Throwing it down old school, romantic comedy style this week with “The Proposal.” Released in early 2009, this movie shot to the top of the box office and was a career saver for Sandra Bullock, because, and let’s be honest, her recent movies have sucked. Her costar in this gem of a picture is the yummy Ryan Reynolds (Mr. Scarlett Johansson), who has not hit mainstream U.S. theaters full force yet, but I am waiting. Patiently.
To the plot! When Margaret (Bullock) is threatened with deportation back to Canada, and the loss of a very cushy editing job in New York City, she panics. Finding a convenient scam in her executive assistant, she tells her bosses that she is engaged to Andrew (Reynolds), who agrees to go along with everything in exchange for a promotion to his dream job, and to have his book published. Why can’t I find a scenario like that? Honestly. Now we encounter the difficulties that must be overcome for true love to endure. Andrew and Margaret have to convince a United States Immigration attorney that they are in love, and therefore the predictable hilarity ensues (cue the soundtrack) when they travel to Andrew’s hometown of Sitka, Alaska for Granny’s 90th birthday. There is an instance with a dog, a cell phone, and an eagle, but I’ll leave you to figure it out. Funny stuff. Betty White adds charm and style (and some craziness) to the film with her chanting, dancing, and general Betty White-ness. Love that woman.
The love birds agree to get married that weekend on the family estate to please Granny, and that’s when Margaret starts realizing that maybe what she is doing might be a teensy bit immoral. Forget the fact that it’s completely illegal, we’ve already glossed over that part. She, on the wedding day no less, confesses everything to Andrew’s friends and family and flees back to New York to pack up and move back to Canada. Of course, this is a romantic comedy after all, Andrew realizes that he loves her, chases her down, confesses his love (and some held over hatred), proposes, and ta-da, everybody is happy.
Yes, I left out some things in the plot synopsis. I did it on purpose. You need to watch the movie, dammit!
Overall, I was mightily impressed. Having been a Sandra Bullock fan since Speed and Ryan Reynolds since the one episode of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza (only saw one episode because the show was cancelled. Not my fault!) I was glad to see that the two work well together. Honestly, I don’t think this movie could have been successful with anyone other than Reynolds in the role of Andrew. He brings an exasperation and loveable frustration to the part, less angry than Dane Cook, but edgier than any of Bullock’s other comedy co-stars.
Since this is my first review I will have to give the movie 3.5 out of 4 stars. Great soundtrack, acting, and scenery. Would I buy this movie for my personal collection? Yes. And you should too. And while you’re at it, buy it for me since I don’t have a paying job.
— Toni
