Was The Proposal original? Not so much. Was it predictable? Just a smidge. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, especially since everyone has seen their fair share of romantic comedies.
However, what keeps audiences interested in The Proposal is the unmistakable on-screen chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The two are so skilled at playing comedic roles and they work off of one another deftly enough that audiences can't resist their charm, even when the plot is unbelievably predictable and borderline ridiculous.
Setting Up the Story
The film begins in New York City where Margaret Tate, played by Bullock, is a hard-core book editor who is feared and disliked by everyone in her office, who have all graciously given her nicknames such as "The Witch" and "Satan's Mistress."
Reynolds plays Andrew Paxton, Tate's executive assistant, or better referred to as her personal slave, for the past three years. Paxton is an aspiring editor himself and has written a novel that Tate refuses to look at in secret fear that she will have to replace Paxton.
Add Some Twists and Turns
The plot thickens when Canadian-born Tate learns that her visa has run out and the renewal has been denied. In order to stay in the U.S., Tate forces Paxton to marry her and go through immigration examination, which if found guilty, can mean $250,000 in fines and imprisonment.
Paxton agrees to the ridiculous proposal, but with some conditions of his own. In order for Tate to remain in the U.S. and the two to cooperate and pull of the facade, Tate must
- Publish Paxton's novel
- Promote Paxton to editor
- Allow Paxton his first weekend of vacation in order to go home for his grandmother's 90th birthday, of which Tate will attend.
With questioning eyes all around them, Tate and Paxton head to Alaska to convince Paxton's family that the two will be wed. The full-throttle city girl suddenly finds herself completely out of place in Paxton's country filled world and audience members watch her stumble through the days in ludicrously high heels, pretending she's enjoying every minute of it. Then add on the pressures of sharing a bedroom with Paxton and mistakenly seeing one another naked, and well, you can guess what happens next: the two fall in love.
Success With Actors
Bullock and Reynolds both portray through this film that romantic comedy is still their forte, even if they decide to veer into other genres. The two pull out physical laughs for audiences when they get into bed together to deceive Paxton's parents and he has his "morning wood," as well as when they bust out singing Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's 80s hit "It Takes Two."
Director Anne Fletcher, who recently put out 27 Dresses, shows that romantic comedies is her area of expertise as well. Pulling Bullock and Reynolds together was a wise choice, along with roping in veteran actors such as Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburg as Andrew's parents and Betty White (Golden Girls) as Grandma Annie. Oscar Nunez, from The Office, also provokes multiple laughs as Ramon, the lone gay minority in town who randomly appears at different locations.
If you're looking for an original romantic comedy, The Proposal won't do the trick. However, if you're looking for a few hours of mindless laughs and entertainment, this one will suit you just fine.
