The Proposal
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
Directed by: Anne Fletcher.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
Running time: 1 hour, 48 minutes.
“The Proposal” isn’t as bad as you might expect.
Not to say that this romantic comedy will top your (or anyone else’s) favorites list. It is predictable. But it’s entertaining enough and will make you laugh.
Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a feared editor-in-chief for Cordon Books in New York City. Her leadership skills are reminiscent of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Andrew Paxton’s (Ryan Reynolds) intuitive assistant finesse matches that of “Prada’s” Andrea Sachs.
Andrew’s loyalty to Margaret is borne from a love of his career and the written word. As it is, he can’t stand Margaret.
But when Margaret is told that she is going to be deported back to her native Canada, she decides to force Andrew into marrying her — by threatening the future of his career.
Andrew reluctantly agrees, and in order to pass the couple test that will allow Margaret to stay in the country, they spend the weekend together at Andrew’s family’s home in Alaska.
The film is absolutely star-studded. From Bullock and Reynolds to Craig T. Nelson (Andrew’s father), Malin Akerman (Andrew’s ex-girlfriend) and Oscar Nunez (the town’s … everything) of “The Office” fame.
As for Oscar, I don’t think I can ever, ever look at him the same way again …
You’ll definitely find out what I’m talking about.
“The Proposal” does have some very hilarious scenes, including Sandra Bullock singing and dancing to the bawdy “Get Low” by Lil’ Jon and the East Side Boyz and Alexander’s parents’ small dog being swept up by a hungry Alaskan eagle.
Bullock and Reynolds make a great onscreen couple. Of course, I love Reynolds in everything, so I’ll admit my bias.
But “The Proposal” is at times very shallow and fails to recognize its own dropped plotlines, such as between Alexander and his ex-girlfriend, Gertrude. It’s never truly understood or resolved, just a little spice of “the other girl” to get a morose shot of Bullock.
Too, though the beginning kicked off with some great dialogue and snappy scenes, the writers seemed to just get bored by the end of it. Poor Reynolds had to close the film with a ridiculously cheesy line that threatened to divorce the audience from the whole movie.
Some of the more modest viewers may find themselves blushing more than enjoying the humor, which is targeted more at young adults.
“The Proposal” is funny, but I think more people will be interested in a one-night stand than a long-term relationship with this Anne Fletcher film.
3 of 5 stars
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