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.
The Peter Vincent
The generic term for any character who is revered, respected, or held in high regard by a young character in a movie, and purported to be an expert in a chosen field...but is a total sham. The Peter Vincent will naturally be flattered by the attention he or she is receiving from this young person and will subsequently hide the fact that he or she is not an expert in their field until the most interesting, dramatic, and funniest moment possible, but will always redeem him/herself in the film's climax and will end up proving themselves a worthy mentor. Many times the initial confusion will be due to the stupidity of the young character (see below).
Named for the character played by Roddy McDowall (and David Tennant in the 2010 remake) in "Fright Night," a washed-up star who played a vampire killer in the movies, but in real life is merely an actor, cowardly and fearful. The film's protagonist, Charlie Brewster (William Ragsdale), stupidly believes that since Peter Vincent the actor played a vampire hunter in the movies, he is qualified to be one in real life, and Peter does nothing to dissuade him, initially believing Charlie's claims that a vampire lives next door to be just the usual silly rantings of his fans.
Comment below to add your own instances of “the Peter Vincent,” or offer your own entries to the Film Yap Lexicon at lexicon@thefilmyap.com!