The Proposal (2009)

Ok, so the premise is all a bit far-fetched, but the combination of the charismatic Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds does work quite well in this daft, predictable, rom-com. Canadian “Margaret” is the no-nonsense editor-in-chief at a publishing house and the downtrodden “Andrew” is her not so executive assistant. She gets quite a shock when she is told by her bosses that her work visa isn’t being renewed and she is soon to be deported! Unluckily for her aide, he pokes his head around the door just at the wrong time and is soon embroiled in her survival scheme. They are loved-up and soon to be married! Rather than tell her to get lost, he realises that this is a good chance to advance his own career so makes a deal. Thing is, though, the immigration bloodhound “Gilbertson” (Denis O’Hare) is having none of this convenient arrangement and so with a difficult questionnaire looming that could see her locked out and him locked up, they head to Alaska to meet his family. They are a wealthy and welcoming bunch in the main - his mum (Mary Steenbergen) and grandmother (Betty White) are delighted by the potential nuptials, but he has a strained relationship with his rags-to-riches dad (Craig T. Nelson) and so a combination of familial politics and light-hearted slapstick now ensues as the story unfolds. The star of the thing is really Betty White, especially as the film progresses towards it’s ending, but there’s an ambiable chemistry between Bullock at the top of her game and a Reynolds who is beginning to be more than just cinematic eye-candy as both deliver some quite entertainingly written dialogue amidst some lovely scenery. Not an hint of jeopardy, but it’s effortless viewing.

You can see what's coming from a mile off. Still good though. I'm pretty sure I've watched 'The Proposal' before many, many years ago as I semi recognised a couple of scenes and knew where the story was going from basically pressing play, though the second half of the film didn't feel like something I had previously seen... so who knows! Either way, that didn't affect my enjoyment at all. Having only seen Ryan Reynolds in his present day comedy machine it is so odd seeing him act less jokey and more serious, even if you can still spot the quintessential Reynolds comedic delivery in there every now and then. It takes a little bit to get over that but eventually a strong performance is clearly visible. Sandra Bullock fits this realm comfortably and is also very good throughout. The film does a neat job at making it all believable, the journey from where the two characters begin to where they finish is one that somehow feels natural. It never feels disjointed, which is actually impressive given the plot. Reynolds and Bullock, who share sizeable chemistry, are a large reason for that, of course.

**Had to see it a second time to be convinced, but The Proposal is a top-shelf rom-com!** When I first saw this movie in theaters back when it came out, I was not impressed. But after rewatching it, I'm still trying to remember what I didn't like! I was laughing out loud and feeling my heartstrings pulled the entire time. The dog and eagle scene had me rolling! Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are both romantic comedy veterans that prove their skills with the genre in this film. Reynold's quick wit and Bullock's physical comedy perfectly complement each other. The supporting cast and unique twist on the awkwardly forced marriage concept elevate this movie a little further, making The Proposal one of the best of its genre.