Hallmark is well known for putting Christmas films in their “Countdown to Christmas” beginning October.
However, their films have become infamous for overusing clichés – tropes that have made the plot and ending predictable. Here are 5 tropes that Hallmark has commonly used.
1. Small Towns
While Christmas films typically take place in big cities, Hallmark does it small. The smaller the town, the better. Bonus points if the town is picturesque, and everyone knows everyone. And, the celebration is in the small town (the film starts in the city).
One more: The small town is overly obsessed with Christmas. Top to bottom, every inch, the town is decorated with Christmas ornaments. And it’s not only Christmas. They’re obsessed all year round
2. Occupation And Job Above Everything
Christmas is the time everyone is taking a break. As the Christmas approaches, the character (particularly female) gets more and more busy with her job. The character is either too busy for love or not interested in love. And it takes place in the big city.
3. Successful Woman Vs Family
This trope is one of the most complained of and annoying in Christmas movies. The character is working and is performing well. Her pay is high, she lives comfortably and has ambitious plans. While she might want to continue to achieve greater heights, she has to play by Hallmark rules.
The bombshell is when she had a bad day, something must be wrong in her career choices, and not having/starting a family. By the time it comes to choose, she realized that she was worked her life for nothing and wants to start a family.
4. Carol Singers Come At The Right Time
Carol singers are a beauty in Christmas. They are more beautiful in Hallmark films, when the main characters (a man and woman) are together, alone having “the talk” comes into the picture. As if by perfect timing, dumb luck and driven by Christmas spirit, they serenade the hymn of love. Their voices are angelic and clear. And they disappear as soon as they finish, never to be seen again.
5. Learning The True Meaning Of Christmas
The person to get this epiphany is usually a person in a high position, for example, a CEO, an heiress, an arrogant person. And it changes them to become a better person.
Films that use this trope make the protagonist ‘make-up’ of what they have done and give a chance for them to redeem themselves in a way that fits the plot. While the plot differs from film to film, the main message remains the same: they have the epiphany, they become a better person, and it gets you in the spirit.
What other Hallmark cliches can you think of? Let us know in the comment section below!
Header Image : TV Insider
