Action movies are the type of movie we try to keep to ourselves when someone asks about our favorite type of film genre. There is an element of the absurd involved in these movies that no one really wants to admit to because we want others to take us seriously. Still, there is something about these blockbusters that draws so many of us to theaters all over the world, so there has to be something that causes us to almost drool when a new action movie hits the big screen.
It’s time that we readily admit that we love these movies and that there is nothing wrong with feeling that way. They touch on a very elemental part of our being, and it’s about time we acknowledge this genre. It must be said, though, that the real shame has to do with so many bad action movies that exist. These tend to be the ones that draw the ire of movie buffs.
Well, movie buff or not, we like our action movies, but there have to be some standards met so as to not hurt the genre anymore. As such, here are five qualities that are essential:
1. An Actual Plot – This seems like Movie Making 101, but you’d be surprised how many action flicks tend to meander through poor scripts & languid characters. If an action movie to at least be tolerable, it has to move through a standard plot line, something most high school English students know pretty well.
2. Stunts, Stunts, and Stunts – What action-packed adventure would be complete without a stunt list in the closing credits twice as long as the cast of the actual movie? Stunts are what make up the action in action movies. Sure, a well-placed pun can make someone throw a punch, but it’s just not the same.
3. Betrayal – If someone is stabbed in the back, literally or figuratively, there is sure to be some level of payback to be had, and with it will be a plethora of action sequences that will get your heart racing & blood pumping.
4. Multiple Love Interests – The action hero always seems to get the girl. One is the necessary sweetheart that gets caught up in a major plot. The other happens to be the girl on the bad guys’ side. She has a heart of gold but was lured away to a life of crime. Both tug at the hero’s heartstrings, but only one will make it to the end of the movie.
5. A Hero Who’s A Wordsmith – Nothing, but nothing, comes close to being an essential action movie quality than that of the hero with a witty way with words. Sometimes a well-placed knife in an enemy or a passionate embrace with a pretty girl can only be punctuated with a killer one-liner.
