Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Written By: Pete Chiarelli
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, & Mary Steenburgen
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: PG-13
Trailer

Formulaic but entertaining, The Proposal stars Sandra Bullock as Margaret, a fiery book editor who forces her young assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), into marrying her so she can avoid deportation back to Canada. The film, which at times is too convoluted for its own good, generally comes off as a funny and appealing entry into an otherwise stale genre, thanks in large part to the likable cast, which also includes Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White. When The Proposal succeeds, it does so because of Ryan Reynolds’ superb comedic timing and Bullock’s mastery of physical comedy. The two stars contribute to the film’s charm, turning a potentially forgettable summer romantic comedy into one that’s funny and, at times, surprisingly poignant. Screenwriter Peter Chiarelli’s script takes full advantage of the plot’s complications and contrivances, especially during the opening 20 minutes, where in order to convince the dogged immigration officer, Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare), that their love and upcoming marriage is legit and not a fraudulent attempt to keep Margaret working in the U.S., Margaret and Andrew travel to Alaska to spend the weekend with Andrew’s parents. It’s here that the film loses some of its momentum and gets stymied by standard romantic comedy tropes.

There are moments where the screenplay seems to be spinning its wheels, burdening the film in a series of slapstick comedy set pieces that fail to elicit comedy or character insight, and unfortunately, leave the cast looking embarrassed. One particular sequence involves Bullock stumbling into a spiritual ceremony conducted by Andrew’s grandmother, Annie (Betty White). The sequence has Bullock and White dance to hip-hop music around a campfire; it’s uncomfortable to watch and feels like another film, one perhaps better suited to Will Ferrell’s brand of comedy. Perhaps most disheartening, however, is the absence of Reynolds’ character through much of the film’s second act. A subplot involving Andrew’s desire to win his father’s approval is setup but never paid off. It was, for a time, the relationship and the chemistry between the two leads that kept The Proposal fun and interesting, so it’s unfortunate when the director and screenwriter separate them for lengthy sequences. Despite a surprising amount of shots obviously filmed in front of a blue screen, director Anne Fletcher keeps the pace quick and lighthearted, avoiding the bland, plodding machinations all too common to this genre. While the ending is never in doubt, The Proposal is ultimately an enjoyable, if unsurprising, romantic comedy, and a welcome change from the guns, explosions, and the plethora of killer robot films currently playing in theaters.

Richard X
© Cinephile Magazine, 2009