10 Movies That Will Leave You More Confused Than ‘Megalopolis’!

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As a movie enthusiast, I recently found myself grappling with Francis Ford Coppola’s latest masterpiece, “Megalopolis.” It left me, along with many other critics and viewers, puzzled but not entirely surprised. This isn’t the first time a film has challenged our understanding and left us scratching our heads. Hyped as one of the most ambitious filmmaking projects in recent memory, this film presents a chilling dystopian New York, reimagined as New Rome. The protagonist, Cesar Catilina, is an architect with a vision to transform this city into a futuristic utopia. However, his ideas are met with skepticism by Mayor Franklyn Cicero, leading to significant social and political turmoil.

The film Megalopolis is marked by allusions to Roman history and profound philosophical discussions, but it struggles with uneven progression. Dialogues tend to wander into abstract territories as Coppola encouraged improvisation among actors, who were also tasked with writing their own scenes. The intricate and ambiguous resolution of conflicts fails to satisfy. Despite a substantial budget of approximately $120 million and the involvement of notable talents such as Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza, the movie has sparked disagreement among critics. As Rotten Tomatoes puts it, “Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is a sprawling epic that’s equally thought-provoking and haphazard.

To put it simply, there are films comparable to “Megalopolis” in terms of creating their own enigma. They do this through unconventional methods such as complex narratives, interwoven timelines, mysterious plot twists, or underdeveloped characters. Instead of adhering to traditional storytelling, they opt for a puzzling approach. Ranging from recent blockbusters to lesser-known sequels, here are ten films that are even more perplexing than “Megalopolis”.

10
‘Star Trek V: The Final Frontier’ (1989)

After achieving both critical acclaim and box office success with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the popular series made a comeback to the big screen with its fifth installment, named Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. This film finds the crew of the USS Enterprise dealing with an unusual assignment while saving both Klingon and Romulan diplomats. However, it is revealed that Sybok, Spock’s long-lost half-brother, has seized hostages on Nimbus III, claiming he can locate the deity at the heart of the galaxy.

Inconsistent Tone and Unnecessary Messages

Under the guidance of William Shatner, renowned for his memorable role as Captain Kirk, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is often considered one of the most underwhelming directorial debuts in film history. This movie’s complex narrative makes it a unique blend of spiritual exploration and comedic riddles. From the surprising partnership between Klingons and Spock to the sudden shift from science fiction to humor, there are certain plot elements that seem disjointed and have sparked endless discussions among fans.

9
‘The Legend of Hercules’ (2014)

A bold endeavor conceived by Renny Harlin, titled “The Legend of Hercules“, seeks to refresh and captivate the ancient and intriguing Greek myth about their most legendary hero. Initially unaware of his divine strength and future role, Hercules is deceived and forced into bondage by his stepfather. However, he leverages his skills, triumphs in battles, and strives to regain his birthright as the son of the ruler of all Gods.

Classic Story Lost in Ambition

Hercules’ original tale is captivating and has been adapted for film numerous times. However, Harold’s interpretation falls short in accurately portraying historical facts. The movie struggles with its storyline and rhythm, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying cinematic experience. Character development is lacking, the acting is subpar, and there’s hardly any tension or struggle. By trying to do too much, the film leaves audiences bewildered instead of engaged.

8
‘The Double’ (2014)

Is it not true that a person’s individuality and self-identity play a crucial role in their sense of self-worth? Now consider the predicament when someone usurps this identity, leaving you powerless over your own life and how others see you. This is the central idea behind “The Double“, a darkly humorous and suspenseful film. It narrates the tale of Simon James, an unassuming office worker, whose life spirals out of control when his identical twin, James Simon, shows up at work, gradually seizing control of Simon’s life.

Creates a Mind-Bending Maze

In the film “The Double“, Jesse Eisenberg assumes two contrasting roles: timid and overlooked as Simon, and self-assured, captivating, and assertive as James. Despite sharing the same physical appearance, their personalities are polar opposites. The distinction between the two is readily apparent. What adds complexity to the movie is its portrayal of Kafkaesque aspects, which intentionally blurs the line between reality and imagination for the viewers. Laden with enigmatic hints and intricate plot twists, director Richard Ayoade’s thriller challenges our preconceived notions.

7
‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ (2016)

Twentysize years following our victory against extraterrestrial beings, Earth has undergone reconstruction, and the United Nations established the Earth Space Defense to utilize the sophisticated technology obtained from these aliens and prepare for a potential second attack. The Earth Space Defense is led by David Levinson, while President Whitmore gathers the most powerful forces on our planet.

A Sequel That Reaches for the Stars (and Fails)

The plot of Independence Day: Resurgence is more complex and convoluted than that of Megalopolis, as it attempts to incorporate numerous subplots and characters, resulting in a confusing narrative. Although the main storyline revolves around stopping an alien invasion, the film adds layers of secondary narratives, introduces an alien queen, a global defense system, personal dramas, and a multitude of fresh characters. Unfortunately, the sequel seems to have missed the essence of what made the original a box office hit by moving in the opposite direction.

6
‘Under the Silver Lake’ (2018)

Under the Silver Lake” introduces us to Sam, a man without employment or aspirations who harbors a deep fascination with conspiracy theories. His uneventful existence is disrupted when Sarah, his neighbor, inexplicably vanishes, prompting Sam to embark on a self-led investigation. He immerses himself in an increasingly enigmatic mystery, deciphering layers of secretive messages and puzzling hints until the essence of his reality begins to change subtly.

Filled With Clues and References

The movie “Under the Silver Lake,” directed by David Robert Mitchell, is a complex and confusing neo-noir thriller that’s hard to understand. It has a storyline that keeps changing and leaves viewers feeling disoriented. The film is filled with unexpected pop culture references, and even Andrew Garfield’s impressive performance can’t make it any clearer.

5
‘Southland Tales’ (2007)

Boxer Santaros, a seasoned action star; Krysta Now, an ambitious porn actress striving for more; and Roland Taverner, a distrustful police officer grappling with paranoia. The lines between reality and fiction blur as we navigate this dystopian landscape together.

The Plot Doesn’t Make Any Sense

In simpler terms, the movie titled “Southland Tales” attempts to create suspense about a future disaster but fails to keep viewers engaged due to its mix of political satire, time travel, and religious symbols. It’s often included in lists of movies that are harder to understand than “Megalopolis“, despite having a talented cast, crossing genres, and being intriguing. However, it struggles with clarity, offering no clear answers or solutions to its complex narrative.

4
‘Wish Upon’ (2017)

The 2010s were particularly fruitful for the horror genre, offering audiences unusual yet exceptionally impressive films such as “Get Out,” “It Follows,” and “The Wailing.” However, during this period, there were also films like “Wish Upon,” which seemed to diminish the genre’s impact. This movie revolves around Clare Shannon, a high school student who stumbles upon a magical music box that grants her seven wishes, but eventually confronts severe repercussions.

Be Mindful of What You Wish For

Wish Upon spins a chilling yarn of supernatural mystery and adolescent turmoil. The storyline suggests that whenever Clare’s wish comes true, someone close to her meets an untimely demise. Unfortunately, the narrative’s presentation is inconsistent, lacking in depth, and riddled with plot inconsistencies. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a dismal 20% approval rating, with critics summarizing it as “offering neither scares nor freshness.

3
‘The Gray Man’ (2022)

A film titled “The Gray Man” was hyped as a game-changer for the espionage genre. It tells the tale of an expert CIA operative known as Sierra Six, who embarks on a journey when he inadvertently uncovers hidden truths about his higher-ups. In hot pursuit, a ruthless and rogue former CIA agent named Lloyd Hansen, now working as a mercenary, tracks Sierra Six across the globe with unyielding determination to take him out.

A Puzzling Narrative

In simpler terms, “The Gray Man,” a film in the Russo Brothers’ collection, may disappoint some viewers due to its complex and hard-to-follow storylines. Essentially, it’s a fast-paced chase involving a cat-and-mouse game, but with so many unexpected betrayals and frequent character encounters, it becomes challenging to fully enjoy the plot. Critics also pointed out that the film seems to borrow heavily from more successful films in an attempt to gain attention.

2
‘Madame Web’ (2024)

Fans of comic books have been fortunate over the last few decades, as filmmakers consistently deliver accurate adaptations. However, the latest attempt with “Madame Web” falls short significantly. Delving into obscure areas of the Marvel Comics library, this movie follows Casandra Webb as she guides and safeguards three Spider-Women, having seen their fate and how they come to fight Ezekiel Sims, who is determined on eliminating them in the current timeline.

A Failed Multiversal Outing

Previously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has explored themes like time travel and metaphysical stories, but no film has been as puzzling as Madame Web. It delves deeper into the larger fates of the Spider-Verse, yet it fails to establish a link with the main timeline of other films. The narrative is intricate due to multiple realities merging together and the character development seems contrived instead of organic.

1
‘Hollywood Homicide’ (2003)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on “Hollywood Homicide.” This gripping film stars none other than Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett, who portray seasoned LAPD detective Joe Gavilan and his new partner K.C. Calden respectively. Their assignment? To solve the gruesome murder of a popular rap group. However, amidst the glitz and grit of Hollywood, their personal pursuits, unrelated to either the allure of Tinseltown or police work, tend to complicate matters.

An Overstuffed and Unsatisfying Story

A lively, chaotic, and comedic buddy cop movie, Hollywood Homicide, seems to unproductively utilize the abilities of Ford and Hartnett. Led by director Ron Shelton, it strays from realistic investigation procedures, lacks unique insights about Hollywood, offers a succession of misleading clues, and moves at an erratic speed. The chemistry between the actors is absent, and as critics note, the movie struggles with too many storylines and not enough humor.

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2025-01-17 04:32