Two years ago, despite the warnings of my mother and grandparents, I wrote an article entitled “Hallmark Movies: Distilled Mediocracy.” Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of being forced to watch even more. Lucky me. Many people who I’ve shared my article with have asked me if I still dislike Hallmark movies. Surprise! I still think they stink. Here’s why.

One key issue with Hallmark movies is the lack of diversity in their stories. The cookie-cutter plots typically revolve around a protagonist, usually a young woman, who finds herself in a small town where she encounters a charming stranger or high school sweetheart. After overcoming a series of obstacles and misunderstandings, they fall in love. This formula, while comforting to some, perpetuates a narrow and homogeneous representation of relationships. Real-life romance is far more complicated, yet Hallmark fails to reflect this reality. This leaves audiences with a superficial and tainted understanding of love.

 The characters in Hallmark movies also often lack depth and complexity. The protagonists are generally one-dimensional, defined by a limited set of traits that serve the purpose of advancing the predetermined plot. This simplistic characterization limits the viewer’s ability to relate to or empathize with the characters on a meaningful level. In contrast to more professional films, where characters undergo genuine development and face challenges that mirror the complexities of real life, Hallmark movies fall short of delivering a truly engaging and authentic viewing experience.

The predictability of Hallmark movie plots is another aspect that makes them a painful viewing experience. While a degree of predictability is inherent in the romantic genre, Hallmark takes it to an extreme, leaving little room for surprise or innovation. Once you’ve seen one Hallmark movie, you’ve essentially seen them all. The lack of originality in storytelling contributes to a sense of monotony, where viewers can anticipate every plot twist and resolution before they even unfold. This predictability may provide a sense of comfort to some, but it denies the audience the thrill of genuine suspense and the satisfaction of an unexpected turn of events.

Lastly, the production quality of Hallmark movies often leaves much to be desired. From the acting to the set design, there is a noticeable lack of detail in comparison to higher-budget productions. While it’s true that Hallmark movies are not aiming for the cinematic grandeur of blockbuster films, the overall quality of the production could certainly benefit from more effort in set design and acting hires. The stilted dialogue and sometimes awkward performances contribute to an overall viewing experience that lacks the sophistication expected in the world of cinema.

In conclusion, the lack of diversity in narratives, shallow character development, predictability, and subpar production quality collectively contribute to a genre that prioritizes a formulaic approach over genuine storytelling. As we continue our cinematic journey, it’s essential to engage with films that challenge our perspectives, offer diverse and complex narratives, and elevate the art of storytelling beyond the limitations of a Hallmark script.