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At times, it appears that filmmakers pitch a movie concept to a studio by showcasing only the initial 10 minutes. This limited preview is enticing enough to secure the studio’s approval, but it may serve as a misdirection. Some movies feel like the bulk of creative effort went into crafting the early part of the first act, leaving little innovation for the rest of the film.
These are the movies where the peak doesn’t just occur in the first act but within the initial 10 minutes. This doesn’t necessarily mean these films are bad, but their impact diminishes rapidly. Whether they are slasher sequels, original superhero films, adaptations of Hanna-Barbera classics, or less original superhero movies, they tend to exhaust their creative energy early on.
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10 Movies Where the Opening Scene Is Better Than the Rest of the Movie
Scream 3 (2000)
Scream 3, often regarded as the low point in the Ghostface saga, is admittedly weaker compared to its predecessors, particularly peaking in the beginning. The storyline revolves around Sidney Prescott emerging from self-imposed isolation to help her friends confront a potentially more deadly killer, one with ties to Sidney’s own past.
The significance of the opening scene lies in its distinctiveness. Following the Columbine tragedy, blame was unfairly directed at Scream and Scream 2, both of which were successful at the box office and depicted real people committing violent acts. This led to a perceived connection that wasn’t truly there. Consequently, Scream 3 suffered from a certain level of censorship. Despite screenwriter Ehren Kruger’s efforts to fill the gap left by Kevin Williamson, Scream 3 leans more towards humor than genuine scares, deviating from the essence of the Scream franchise.
However, the opening scene, where Ghostface taunts Cotton Weary over the phone before ultimately killing him and his girlfriend, manages to recapture the intensity reminiscent of the more effective Scream 2.
Ghost Ship (2002)
The ghost movie opens with a remarkably gory scene, but unfortunately, the rest of “Ghost Ship” fails to live up to this promising start. The plot follows a salvage crew discovering a mysterious vessel in the Bering Sea. Realizing it’s abandoned, they decide to steal its contents, unaware that the ghosts aboard have different plans.
The Opening Scene’s Impact After depicting the horrifying incident that turned the ship into a ghost ship—where a steel rope fatally bisects everyone on board—the movie loses its appeal. The film primarily features a group of familiar actors portraying thinly developed characters wandering through a poorly executed set designed to resemble a ship covered in cobwebs and drafts.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Scooby-Doo, despite its success at the box office and some commendable casting choices, ultimately falls short due to its misguided execution. The storyline revolves around Mystery Inc. facing a setback, having to close down, and being called to a mysterious island for a chance at redemption.
The opening scene is a standout moment, closely resembling an episode of the original animated show. It features the gang unmasking a supposed ghost who, predictably, claims he would have succeeded if not for those meddling kids. However, as the narrative progresses on the island, particularly with the involvement of Scrappy-Doo, the film takes a nosedive in quality.
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
J.J. Abrams took the reins of the Mission: Impossible franchise with Mission: Impossible III, a somewhat forgettable installment elevated by an outstanding performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman. The storyline revolves around Ethan Hunt, who, after losing a partner, embarks on a vengeful mission at the cost of sacrificing everything he holds dear.
The opening scene, featuring Ethan’s daring rescue of Lindsey (portrayed briefly and superbly by Keri Russell), stands out notably. However, the film’s subsequent narrative lacks the same impact, progressing without much vigor until a somewhat abrupt and underwhelming resolution.
Hancock (2008)
The opening scene of Peter Berg’s “Hancock” is memorable due to its unique premise and strong performances by Will Smith and Charlize Theron. The film introduces a superhero, Hancock, whose unheroic behavior, including collateral damage and public intoxication, sets the stage for a plot where he attempts to improve his tarnished image after saving a PR executive. Despite having a star-studded cast and a substantial budget, the movie’s standout moments are often limited to the impactful opening scene and the unconventional events in the third act involving Hancock and Theron’s character.
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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
The opening scene of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is a notable aspect of the film as it marks the return of the iconic character after a long absence. Unlike previous adventures centered around the Ark of the Covenant or the Holy Grail, this time, Indiana Jones is on a quest to uncover the mysterious origins of a crystal skull.
Despite the overall disappointment of the film for many fans due to its nonsensical plot, the initial part of the movie set at a nuclear weapon test site stands out. During this segment, the classic elements of an Indiana Jones adventure are present, including the iconic whip, betrayal, and the protagonist’s trademark confidence. However, the film’s descent into absurdity becomes apparent as the story progresses, marked by moments like the infamous fridge scene and the inclusion of CGI groundhog.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Gavin Hood’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine provides viewers with a glimpse into Logan’s early life, shedding light on his involvement with a mysterious organization alongside his brother in various wars. The opening scene, featuring a montage of Wolverine and Sabretooth in the Revolutionary War, WWII, and more, stands out due to its stylish presentation and brisk editing. This sequence raises expectations for a movie that will delve into the intricacies of the brothers’ relationship. However, the film largely disappoints in delivering on this promise as it progresses.
Up (2009)
The film “Up” from Pixar narrates the life of the elderly Carl Fredericksen, who, having led a modest yet content life, decides to embark on an adventure after the loss of his spouse. In a unique and whimsical twist, he attaches balloons to his house and floats to South America with the help of an adventurous kid. The opening scene of the movie is particularly noteworthy, standing out for its emotional impact. It skillfully portrays Carl’s entire life, culminating in the heart-wrenching moment of his wife’s passing. While the film continues with its engaging storyline, it struggles to reach the same emotional intensity as the powerful opening sequence.
Spectre (2015)
The opening scene of Spectre, Daniel Craig’s fourth James Bond film, stands out for several reasons, despite the challenges faced during its production. In this scene, Bond’s life is portrayed as being systematically dismantled by a mysterious and shadowy organization, possibly led by someone with a significant connection to Bond’s past.
Notably, the film faced difficulties during production, as evidenced by Daniel Craig’s regrettable and ‘ungrateful’ comments after its release. However, Spectre, the 24th Bond film and Sam Mendes’s second directorial effort in the franchise, has its strengths, with the most notable one being the gripping opening sequence.
The scene is set against the backdrop of a massive Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. Bond eavesdrops on a meeting, but things take a dramatic turn when he is discovered, leading to a firefight. The sequence reaches its climax with Bond engaging in a high-stakes battle with a helicopter pilot, with the whirlybird swirling perilously over a crowd of thousands of pedestrians. This visually stunning and action-packed opening sets the tone for the rest of the film and is considered one of the standout moments in Spectre.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Thor: Love and Thunder has been criticized as one of the weaker films in MCU Phase Four, with some attributing this to an excess of Taika Waititi’s signature humor and a lack of focus on the main antagonist, Gorr the God Butcher, portrayed by Christian Bale. The plot revolves around Thor teaming up with Valkyrie and Jane Foster, who now wields Mjölnir as the Mighty Thor, to confront Gorr and his quest for revenge.
The opening scene stands out because it effectively establishes Gorr’s character. The heartbreaking moment of Gorr losing his daughter while pleading for divine protection creates a strong emotional impact. When he finally meets a god, only to be met with laughter, the audience sympathizes with his pain, making his turn to violence more understandable. Despite the film’s overall criticism, Gorr’s scenes are seen as powerful, even though there’s a desire for more depth and focus on his character throughout the movie.
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