When watching movies, the audience is always expected to suspend their disbelief in one way or another. And, this does not just apply to films that feature wizards, superheroes, or spaceships. Stories about regular people and their mundane exploits can feelincredibly unrealistic too. Certain historical dramas omit so much factual accuracy, that they should come with disclaimers. Any action film that is meant to take place within the rough present also seems to focus on improbable inventions, and gravitational anomalies that leave the audience scratching their heads.
A genre that is notorious for creating unrealistic expectations is that of the romantic comedy. There are all too many last-minute airport confessions of love, car chases through traffic-jammed cities, and meet-cutes that sadly do not happen that often. Whatever the situation may be, a viewer can only immerse themselves so far in a scenario before being pulled out of it by something jarring. However, despite the big gaps in realism, some of these films remain fan favorites, and viewers tend to just grin and bear it.
The Accountant
Cast
Ben Affleck stars as Christian Wolff in the action thriller The Accountant, directed by Gavin O’Connor. A mathematical genius who connects more with his work than others, Christian freelances as a CPA for various criminal organizations to get by. However, when Christian starts to attract the unwanted attention of a Treasury agent, he attempts to go straight with a high-profile client – but his impeccable analytical skills uncover a financial discrepancy that dangerous people intend to keep hidden.
Ben Affleck’s movie career is an interesting one. While some of his choices feel self-indulgent, like the decision to play Batman, others are absolutely spot on. He has shown prowess as an actor, director, and writer, winning awards for his various roles.The Accountantis a great example of an action film that was the right choice for his career. It is thrilling, suspenseful, and filled with twists that some people will never see coming. The supporting cast is also packed with some great names like Anna Kendrick and Jon Bernthal.
10 Great Movies Like The Accountant
The Accountant is one of the most engaging crime thrillers of its time, and it draws inspiration from some brilliant action movies in the same vein.
But, if the viewers are to believe that the story takes place in the real world, there are too many issues to ignore.If Christian is such a genius at what he does, having the police figure out his not-so-genius code does not seem plausible.The fact that he has a priceless painting is quite baffling, but the way he manages to gift it to Dana is even more of a head-scratcher. Then there are his physical abilities and he and Bernthnal’s characters come face-to-face the way that they do.
The Holiday
The Holiday is a 2006 rom-com starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black. Directed and written by Nancy Meyers, The Holiday tells the story of two women who arrange a home swap to take a break from the stress of their recent breakups. But things take a turn when they both fall in love with local men.
Rom-coms are known to create scenarios that make many people idolize romance and the possibility of a magical relationship.While there are certainly couples who must have experienced some cinematic moments together, these sorts of expectations need to be taken with a grain of salt. Even people who look like Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet have their romantic ups and downs, but them both having such an over-the-top reaction that sees them abandon their entire lives over the festive period inThe Holidayfeels like a bit much.
Then, of course, comes the premise that they both manage to meet their soulmates in a matter of days, and change their lives forever.While many would dream of having a 2006 Jude Law stumble into their lives on a whim, that is rarely the case. It also seems like not enough time could have passed for the emotions to be that high and for so many events to have occurred. And Cameron Diaz’s footwear, which she somehow runs across snowy fields in, is perhaps the most unrealistic thing of all.
Deep Blue Sea
A sci-fi action horror film released in 1999, Deep Blue Sea follows a group of scientists trapped in the ocean deep within a research facility as several massive genetically altered sharks begin to wreak havoc. Despite the researcher’s best intentions, the scientific experiments conducted in this facility have grown hyper-intelligent and incredibly strong, making them apex predators the likes that have never been seen.
Most films that feature a humanity vs. natural world plot are set in a reality close to the one viewers are used to as possible.Recent monster films likeGodzillaandThe Meghave come up with scientific explanations for something that does not appear to be scientifically probable. Radiation, prehistoric beings hidden deep within uncharted waters, and genetic modifications have all been the reasoning behind some truly terrifying beasts.
The latter is the choice of exposition for a host of super-smart sharks that turn on the scientists who created them and plan a very coordinated attack inDeep Blue See.The film does not take itself too seriously, and that is the key to enjoying it for what it is. However, it is still not set in the distant future and tries to apply the studies conducted on these animals to real life. That being said, once the genius shark storyline is accepted, the movie becomes a fun adventure. At least it’s not as preposterous asSharknado.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody tells the story of the band Queen and their iconic frontman Freddy Mercury (Rami Malek). A biographical musical drama, Bohemian Rhapsody follows the meteoric rise of Queen from their formation in 1970 and chronicles some of the creative and personal differences that the band was forced to overcome to achieve global success.
Biopics can be tough to maneuver, especially when they focus on beloved celebrities.Even those as successful as the Oscar-winning filmBohemian Rhapsodyhave their naysayers who can pick up many inconsistencies. While Rami Malek’s performance is moving, nuanced, and charismatic, the story omits many of the real Freddy Mercury’s experiences. There is a huge focus on his romance with Mary Austin, with his true self only being shown in smaller doses.
Many viewers believed it was to make the story more universally appealing, but true Queen fans know how much the film managed to get wrong.While the Live Aid performance is a highlight of the movie and works well within its narrative, the timeline of the events that surrounded it was all wrong. Many viewers will have opted to watch the movie without doing any form of research about the real people behind it, and may now think that this is what actually happened.
Sicario
Sicario is a crime thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, featuring Emily Blunt as an idealistic FBI agent. The film explores the intense and morally complex war on drugs at the U.S.-Mexico border, with key performances by Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin.
This high-octane action film is filled with, what seems like, gritty realism and naturalistic violence.These devices serve to set the story of the Denis Villeneuve-directedSicarioin a believable reality. But, the plot goes too far into unlawful tactics and brutal executions that would be unbecoming if at all possible. The secret team seems to operate with no rules and consequences for their actions, which are very often public and indefensible.
The intensity and hard-hitting subject matter makeSicarioan entertaining watch, and viewers can choose to ignore any outstanding court-marshals that may be on the way.
Many other films fall into this unrealistic trap where a hero manages to destroy a whole building and injure or kill multiple civilians just to save one person.Here, the villains are shown as disposable, even though the supposed military affiliations would come with many more rules and regulations. But, the intensity and hard-hitting subject matter makeSicarioan entertaining watch, and viewers can choose to ignore any outstanding court-marshals that may be on the way.
How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, directed by Donald Petrie, is a romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. The film follows a magazine writer and an advertising executive, each with conflicting personal agendas, as they navigate the complexities of a burgeoning relationship. Through humorous situations and romantic entanglements, the narrative explores themes of love, deception, and the challenges of modern dating.
One of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 21st century, this charming film is filled with many hilarious moments that aren’t even meant to be that funny.The two leads have great chemistry and are very charismatic, which is especially evident in the scene where they meet for the first time. But, all the shenanigans that are connected to the bet take the action out of the realm of reality and into slapstick territory. That poor dog should never have been part of this tumultuous relationship.
The biggest issue with the premise ofHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Daysis how unprofessional the whole “bet” situation is.Even if both of the characters weren’t unwittingly trying to sabotage each other, the plot then becomes even more problematic.The man is trying to make an unsuspecting woman fall in love with him just so he can win an advertising account, and a woman is taking her close friend’s dating drama and using it to toy with someone’s emotions. Additionally, it seems unlikely that Andie will ever get her luggage back.
It is crucially important to remember just how bad Mel Gibson’s accent was in this film, and how few Scottish historians he apparently consulted.At its core,Braveheartmay be a rousing film about “freedom” and bravery, but it is such a simplistic retelling of an ancient story that has not resonated with the very nation it is supposedly celebrating. The anachronisms pile up one on top of each other, with inaccurate costumes, face paint, and even William Wallace’s age.
But, all that said, the film itself is filled with pathos, inspirational speeches, and some very epic battle scenes, even if barely any of them actually happened in real life.As long asBraveheartis not taught in history classes and viewers are made aware of the artistic liberties taken with the facts, then this wartime epic remains a great example of Hollywood magic. The magic, of course, being taking an event from history and completely changing it to make a more entertaining movie.
Speed
In Jan de Bont’s 1994 action thriller Speed, LAPD officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) works alongside passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock) to safely stop a bus that will explode if it goes below 50 mph.
A thrill from start to finish, the classic action movieSpeedis one of the best examples of the genre.It has it all: high-speed chases, evil villains, some sad losses, and plenty of unrealistic moments. Perhaps only those who lived in Los Angeles at the time this film is set will be able to know just how probable it would be for a large bus to make its way through the city without breaking the limitation imposed by the “whim of a madman.” Both the plans devised by Howard Payne are full of holes and seem improbable to carry out.
If he always wanted to kill the elevator hostages as said by Jack, then the reasons behind the whole attack are very flimsy.Then, when he decides to get back at Traven and Harry, his knowledge of all their movements is much too unrealistic to achieve in the short space of time he had. Especially as he knows to call the exact phone booth next to the explosion site that Jack happens to be by. CCTV was not quite as advanced in 1994 as it is today, and Howard does not seem like much of a hacker.
The Devil Wears Prada
Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, The Devil Wears Prada stars Anne Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, an aspiring journalist who, after landing a job with top New York fashion designer Miranda Priestly, gets drawn deeper and deeper into the cutthroat world of the fashion industry. Meryl Streep stars alongside Hathaway as Miranda Priestly, with a further cast that includes Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Simon Baker.
The Devil Wears Pradais extremely beloved but extremely infuriating at the same time.While the performances by Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are delicious, the film paints a very one-dimensional picture of the fashion industry. Miranda’s choices are explained away by her heartlessness and need to stay relevant, Nigel complains about the fact that he has his dream job, and Emily has no right to be mad at Andy for doing something she would 100% also do. Not to mention, it is unlikely that an assistant would have quite as much access to the Runway closet.
One of the most unrealistic parts of the story has to do with the friend group.
The audience is led to believe they all know each other from college and are all now working “jobs that pay the bills,“but they are so unsupportive of each other and extremely judgmental. Lily gladly takes the Marc Jacobs bag, but in the same breath makes fun of Andy for needing to take a work call. Nate is a full-blown nightmare, and it seems as though a close friend group in their 20s would not be quite as villainous as the one depicted in this film.
Love Actually
The 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually follows various couples as they explore their relationships throughout the Christmas season. With a star-studded cast composed of Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Freeman, and Martine McCutcheon, Love Actually has since become a Christmas staple for rom-com lovers.
This moving film is often revisited by people at different stages of their lives. Some watchLove Actuallyevery year, some take breaks, and then realize that they no longer identify with Keira Knightley but are suddenly much more connected to Emma Thompson. For the most part, the story is set in reality, with Richard Curtis confirming that while Rowan Atkinson’s character is a guardian angel of sorts, any explicit supernatural reference was purposefully excluded.There are many unrealistic moments inLove Actually, a lot of them involving the airport.
Not only would it be impossible for Sam to run through the entirety of that Heathrow terminal without being caught, but the scene illustrates how far he had to run to get to Joanna’s gate.She somehow pops out to give him a kiss, even though her plane is boarding.Jamie and Aurelia’s story also seems like a stretch. There is no reason for a whole non-descript village to follow a stranger into a restaurant on Christmas Eve, and wherever his cottage was, very few places in Europe allow for swimming in a lake in December.
