The Reel Picture: The Proposal
By Ashliegh BaumanWednesday, June 24, 2009
The Proposal is the perfect movie to watch with a group of your closest girlfriends or your significant other. Yes, the romantic-comedy genre can be predictable, but this was a fun movie -- and all kudos go to Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The chemistry between them made the movie. The film had the whole audience laughing, and I think that says something. Both actors are charming and funny, but Bullock steals the show with her comic timing and klutzy, physical comedy (reminiscent of her antics from Miss Congeniality).
Bullock plays the part of Margaret Tate, a woman who is considered the boss from hell. For example: in the beginning of the film, she walks into the office and sends everyone scrambling -- inspiring the same sort of fear as Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. Reynolds is Margaret's assistant, Andrew Paxton, who dreams of becoming a well-known editor like his boss, whom he happens to loathe. But for now, he carries out menial tasks from fetching coffees and running errands, grudgingly taking Margaret's crap for the sake of his career.
As in most romantic comedies, some outlandish situation will bring our lead actors together, despite their differences. Margaret discovers that she is being deported to Canada, and in a desperate moment, announces to her bosses and Andrew that she and Andrew are getting married (much to his surprise). Reynolds' reaction was priceless. Andrew plays along with this scheme in exchange for a promotion. The newly-engaged pair travel to Alaska to spend time with Andrew's family. And, naturally, hilarity ensues as the family spends a hectic weekend planning the spontaneous wedding.
Betty White is hilarious, bringing her Golden Girls charm to the character of Grandma Annie, while Mary Steenburgen plays the supportive mother role well (as she did in Stepbrothers and Four Christmases). A notable funny moment is the bachelorette party; the exotic dancer cracked me up.
Romantic comedies are my favorite, so I absolutely loved The Proposal. I give the film 4 stars. It was charming, funny, and romantic all the way through. Sometimes you have to overlook the fact that you know fully well that beyond all the obstacles and crazy antics, there will be a happy ending -- but you just gotta go along for the ride. And I truly loved the ending -- but you'll have to see it for yourself!
