Sal Mamby Got the Flu

The Film Yap Lexicon is comprised of terminology for certain cinematic phenomena that occur often enough to form discernible patterns — typically events or circumstances that are patently ludicrous to customs of narrative or known science and, on occasion, the result of misguided choices by filmmakers. Although these terms could take their name from numerous films, they are principally derived from the prime examples of this phenomena.

Sal Mamby Got the Flu

When a character's best laid plans change unexpectedly, forcing the character into a Catch-22 of obviously disastrous replacement options. Of course, the main character will make the poorer of those choices. Derives from "The Fighter," where Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is goaded into an impromptu fight with a boxer 20 lbs heavier than he is, because his original opponent, Sal Mamby, who was hand-picked as a good matchup for him and well-scouted and prepared for, got the flu and was unable to fight. Of course, he badly lost the fight, which starts a downward spiral for the character. See also "He's Been on the Couch."

Comment below to add your own instances of “Sal Mamby Got the Flu,” or offer your own entries to the Film Yap Lexicon at lexicon@thefilmyap.com!