The Proposal

The Proposal has an old-as-the-hills plot with a few new details, but it fortunately seems to know that the least interesting thing about the movie is actually the least interesting thing about the movie. Sure, Sandra Bullock's driven publishing-house head is going to get sent back to Canada because her visa's expiring, so she cooks up a cockamamie plot to marry her assistant Ryan Reynolds for a sham marriage that'll keep her in the USA; sure, Reynolds' long-suffering assistant sets a promotion as the price for his complicity in the conspiracy. We have a scam; we have a scheme; we have two people who don't like each other much -- or, at least, don't like each other romantically -- brought together by fate. I'm not spoiling anything to tell you that The Proposal will end with love anymore than I'd be spoiling things to tell you that an Olympic diving competition ends in the water.

What's most interesting about The Proposal, though -- or, at the least, more interesting -- comes in unexpected moments during that familiar plot, like in Bullocks' portrait of a flinty, driven woman well aware that everything she's sacrificed for could be lost in a moment of weakness. Or when Reynolds displays a surprising facility for light, bright comedy that his career's been pointing towards in spite of muscle-bound action-film work. Or in how screenwriter Pete Chiarelli gets the way that romance has become, in our modern age, a spectator sport, with co-workers and relatives all peering into the relationship with their expectations and desires barely veiled behind the shield of "We just want you to be happy." Or when director Anne Fletcher knows when to get out of the way of her actors and her script.

And The Proposal is also far from perfect; there's plenty of things wrong with it. Is it a good thing that an actor as talented as Denis O'Hare (Michael Clayton, Duplicity) gets saddled with the thankless role of an INS agent, even though it's kind of like having Bruce Springsteen come to your house to tune your guitar? Is The Office's Oscar Nunez's portrait of Ramon, the busiest man in the small Alaskan town where Reynolds' family lives, wacky hilarity or closer on the border of overt racism? Is the age gap between Bullock and Reynolds and the power differential between their characters supposed to be a wry commentary on gender roles (we'd never bat an eye if a film revolved around a 44-year-old man romancing a 32-year-old woman, but we'd scream bloody murder if a male boss commanded his female assistant to marry him) or just the way the cookie crumbled? And why does the last moment in the film -- with Reynolds kissing Bullock as a co-worker offscreen shouts "You show her who's boss, Andy!" -- make me want to shudder, just a little? (It's one thing to have Bullock be a woman who works too hard -- but that last shout takes her from being a competent careerist and makes her into a shrew that must be tamed, you know?

But then Betty White will come on-screen as Reynolds' grandmother, pushing and pressing for a speedy wedding that throws Bullock and Reynolds' scheme on the fast track, where excess speed may make it rattle apart, or one of the other four good things outlined above will happen and you kind of forgive the film, a little. But just a little. And part of me wanted a little more culture-clash stuff between Canadian Bullock and American Reynolds -- like, say, she can out-drink him thanks to a youth spent drinking stronger beer, or is better on skates, or knows the words to every Rush song -- but The Proposal's more about delivering the big moments you expect, not tiny details you wouldn't. The Proposal's a fairly good-natured but weak proposition -- it's a movie you might enjoy on an evening's date, but it's not one you'll want to spend the rest of your life with.

Comments

[Jason]

I think that's the first time I've ever read the word cockamamie. Weird.

So the consensus: it's a good date movie, good for pulling out about once a year to watch with your honey.

[Billy]

First off: haven't seen the movie but want to. But the thing that has bothered me about this plot since I first heard about it is the fact that someone who is gainfully employed, would never have their visa expire. Certainly not when they are an executive at a company. But I'll just chalk it up to suspension of disbelief and enjoy the movie when I see it.

[Eric]

The beauty of this film is the combination of actors - Sandra is Sandra and Ryan is mostly Ryan...but put together it's brilliant. I think where this film (as a tried-and-mostly-true-plot) shines is the casting. With a different cast - I'm not sure it would have been as good. Betty White was great comedic relief....if there can be such a thing as comedic relief in a comedy. Overall, I agree - this is an above average date movie...better than the normal crap that we suffice to watch in the name of 'date movie' status - The Proposal is actually a good movie. But, having said that - it's not going to surprise us with any twists or thought provoking story lines...and it never makes any claim to that end. If you haven't seen it - you should!

[joules]

If Sandra Bullock's character were "say, (able to) out-drink him thanks to a youth spent drinking stronger beer, or is better on skates, or knows the words to every Rush song --", she'd be Robin Cherbotsky (Cobie Smulder's charater) on "How I Met Your Mother".

[joules]

I suppose it can't be any worse than "Two Weeks Notice", a movie that managed to take two actors known for their likeable roles and make them both unlikeable. Sorta like "You've Got Mail".

[Bowler]

this movie made me want to move to Alaska, the scenery was fabulous

[Ally Jay]

I found this movie fantastic to watch. Ryan and Sandra are really an amazing duo, they play well off of each other.

The best parts of the movie were the little things I didn't pick up from the trailer. Like his family owning the entire town in Alaska, or her losing both her whole family at a young age.

Also some of the best laughs came from Ryan's great timed asides. Like her asking what she's allergic to and him saying "Pine nuts, (then adding) and the complete range of human emotion" it was the lines like though that had your laughing the hardest.

Sandra's character wasn't all you expect either... afraid of a fluffy white mini dog? that is just completely worth laughing at.

[Dana]

"this movie made me want to move to Alaska, the scenery was fabulous"

Don't be in too much of a rush to move to Alaska - This movie was filmed in Rockport, Massachusetts.

[Landona]

I can't wait to see it! There were two similar movies on ABC Family with the same plot. The same actress Mellissa Joan Hart played the bride to be in both movies. One with Mario Lopez (Holiday in Handcuffs) and one with Joey Lawrence (My Fake Fiancé). I'm looking forward to Mellissa Joan Hart doing another spin on this "boy and girl can't stand each other but fall in love due to unforeseen circumstances." I never get enough of this story line. One of them is on TV this month and next. Catch it if you enjoyed The Proposal.

[amy]

I watched this movie with my oldest daughter last friday and loved it! was so good that my boyfriend and i seen it sunday and he laughed too! so this is not jus a "chick flick"!
bout time a good movie was produced this week!!!!!!

[Tamey]

We loved the movie. Doesn't need to make perfect sense - it's a movie. I can tell you that the whole audience did a LOT of loud laughing, with a few moments of sobbing. Sandra and Ryan both delivered with wonderful comedic timing. And Betty White, ... hil-ar-ious! Same ol', same ol' material - probably, actors that make it worth seeing - definitely. As a matter of fact, we're going to see it again.

[Paul]

My wife & I saw this movie yesterday and we definitely recommend it as one of the better than average romantic comedy. I think what sets this one apart is the casting with Bullock and Reynolds. I never knew Bullock knew her hip-hop music. One of my favorite parts is when she was chanting "Get Low" (Lil John & The Eastside Boys) with Betty White.

[Alice]

It may be an old as the hills story but the lead actors deliver a very satisfying romantic comedy that will come close to putting tears in your eyes. A must see chick flick.

[Florida Gals S and A]

Who cares about the visa? This movie is fun, charismatic, hilarious and just a good time! Of course, it is very predictable (aren't all the romantic comedies?) I didn't want it to end. We wanted to see it again the very next day! Everyone will love it, guys will love it, even if they don't want to admit it! Don't miss it! It's a keeper!

[ashley]

I thought it was cute and exactly what I expected. Betty white is funny and the Alaska scenery is beautiful. Surprisingly all the funny scenes aren't ruined by the previews that were advertised.

[Amanda]

I saw The Proposal on a trip with some friends. Everyone LOVED the movie, even the guys. All of us wanted to just go back and watch the movie over, and over.
Bullock and Reynolds were a great pair, always working off eachother and putting in some great moments. Yes the plot was predictable, but almost all romantic comedies are. That doesn't stop anyone from watching them does it?
If you haven't seen this movie, you should. It's not just a date movie. It's a memorable movie you will want to watch once a week for the rest of your life, if not just to listen to the hilarious comedy of Betty White.

[Marie]

Great critique! Interesting to read without totally bashing what I'm hoping is a cute date film. With low expectations, I'm willing to excuse those high hopes for a great movie and will settle with a "that was pretty good" instead of a "I have to buy that."

[Roland Riemers]

I was looking for a nice afternoon movie for me and my teenage sun. The poster shows Sandra has some nice booty on her yet, and I knew it would be a family safe comedy. Of course it was easily predictable, and weak points in the facts such as you don't automatically get a work permit with a fiancee visa (can take 6 months to a year, or more), and you certainly don't get an Immigration interview the next week (hopefully, maybe the same year). Still, the situation is believable and realistic. In any case, the actors were all terrific. But my deepest respect to Sandra. In the past I have found her acting silly and lacking emotion, but this is her best acting job with lots of emotion, and at 44, well, still great booty.
Roland Riemers of North Dakota.

[angie]

Both my husband I really enjoyed the movie... I had to remind myself that this was just a movie since we know first hand that's NOT how immigration process worked.

Betty White was by far my favorite character. I do like the role reversals with the woman being the powerful older and man being the young assistant. So, I was really annoyed by the whole "show her who's the boss" comment. Never mind that she works her way to be the big powerful boss... all of the sudden, she's back to the woman role that can be tamed in one kiss. Blah..

[Amy]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I really want to. I don't pay any attention to blogs other people put about movies. My tastes are different, and I may really like the movie. After I watch it, I'll decide for myself if it is a good movie or not.

[Roland Riemers]

As for the "show her who is boss" comment at the end. I have now watched the movie twice and had not noticed it. I agree was in poor taste, and certainly didn't not have to be in there. But then, this is only a minor fault, and really, in a large office of previously disguntled employees, it might be expected that at least one sexist employee would say something stupid. On the other side of the coin, it was probably somewhat sexist that all those office employees would really swoon just because the evil boss finally fell in love.
In any case, it is just an entertaining movie and isn't meant to reflect real life. Roland of ND

[Hflores]

This movie was absolutley hilarious. I would go and see it again.

[Leigh]

I watched the sneak preview at the theater and have watched the movie twice since then. Love Sandra in movies and own several of her dvd's. It's a movie so sit back and enjoy. It's not supposed to make sense, it's designed to allow for an escape from real life. FYI - check the news, real life does not make sense either.

Enjoy!

[Deb]

Saw the movie last night...girls night out...the four of us loved it! Laughed so much! Sandra B & Ryan R worked great together...made the movie work. Who cares if her visa ran out and an executive should be on top of it; it's a movie...for entertainment!!! Great comedy.

[Robin]

The Visa expiring is a little far-fetched but DOES make sense with the way Sandra Bullock's character brushes off authority above her own position. What got me was Ramon...and also Bette White's wacked-out grandma character. But I must have laughed a full 30 minutes! SEE IT!

[Paula Payton]

We forget that movies are just that MOVIES! We go to be entertained and to escape this life for a couple of hours or so. I haven't seen it yet but I am going to and wanted to ever since seeing the first clip.
I agree with a few others, just go and enjoy!

[Locke Peterseim]

Paula, I'll haul out the standard response, that sure there are light comedies and action films that are intended as escapism, but that doesn't mean they can't be GOOD, well-made escapism.

And also the usual reminder that no, not all movies are "just movies." Sure most movies are disposable pop culture, but some are art. They try to enlighten and enrich and get at some sort of emotional truth. Of COURSE that is not the purpose of a Proposal or Transformers, but I'm always bothered when people defend mediocre escapist films by saying "ALL" movies are supposed to be disposable, middling fluff.

It's that "just movies" attitude that often keeps people from seeking out and seeing BETTER movies that try to be something more. Escapist films are fine (and because I like them as much as the next person, I always want them to be better, to be as good as they can be). But let's remember film CAN be more.

[Livia]

The movie The Proposal was a great movie. It is one of the fresh romantic-comedy films that came out this year. I would see it again. Thank you to my friend who took me to the film!