Most viewers know how to take the world-building inside fantasy films with caution, as magical systems and cultural hierarchies are not always easy to follow. However, a good speculative fiction film will facilitate the audience's understanding and help them understand the characters and the universe they inhabit. Despite this, there are many examples of when a film slips up and incorporates a scene that doesn't align with the logic of the world or makes a character act differently than themselves. These mistakes usually occur when a film needs to move the plot forward, whether it makes sense or not.
Confusion is not exclusive to the fantasy genre, as there are scenes in superhero films that don't make sense and many science fiction films are confusing from beginning to end. However, viewers are already looking for flaws in the plot and character development, so the pressure is doubly greater. While These moments don't typically make or break a story, they take the audience out of the world for a second, which is the opposite of what a fantasy narrative wants to do. When the plot moves forward perfectly, it's the mark of a perfect addition to the genre.
10
Tristan doesn't leave a note for Yvaine
Stardust (2007)
Tristan and Yvaine's love story lasts forever, and while a good romance is full of miscommunications, the final complication for them is a little confusing. Played by Charlie Cox and Claire Danes, Tristan and Yvaine have incredible chemistry, which makes it all the more exciting when they finally come together in the final act of Stardust. However, Yvaine is devastated to find herself alone when she wakes up and discovers that Tristan has returned to the other side of the wall to see Victoria.
Leaving her a note or even waking her up to let her know he was leaving makes a lot more sense and is more in line with Tristan's character.
However, this is not exactly the truth, as Tristan just kept his promise and say goodbye to Victoria. Leaving this rather complicated message in the hands of an innkeeper who clearly doesn't care is a very naive move for Tristan at this point. Leaving her a note or even waking her up to let her know he was leaving makes a lot more sense and is more in line with Tristan's character. It is because of this action that Yvaine is kidnapped in time for the film's climax.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Stardust (2007) |
77% |
86% |
9
Leaving Mina alone in the asylum
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a very dark fantasy film and very memorable for its polarizing style. Although it is universally agreed that Francis Ford Coppola's seminal vampire story is beautiful to behold, Coppola was not afraid to experiment with emotional realism and fantastical elements rather than an easy-to-follow script. One of the most glaring examples of this is how the men ignore Mina's importance and think she will be safe alone in an asylum.
Winona Ryder's turn as Mina is as tragically romantic as it gets, and she has already made it clear in the story that she is attracted to Dracula and will probably not be able to resist him. It's also known that she's the only person he wants, and putting bars on the window won't keep him away. Once Mina is alone, it's hard not to stifle a groan, as it's incredibly obvious that this was just a way to get her and Dracula in the same room.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) |
69% |
79% |
8
The den being set on fire
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
A moment from the original Harry Potter movies that had audiences up in arms was when a scene that wasn't in the books was added to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Although Death Eater activity is increasing in the sixth episode and Harry is harboring anger towards Bellatrix for murdering Sirius the previous year, the Burrow fire does not elevate or change that. During Christmas, which is normally a welcome break from the action during the Harry Potter year, Death Eaters attack the Burrow.
Destroying the Weasleys' house does not add motivation, as the characters are already certain of their mission to defeat Voldemort.
Not only is it This is not part of the book canon, but it also adds another unnecessary moment of sadness to a year that was dark to begin with. Destroying the Weasleys' house does not add motivation, as the characters are already certain of their mission to defeat Voldemort. HBO's next release Harry Potter The TV show should remember moments like this that so polarized audiences and weren't vital to the plot. Furthermore, this moment is not a plot point that the films return to.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) |
83% |
78% |
7
Alan somehow remembering the previous timeline
Jumanji (1995)
There is little doubt that Robbin Williams' performance is a big part of the reason Jumanji has become an enduring children's fantasy franchise. While recent reboots have tried to address some holes in the universe's logic, there's no going back to fix the original. Williams' character, Alan, has a rather tragic arc at the beginning of the film, as he is trapped inside the game for decades and has his entire life stolen from him.
This is an obscure element of Jumanjibut it's also easily resolved by the film in the final hour. When Alan and the others win the game, it resets and Alan regains his life. However, in this new timeline, Alan appears to possess some residual knowledge from his first life, allowing him to prevent the deaths of Judy and Peter's parents. Of course, this provides the happily ever after that children's films are based on, but how this is possible is never explained by Jumanji.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Jumanji (1995) |
52% |
63% |
6
Jareth wanting to marry Sarah
Labyrinth (1986)
For all the magic and mysticism of Jim Henson's work Mazethe relationship between Jareth and Sarah only became more uncomfortable over time. David Bowie plays Goblin King Jareth, who has an unhealthy and almost frightening obsession with young Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly. Although he traps her in the Labyrinth so she can get her little brother back after making a rash wish, the film includes a scene in which Jareth tries to seduce her.
The film itself is a beautiful and moving addition to the fantasy genre, elevated by Henson's classic puppetry and understanding of the pitfalls of coming of age.
As time passes, this dynamic no longer works, not that it really did in 1986. The film itself is a beautiful, moving addition to the fantasy genre, elevated by Henson's classic puppetry and understanding of the pitfalls of coming of age. Unfortunately, the scene between Jareth and Sarah raises eyebrows and does not advance the plot, only confusing the viewer about his role as a villain in the story. While this dynamic could be interpreted as Sarah's first steps into her sexual awakening, it could have been handled more delicately.
5
Brenda easily identifying the sword
Highlander (1986)
Brenda is the love interest in Highlanderand Roxanne Hart does a great job of packing the punches in the fantasy action film. Christopher Lambert is Connor MacLeod, the titular Highlander, an immortal being from Scotland locked in an epic battle of good versus evil until the end of time. Of course, Brenda doesn't know this when she first encounters clues that ancient beings may be in 1980s New York City, discovering a sword whose origins torment her.
Ultimately, she was led to Connor because she has a deep knowledge of metallurgy and is working for the NYPD when Connor runs afoul of one of his enemies. It's unclear why a metallurgy expert would lend her skills to police as a forensic scientist. and how she was able to instantly recognize how unique the sword is with limited testing is also a little too convenient. It's pretty obvious that this underdeveloped plot point was intended to bring Connor and Brenda together.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Highlander (1986) |
69% |
79% |
4
Giving Lucy a dagger
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
In any children's fantasy series, children go through much more than they should and are placed in dangerous situations. However, in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobethis happens to an extreme degree. Already, the Pevensies are asked to save Narnia once they get there despite having recently evacuated a city devastated by bombings. However, in the end, when they join Aslan, they fight in a real war against the White Witch and receive weapons for it.
Lucy, the youngest Pevensie, receives a dagger among her gifts at the age of eight.
Lucy, the youngest Pevensie, receives a dagger among her gifts at the age of eight. While she's holding on until now, it takes a little too much out of the audience to make them believe that giving an elementary school kid a dagger is the right thing to do. The author of the original series, CS Lewis, may have made this choice to heighten the drama and give her a tangible gift, but the film could have changed that and made everything safer.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) |
75% |
61% |
3
Persephone being in the underworld
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
It is universally accepted that the 2010 adaptation of Rick Riordan's book Percy Jackson books does not do justice to the original work. THE Percy Jackson The TV show will return for Season 2, and this version has been praised by fans and critics alike. However, the bar is quite low, since not only the Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief film alters the novel, but also contradicts Greek mythology for no reason. If aging the actors wasn't enough, the film placed Persephone in the underworld.
Although this may not seem so bad, The film takes place during the summer solstice, the time of year when Persephone is above ground and warming the world with his mother, Demeter. Percy and his friends only encounter Hades when they reach the underworld, and Persephone's character is only played for laughs, undermining the gravity of their journey. The Underworld scenes were supposed to be shocking and dangerous, and Persephone would never be there.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) |
48% |
53% |
2
Westley declaring that Buttercup and Humperdinck are not married
The Princess Bride (1987)
Based on the seminal novel by William Goldman, The princess bride is well known in the fantasy world as a romantic and hilarious addition to the genre. Full of heart and humor, there are many ironic jokes in The princess brideas the plot plays with tropes traditionally found in sweeping fantasy novels. This means that there are times when the audience must suspend their disbelief and let the unrealistic elements of the story slide.
Between the Pit of Despair and the Flaming Swamp, few terrifying creatures or sights could surprise the viewer, but when Westley makes his interpretation of the law his reality, it's a little silly. Westley successfully stops Buttercup's wedding to Humperdinck, but only at the last second when their vows are practically complete. However, since Buttercup never said “yes,” Westley claims that doesn't count. While this may be wishful thinking, it's still a good ending to the classic film.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
1
Dumbledore shouting at Harry
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The actor who played Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, Richard Harris, tragically passed away before he could continue with the role. Although his performance as Hogwarts Headmaster was that of a gentle but firm mystical being, his successor, Michael Gambon, needed to stand out. Gambon was a little more serious and authoritative, which suited the film's changing tone as Harry grew older and his responsibilities became more complex.
However, Gambon's line reading as he questions Harry about putting his name in the goblet of fire differs so sharply from the book's description that it's hard not to notice. He grabs Harry and yells at him, which is a kind of intensity and frustration that Dumbledore won't show Harry for another few years, if ever. While some of this is also likely due to Mike Newell's direction, it changes the characterization of the wizard in the fantasy film.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) |
88% |
74% |