When it comes to Hallmark films, social media or website writeups have a lot of fun at their expense. Probably almost anyone who has seen one of their films has, even if just an eyeroll while watching with Mom. However, honestly, when it comes to the Hallmark blueprint, I have a theory fans should appreciate their brand of romance. At least we could be, perhaps less so recently given some of the subtle changes they’re making. Honestly though mostly their blueprint is something moviegoers (of this genre) should be a fan of.
In these most recent years, Hallmark doesn’t always follow their old playbook. Now they have things like passing remarks about living together* or imply a couple spends a night together* (old Hallmark would never). However, they’re leaps and bounds beyond the old style of production. Really, their original blueprint of movies, even if not impressive, is something to be (cinematically) grateful for. At least those of us who like a cute romantic comedy.
DICUSSION | A SOCIAL MEDIA OPINION DOESN’T MEAN WE NEED A SECOND CHANCE
💗🌹HOW HALLMARK DID HELP TO UPHOLD OLD-FASHION ROMANCE VALUES🌹💗CHATTING ABOUT THE IDEA THAT #HALLMARK INSPIRES THE ROM-COM GENRE. #HALLMARKIES #DICUSSION #OPINION #UNPOPULAROPINIONS #UNPOPULAROPINION Click To Tweet
I have to wonder if these movies from places like Hallmark help to inspire some of the films on streamers like Netflix. Some of which would include A Perfect Pairing or The Royal Treatment. Or for the YA lit crowd, the ‘To All the Boys’ movie adaptations. Many find this type of romance tiresome in that it’s pretty cookie cutter or trope-y. I can understand this. Yet at the same time, some argue that period productions they consider overhyped is, in part, what helps the genre and therefore other productions gain interest. It’s an interesting theory and one that probably can apply here as well.
When it comes to feel good movies from Hollywood, I don’t see this as being true. At least not yet.
Whether we can make the argument that Hallmark protects this kind of blueprint, big screen films don’t use it. Largely I think this is because they don’t recognize good things. They’re too busy promoting darkness or just pushing agendas.
Despite mocking films like these, it’s interesting to look back and wonder, do these movies preserve something good in the industry? And through that, are they trying to preserve something so lost on culture we don’t recognize what’s good now?
You don’t have to love them or think they’re worth the hype, but they did put out, and in many ways, protect a genre.
Though this started years ago, and things about these films have changed, I think it’s fair to say that Hallmark did protect the blueprint of romances. That was exclusively their brand for many years. Now it’s grown into a kind of overabundance of films. And like I said last fall at the start of the Christmas film season, it’s at a point now where, yes, there’s too many (gasp!). Every week there’s something new, and while I’m in the minority, at this point, it’s not the same kind of anticipation anymore. That said, that’s probably another post all on its own.
No matter your opinion, I do think there’s a case to be made that Hallmark, especially early days, had a lesson for the romantic-comedy. If, in time, it will be a lesson filmmakers take, who knows. But until then, I’m still sitting back and wondering where the Hollywood feel good comedy went.💗
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Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press
* Note: Not saying I’m offended. Just making a point of how the network isn’t “the same” as it once was
Does the rise of Hallmark romance movies line up with the fall of decent big-screen romcoms? I wonder if, as we saw fewer and fewer happy romances in movies, Hallmark just kind of stepped in to fill that gap? Hmm.
Could be – and you’re right. The network probably is taking that gap and running with it. I think there was more of a gap though honestly because when Hallmark started, they just had new premieres here and there. It’s only been in more recent years that there’s been SO dang many. Honestly, it’s too many. Despite the fact that I love the happy movie genre, I would rather have fewer that are memorable and more in line with that “it” factor of the 90s than a new one each week. That said… of course I do still appreciate the network and indulge in Hallmark now and then. :)