10 Moments That Lost The Room Before The Plot Began

You’d think filmmakers would wait at least ten minutes before things fall apart. Nope. These movies threw cold water on anticipation before the main characters even got through the door. Blame the pacing or the baffling choices, but each film proves that when the opening fumbles, the story barely gets off the bench.

The Tone Misfires From The Start

What happens when a movie tries to outsmart itself before it even starts? ”Scream 4” went full meta with back-to-back fake-outs featuring the fictional “Stab” franchise. This includes exaggerated references to previous entries and then the “real” movie. Instead of building suspense, it felt like a parody with no punchline.

Visual Effects Could Distract Instead Of Enhance

Viewers expect slick visuals from a superhero film, but “Madame Web” faced criticism for several visual effects that appeared less refined than expected. Some critics noted issues with unusual CGI representations of character features and mismatched dialogue. These distractions interrupted the emotional rhythm of the scene.

Sequels Sometimes Spoil Their Predecessors

Some critics argue that “Terminator: Dark Fate” establishes its new narrative by referencing the off-screen death of John Connor, a key figure from earlier films. This challenges the emotional continuity from “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” and some viewers may see it as undermining the stakes and relationships built over decades.

When Ambiguity Replaces Clarity

In “The Room” (2003), directed by Tommy Wiseau, characters enter with groceries, exchange unclear greetings, and plunge into conflict without setup. The lack of context baffled critics and fans. Ironically, this confusion contributed to the film’s cult status, though first impressions played little role in its later success.

Pacing Drains The Energy When Done Wrong

“Heaven’s Gate” lingers in its early scenes with a slow buildup of character and atmosphere, delaying the central conflict. The film’s pacing issues and extended runtime were criticized for draining interest before the plot unfolded. Critics noted the opening lasted 20–25 minutes before any significant action occurred.

When Dialogue Feels Disconnected

“Your daughter’s soul is a source of light,” says Father Merrin in “The Exorcist”—not the sequel. The original movie anchors the line in Regan’s struggle. In contrast, critics say “Exorcist II” leans on abstract dialogue with little context. Reviews highlight conversations that feel like riddles without answers.

Expectations Could Clash With Reality

“After Earth” promised a high-stakes sci-fi journey, but its slow, emotion-heavy opening confused many viewers. With Will and Jaden Smith in the lead, audiences expected fast-paced action from the start. Instead, the film opened with long stares and quiet tension—losing momentum before the real danger even surfaced.

When Too Much Description Overwhelms

Some critics have noted that “Delgo” opens with extensive narration of ancient conflicts and mythological stories, which—while rich in detail—may impede an early emotional connection. Exposition dominates early on and lacks grounding in character or emotion, so the story struggles from the beginning to capture curiosity or build investment.

Humor Can Undermine Tension

Many reviewers have observed that “Norbit” opens with an overload of slapstick humor and exaggerated character traits. These can sometimes obscure deeper character development before the narrative fully unfolds. While well-timed comedy can build connection, misplaced humor risks blocking engagement before audiences are ready to invest or laugh. 

When the Main Character Feels Like a Stranger 

Brendan Fraser returns in “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” but somehow not as the same Rick O’Connell fans remembered. The film opens with a disconnected version of the adventurer. Add in recast roles and clunky narration, and longtime fans struggled to care before the real plot even took off.