Amy Groening has appeared in nearly a dozen Hallmark movies but always as the fun, quirky, and supportive sidekick.
Groening finally lands a leading role in the new holiday movie 'Twas the Date Before Christmas opposite Robert Buckley and proves she has the mettle to headline romcoms for the network.
What Is 'Twas the Date Before Christmas About?
Hallmark lays out the plot on their website:
"To prevent her family from canceling the “Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics,” Jessie (Groening) lies and says she’s inviting a date to the long-standing holiday tradition. She meets Bryan (Buckley) on a dating app, and he agrees to spend the holiday with her and her family. As Jessie and Bryan engage in eccentric activities like the search for the Christmas tree star, gift wrapping contest and snowball fight, they start to develop real feelings for each other. Soon her family begins to catch on to their secret and Bryan suspects she may be hiding the real reason for her unusual Christmas date request. As the celebrations continue, Jessie must work to keep all her stories straight and save her date with Bryan."
It turns out that Bryan isn't forthcoming about everything either. His development company has purchased a building that houses Warm Heart Candles, a business he is evicting, and the owner just happens to be Jessie's sister-in-law.
Amy Groening Is a Versatile Actress
Many supporting Hallmark actors shine best on the second-string and would tank a movie if cast as leads, so the network took a gamble when they promoted Groening to center stage. It's a move that paid off.
Whether a scene requires sharp wit or raw emotion, Groening effortlessly slips into whatever mode is required. She can swing from eccentricity to the girl-next-door, and her heart shows in her eyes as the story unfolds.
Groening falls into an easy stride with Buckley in 'Twas the Date Before Christmas, and the two make falling in love in one day a believable possibility.
Let's hope Hallmark will continue recognizing Groening's talent by including her as the lead in future productions.
RomCom Review Rates 'Twas the Date Before Christmas
The first new movie of Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas season comes in at a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
Hallmark uses the fake dating trope to frame the story, coupled with a business that needs saving. The Chamberlain family Christmas Olympics is a unique angle, and the light show at the end is festive. The cast is terrific, the tension is well-balanced, a hidden layer of Jessie's past adds depth, and the chemistry is organic.
If you have a difficult time keeping up with the plethora of movies cranking out this season, 'Twas the Date Before Christmas is definitely worth your time.
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