The Proposal (2009)

 

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Rated: PG13

reviewed by Rissi C.
 

Sandra Bullock is one of the most naturally funny comedic actresses in the business, so it comes as no surprise that I should see her latest film. Despite unkind remarks by the media, I found it delightful and plan to add it to my growing collection.

People detest her. People avoid her. People IM about her. She is Margaret Tate (Bullock), a successful book editor who runs a strict department; when things aren’t exactly to her liking, she’s annoyed. For three years, Margaret’s dedicated young assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) has stood by watching Margaret push people around (even though his family urges him to quit, every day). Andrew has put up with it for one simple reason: he wants to be a book editor. The start to a perfect day quickly turns into disaster for Margaret when she learns her work visa has been denied. A Canadian citizen, Margaret is livid! Just when her superiors tell her nothing can be done, inspiration hits and she announces that she and Andrew are getting married … and no one is more surprised than the groom! Initially refusing Margaret’s offer, she blackmails him into it and the two are soon on their way to the immigration office. Peppered with questions, Andrew and Margaret con their way through the interview and before they know it are planning a trip to visit Andrew’s parents to share the happy news, only this time its Margaret who is in for a surprise when she learns his family is in Alaska.

Margaret is lovingly welcomed by Andrews mother (Mary Steenburgen) and grandmother (Betty White), while Andrew’s more cynical father (Craig Nelson) is openly suspicious about this relationship. As Andrew and Margaret attempt to keep up a credible sham while spinning tells of a non-existent romance, their lives are complicated by a kind but pushy family and Andrew’s ex-girlfriend (Malin Akerman). Since seeing this, the more I’ve thought about it, the more I love it. Is it filled with typical cliches? Yes, but then what film doesn’t have some sort of annoying tired out joke or repetitive plot twist? You would be hard-pressed to find many that are wholly unique. What The Proposal does have is a fantastic leading couple whose wonderful and fun chemistry make any viewer happy to have seen this (well, almost any). Who’d have thought veteran Bullock and newcomer Reynolds would make a charming on-screen-romantic couple? Their quietly tender moments (which are all too rare) result in lovely pieces of filmmaking. Really though, the whole cast deserves mentioning, as they were all wonderful, although none were funnier than Betty White.

Sadly, Hollywood likes us to think the "outdated" concept of marriage is only needed for specific reasons, not as a motivator for a true and lasting relationship. Margaret’s motivation for forcing Andrew to accept her “bribe” was totally selfish and not once was she thinking of him. Shell-shocked at the onset, Andrew doesn’t quite know what to make of it, until he extracts a little payback (being forced into something he isn’t receptive too, why not gain something from the deal?). Of the utmost importance in any film are the lessons characters ultimately learn, because without that, you feel like nothing was worthwhile. With it though, everything seems more valuable and it never ceases leaving you with a smile. Margaret learns a valuable life lesson as well as the meaning of family. Anne Fletcher (Step Up, 27 Dresses) is someone I’m quickly becoming fond of in the director’s chair; I’ve enjoyed her recent projects. Being a dance choreographer, each of her films seem to have some type of dancing and this film includes a hilarious little sequence showing us a rather wild side of Margaret. The filmmaking is both commendable and disappointing. Even though it wasn’t shot in Alaska, the scenery is beautiful as are key instances between Margaret and Andrew, but surprisingly enough some backdrops looked unrealistic. For once I must complain about the extended conclusion during credits. For some reason, this time around it actually seemed to ruin the previous scene. It just didn’t  feel right, even though it fit with the story.

For fans of Bullock's classic While You Were Sleeping, many similarities are visible between the two, only this production is much “updated.” Several things were comparable, right down to Bullock’s tearfully touching speech. Even so, it’s unique on its own. For a PG13 movie, The Proposal does take liberties. Mainly by two scenes, one involves a male stripper which gets a bit risqué; it’s more “comical” than “sexy” and as such seemed a bit over-the-top and could have been cut shorter (Margaret is encouraged to “slap” him; he strips down to bikini-like underwear). Another scene has Margaret and Andrew naked; we see everything without seeing anything inappropriate (we catch full frontal views of Margaret with everything inappropriate covered, then see full side views of both). Other problems include some crude remarks (sexual references) and uses of sh**, a** and an exclamation of “Jesus!” Some viewers may be bothered by a scene which finds Margaret attempting to get her snatched phone back by using a small dog (who is adorable!) as bait (its played for laughs). Cause for approval comes with the lack of a sex scene, which is always a wonderful plus, and enhances the romance of the story so much. Ultimately, whether we realize it or not, it allows us to “like” the characters.

I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard when seeing something in theaters, since you are always conscious of other audience members. Maybe I was just in the mood for a good laugh, but whatever the case, The Proposal tickled my funny bone. It’s genuinely funny in places while a majority of the offensive material is already showcased in trailers. So, is this proposal worth saying yes to? In my opinion, yes!