Hallmark Movies: 10 Things They All Have In Common

Hallmark movies are a holiday tradition, even though they are a bit formulaic. Here are some common tropes in these festive films.

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They are mocked by many but loved by many more. They are Hallmark Movies, and around the holidays they are truly the yuletide gift that keeps on giving–in the same exact ways–when it comes to romantic tropes. Fans–wrapped in blankets with hot cocoa in hands–have been known to watch one (or more) a day for 25 days straight because these films are comfort food for the soul and touch something relatable: the struggling single mom, the disgruntled businesswoman, the fiancé who’s lonely in her relationship, who each meet a guy in a tartan shirt and find love.

Cheesy? Schmaltzy? And of course, oh so predictable? The formula works. When the greeting card channel turns up the saccharine, love and life will never be sweeter.

As heartwarmingly familiar as the plots are the actors who show up to play them out. Let’s raise a glass of eggnog and toast the likes of Lacey Chabert (Party of Five), Kerri Russell (Felicity), the currently incarcerated Lori Loughlin, as well as Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin, all of Full House and Fuller House fame, Alicia Witt whose impressive resume includes Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Meghan Markle (no credits needed).

And of course, the boys: Adrian Grenier (The Devil Wears Prada) and Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill) to name a few.

9 Holiday Spirit Is Renewed

From an all-consuming job to a love affair gone awry, every Hallmark protagonist has somehow let the reason for the season escape them. They are not quite Ebenezer Scrooge, but close enough for the discomfort of those around them who just want to put up a festive wreath or decorate a yummy gingerbread house.

Whether it’s the poinsettias on every porch, the homemade ornaments gracing the tree in the town square, or the smell of sugar cookies wafting through the air, the jaded become believers once again.

8 Everyone Comes From A Small Town

Some of our heroines landed in the Hallmark hamlets having been reared in similar places, while others are returning to their birthplaces. Either way, the town in which they grew up paled in comparison to the charms of their current locale, hence their previous desire to hightail it outta there for bigger and better things.

The phrase, “I never thought I’d come back to a place like this,” (or something similar) is always stated with a chest-heaving sigh as the visitor braces herself to endure the corniness of small-town life, which eventually sparks a renewed interest (thanks to a guy in flannel.)

7 Modern Women Are Successful

Many a lead actress harkens back to Carrie & Co. on Sex And The City in sharp clothes and stylish heels, working in sleek offices that never met a piece of chrome furniture they didn’t like. Each woman is always the boss’s go-to gal, the smartest person in the room, a rival of a male colleague named “Bob” who she can best without working up a sweat, and is one promotion away from Regional Manager.

Even those who are not as hard-charging still succeed using their unique gifts–one which is always goodness. A la Sandra Bullock in Hope Floats, they take a non-executive position such as clerk at the photomart or window dresser at the local department store, and score points with the manager thanks to their innate creativity.

6 The Big City Is Exciting Until It’s Not

The concrete jungle hectic. There’s running through traffic in stilettos carrying a coffee and talking on a cell without getting hit by a taxi; catching the already crowded elevator just as the doors are closing, and weaving through the chaotic office and just as the movie’s star reaches the haven that is her office, her trusted and efficient assistant, as well as harried subordinates, rush in so she can solve all their problems.

As much as she dreads the business trip to the middle of nowhere to shut down the plant/the inn/the bakery, or even, notably, a whole town, (like Renee Zellweger in New in Town), the Hallmark heroine secretly is looking forward to getting out of the city for a bit.

5 The Suit Boyfriend Isn’t The Best Boyfriend

He wears Brooks Brothers pinstripes, wingtips, and a pocket square to his C-suite job at a renowned conglomerate. He is average good looking. He and the Hallmark heroine are a corporate Barbie and Ken; the couple everyone envies. They keep their own apartments but co-own a beach house, which they never go to because they’re each so busy climbing the ladder. They’ve just gotten engaged–finally–but can’t set a date until their respective schedules open up.

Anywhere else on earth he would be considered a catch, but in the land of Hallmark, this Mr. Right is just left of cold and unromantic (unlike every man in a wool button-down).

4 Small Town Life Will Save You

“Bright lights, big city” may be exciting and invigorating, may offer career advancement and the opportunity to meet more people in an afternoon than in the folksy countryside from whence one has come, but it can drain you.

According to Hallmark, after a few days in a place where everyone knows their neighbors, considers scrapbooking an art form, and citizens look forward to the town meeting, even the most ambitious executive will see the error of their ways. Indeed, it takes a village to restore a person’s sanity, humanity, and gratitude for the simple things.

3 Single Men Are Aplenty

Hallmark lead actresses are always seen initially either complaining about a string of bad dates or are romantically entangled with the wrong man. Then they arrive at the tiny town their job in some metropolis has sent them to for the purpose of turning the place on its ear. And there he is: the good looking guy in a plaid shirt with his dog by his side. He a handyman, the nephew of the innkeeper, or vet. Oh yes, and as single as they come. He essentially is Luke from Gilmore Girls.

The poster boy for L.L.Beane has yet to be snagged by anyone who already lives in the area, so is ripe for the picking when the outsider rolls in. It’s always disdain at first sight as she’s used to a more sophisticated man, but eventually true love wins out.

2 Love Is Magical

It happens in front of a crackling fire, under a full moon, or in a rowboat floating in the middle of a lake–always between two unlikely partners. These Hallmark moments are reminiscent of the formidable Michael J. Fox in Doc Hollywood when he’s stuck in a place with “ville” in the name after his car breaks down.

During the beautiful stranger’s stay, she and plaid shirt guy constantly meet cute, but she is wary. After all, she won’t be around too long, so best not to get too interested. His big heart and affinity to play tour guide reveal the wonders of the life he could offer her if she stays without destroying the place for her corporate giant of a company.

1 Santa Exists

Ned Beatty. Charles Durning. Pick an established, yet aged actor. He seems to be the only old man in town, has a white beard, and could very well be the real Santa.

Never taking up that much screen time, “gramps” makes an appearance now and then, taking a moment away from his caretaker job at the inn, hanging around as plaid shirt guy fixes stuff, or renting the young lovers the aforementioned rowboat. He’s a man of few words, but they are always wise.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/hallmark-holiday-movies-common-tropes/