alas, Allen’s credibility as a suspect was even weaker in reality than it was in the film.
Image via Paramount Pictures
When the hotel offers them a private day trip to a secluded beach nearby, the family accepts.
The Cappas and several other parties from their resort are chauffeured to the beach.
Night Shyamalan’s stilted and blunt dialogueand detached visuals certainly don’t work for everyone.
The other hurdle is the mystery behind “the beach that makes you old.”
It turns out all of those theories were better than what actually transpired on screen.
The low-budget blockbuster launched the careers of Leigh Whannell andJames Wan.
Image via Universal Picture
Meanwhile, Wan has madeThe Conjuring,Malignantand directed films in theFast and Furiousfranchise andDCEU.
With nowhere else to go, travelers in the area congregate at a rundown and isolated motel.
Shortly after congregating, people start dropping dead.
Identityis sucha fun and mysterious thriller, full to the brim with recognizable character actors and memorable set pieces.
Why would a highly successful crime syndicate require its employees to assassinate themselves?
And why did they decide Joseph Gordon-Levittshould wear a fake nose to look more like Bruce Willis?
Image via Lions Gate Films
These are just a handful of the questions one may have when the credits roll forLooper.
The crimes appear to be cut-and-dry murder-suicides, but a mysterious person calling himself Longlegs claims responsibility.
Although the viewing experience is tense and confronting, determiningwhatactually happenedinLonglegsis quite difficult.
Unfortunately,Longlegsfalls into the latter category.
Donnie’s detachment and sleepwalking get worse, and Frank becomes more insistent about the apocalypse.
The mood is palpable, and the vibes are excellent, butDonnie Darkojust doesn’t make any sense.
Image via Columbia Pictures
Is it good that a film can’t succeed without explaining its basic plot in such a way?
Like most ofChristopher Nolan’s other work,Tenetis stylish, creative, and thrilling.
But, in Nolan’s quest to see if hecouldhe lost sight of whether heshould.
By 2004, viewers watchedM.
Night Shyamalan’s movies expecting a twist.
But no amount of expectation could have prepared audiences for the stupidity of the twist inThe Village.
Image via TriStar Pictures
All the boxes get ticked, andthere are technicallyno plot holes inThe Village.
But, rewatching the film after knowing its ending stretches credulity and audience patience.
Viewers who haven’t seen the 2013 magician-mystery-action movieNow You See Meare probably tantalized by the film’s premise.
How did these magicians rob a bank and perform a magic show at the same time?
How do they evade capture with the world watching them?
All of thosequestions and more willnotbe answeredat the end ofNow You See Me.
Image via Neon
NEXT:10 Movie Endings That Just Don’t Hold Up
Image via Newmarket Films
Image via Warner Bros.
Image via Buena Vista Pictures
Image via Lionsgate
