Why Mob Films Are Becoming the Hallmark Channel of Cinema

In the ever-evolving world of cinema, certain genres have found themselves stuck in a creative rut, recycling the same themes and tropes to the point of redundancy.

One such genre is the mob film, which has been compared to the predictable and formulaic romance films of the Hallmark Channel.

Luke Brewer’s recent column explores this phenomenon, particularly focusing on the trailer for the upcoming film *The Alto Knights*.

The article delves into how mob films have become repetitive, much like Hallmark romances, and suggests that drastic changes are needed to revive the genre.

The Predictability of Mob Films

Mob films have long been a staple of cinema, with classics like *The Godfather* and *The Irishman* setting the bar high.

However, recent entries in the genre, such as the upcoming *The Alto Knights*, appear to be treading familiar ground.

Robert De Niro stars in dual roles as Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, two rival crime family heads.

While De Niro’s dual performance could be seen as a unique selling point, the overall plot and setting feel like a rehash of what audiences have seen before.

The Hallmark Channel Comparison

Brewer draws a parallel between mob films and Hallmark Channel romances, noting that both genres tend to follow a predictable script.

In Hallmark films, a chance encounter between a man and a woman leads to a whirlwind romance, a temporary separation, and an inevitable reunion.

The posters for these films are also strikingly similar, featuring identical poses, smiles, and backgrounds.

Similarly, mob films often revolve around themes of family and betrayal, with characters navigating the treacherous waters of organized crime.

The Themes of Family and Betrayal

One of the most enduring themes in mob films is the concept of family, both biological and chosen.

*The Godfather* is perhaps the quintessential example, exploring the complexities of familial loyalty and betrayal.

*The Alto Knights* trailer suggests that these themes will once again take center stage, with Genovese and Costello portrayed as childhood friends who eventually become rivals.

Brewer humorously predicts that the film will include a line of dialogue where one character refers to the other as *like a brother to me*.

Costume and Set Design

While the costume and set designs in mob films are often praised for their historical accuracy, they also contribute to the genre’s sense of sameness.

Brewer points out that the designs in *The Alto Knights* trailer, though true to the time period, do little to set the film apart from its predecessors.

This lack of innovation in visual storytelling further cements the idea that mob films are stuck in a creative loop.

Comparing to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Interestingly, Brewer contrasts the stagnation of mob films with the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

While the MCU also follows a formula—heroes facing and overcoming challenges—each character brings something unique to the table.

The *Guardians of the Galaxy* films, for instance, combine action and humor with a nostalgic soundtrack, while the *Moon Knight* series offers a fresh take with its protagonist’s dissociative identity disorder and Egyptian mythology.

Unique Styles and Powers

The MCU’s ability to innovate within a formulaic structure is attributed to the unique styles and powers of its characters.

*Guardians of the Galaxy* features a ragtag group of space mercenaries who bond over their differences, while *Moon Knight* presents a hero whose multiple personalities make for unpredictable and varied action scenes.

This diversity keeps the audience engaged, something that mob films could learn from.

The Issue with Posters

One area where both mob films and the MCU falter is in their promotional materials.

Brewer criticizes the overuse of *floating head* style posters in the MCU, a trend that has become tiresome.

Similarly, mob film posters often fail to stand out, contributing to the overall sense of repetitiveness in the genre.

Innovative Marketing Strategies

To break free from this monotony, filmmakers could explore more innovative marketing strategies.

Unique and visually striking posters could help generate interest and set a film apart from its competitors.

This approach could be particularly beneficial for mob films, which need to distinguish themselves in a crowded market.

The Potential for Change

Brewer suggests that the solution to the stagnation of mob films lies in drastic change.

By altering the setting or themes, filmmakers can retain their existing audience while attracting new viewers.

The upcoming game *Mafia: The Old Country* is cited as a potential example of this approach, as it shifts the action to 1900s Sicily, a significant departure from the urban American settings typically seen in mob films and games.

Challenges and Opportunities

While *Mafia: The Old Country* offers a fresh setting, Brewer notes that some of the themes appear to be unchanged.

This highlights the challenge of balancing innovation with the familiar elements that fans love.

However, if executed well, such changes could breathe new life into the genre and make it relevant to contemporary audiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mob film genre is at a crossroads. While classics like *The Godfather* will always hold a special place in cinema history, newer entries need to find ways to innovate and stand out.

By embracing drastic changes in setting, themes, and marketing strategies, filmmakers can rejuvenate the genre and captivate a new generation of viewers.

As Brewer aptly puts it, if a trailer for a mob-related film or game looks like something you’ve seen before, chances are you already have.