The Proposal has all of the quintessential elements of a romantic comedy – a seemingly dissimilar couple, strange animal antics and oddball family members, all set to a picturesque backdrop.
Choreographer turned director Anne Fletcher follows last years smash hit 27 Dresses with a quirky and entertaining story of mismatched love.
Sandra Bullock plays uptight Canadian-import Margaret Tate, a high-powered book editor who rules with an iron fist and quick tongue. A new direction from her onscreen good-girl personas, Bullock channels her inner Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue, in portraying Margaret.
Ryan Reynolds plays Andrew Paxton, the overeager but long-suffering assistant to Bullock. Enduring the malicious wrath of his boss, yet determined to move up in the publishing world, Reynolds gives a side-splitting performance – a welcome change from previous dramatic roles.
Bullock and Reynolds banter seamlessly and play off of each other with amusing sarcasm, but do not provide much depth for either character. Their slapstick style of comedy and witty conversation make for an enjoyable experience.
When Margaret’s visa application gets denied, a quick scheme is concocted to keep her in the country. The two set out to falsify a marriage in hopes that both may keep their jobs. Andrew begrudgingly agrees, but not without setting some stipulations of his own – specifically, an editor position.
Incorporating even more strife is the relentless immigration investigator who sets out to expose the wedding as a sham. The duo must prove their marriage as valid or risk jail time and deportation.
The not-so-happy couple travels to Andrew’s hometown of Sitka, Alaska to meet his parents, the enthusiastic and sweet mother Grace (Mary Steenburgen) and the overbearing and unimpressed father Joe (Craig T. Nelson). Not living up to the dream his father envisioned for him, Andrew must prove his career is adequate enough, in hopes to forgo taking over the family business, which appears to be every business in the small town.
Hoping for a better relationship with her son, Grace, with the help of the spiritually wacky 90-year-old grandma Annie (Betty White), surprises the reluctant couple with an Alaskan shotgun wedding.
White gives a sassy spot in a performance that will have the audience laughing out loud. Though not utilizing nearly enough of her brilliant comic timing, her character’s lack of inhibitions make for great relief to the tense father and son moments.
When Margaret learns more about the Paxton clan, it’s not surprising that she warms up to the family and, quite literally, lets her hair down. The requisite character self discovery occurs, and the expected outcome arises.
The Proposal offers both sincere and light-hearted love and brings together an ensemble cast of characters to deliver sweet performances, but follows a predictable storyline. The movie is full of laughs and, unlike other films, does not waste the best parts in the trailers. The Proposal is a fun summer movie you’ll say yes to viewing.
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VERDICT
The Proposal
Rated: Rated PG-13
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White
Verdict: Cute but predictable romantic comedy.
