Written by Adaley Heninger, Hadleigh Johnson, and Jaylene Trevino

Hallmark movies have been around since the beginning of the 21st century, and so has the controversy surrounding it. Hallmark movies have been known to be the cheesy, sappy, and happy-go-lucky romance movies that many grandmothers and parents seem to love, but do teenagers love them just as much? Does ThunderRidge love them?

 Hallmark has become widely known for their infamous cliche Christmas movies. According to a majority of people, they are the best type of movies to binge watch with a mug of hot chocolate and a warm, cozy blanket. Mrs. Meyers, a science teacher, commented, “Why wouldn’t you like Hallmark movies? They're cozy, you know what’s going to happen, people are gonna fall in love at Christmas.” Mrs. Meyers' concept is far from uncommon. Sure enough a vast number of ThunderRidge students have spoken outwardly for their delight regarding the movies. MaKenna Menagh (11) shared her opinion on the so-called light-hearted movies saying, “I love hallmark movies, because Hallmark movies are very cheesy and they feel very simple.” The predictability gives such a strong sense of simplicity has a large influence regarding the love for these movies. Addie Coleman (9) commented, “I like watching them with my nana. It puts you in the holiday spirit and they’re fun.” They’re also good to watch with family and friends.

People commonly enjoy Hallmark movies because they typically watch them with some like their grandma or mom. It's a simple and enjoyable bonding experience with easy conversation starters and a sense of comfort. Elena Marchinez (10) gave some insight as to why she watches them, “I watch them when my grandma wants to watch them because she loves Hallmark Movies, but other than that I don't really watch them.” Elena said the only reason she watches them is for her grandma rather than it being a personal preference. A good portion of ThunderRidge students and staff have claimed similar thoughts and opinions on the movies.

 Although a large majority of our school likes the predictability and cheesiness, there is a portion of those who don’t enjoy the movies. People claim to have watched the movies but not appreciate them, earlier stated similarly by Elena Marchinez, you watch them because others do. Mr. Pedersen, a Chemistry teacher, endorses this statement by saying, “I mean do people like watching them? I feel like it’s one of those things you just do. I don’t know if I necessarily really thoroughly enjoy them.” Ironically enough, they just become another box to check off alongside other Christmas traditions.

Although the typical Hallmark movie is substantially known for its cringiness or their capability to always over exaggerate the ordinary process of two strangers falling in love, many people throughout our diverse community truly enjoy what some see as exasperating and incessant. But, no matter the reason or the circumstances, may it be the cheesy happy endings or the predictable alluring love stories, a very large majority of the ThunderRidge community enjoys Hallmark Movies throughout the Christmas season.