The Proposal Review
July 7, 2009 by Amber
Filed under Movie Reviews
I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for the chick flicks – and Ryan Reynolds – which is why I jumped at the chance to see his new rom-com, The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock.
I’d been spoiled by the previews into thinking I was in for a bit of a laugh, and that, coupled with Reynolds’ undeniable hotness factor, meant I had pretty high expectations for a film that I knew very little about.
The premise is simple: Bullock’s character is a bitchy, sex-starved Canadian working in America as a big-time book editor who faces deportation after failing to get her visa paperwork in order. To keep her job, and her dignity, Margaret Tate (Bullock) forces her over-worked and extremely hot young assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) to marry her in exchange for a payrise and promotion.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that both Tate and Paxton loathe each other with abandon? For example, at one point, Paxton refers to Tate as ‘Satan’s Mistress.’
So it’s no surprise that a series of hilarious hi-jinxes ensues.
It all goes downhill for the not-so-happy couple when they allude to an investigator checking for possible immigration fraud that they’re heading up to Alaska to inform Paxton’s family of their surprise engagement and upcoming nuptials. Of course, now that the immigration office knows, they actually have to make the trip, and both Reynolds and Bullock shine in their task to out-do the other with sarcastic little jibes and cunningly cruel set-ups.
Paxton’s family adds another dimension of ridiculous to this cute, if not highly predictable film about opposites attracting. The grandmother alone (played by veteran actress Betty White) has some of the best lines of the movie, and her little stunt at the end literally had this reviewer close to tears – of the side-splitting, jaw-breaking variety.
The only character I thought was unnecessary was Malin Ackerman’s Gertrude, who:
1. Has an unusual name usually associated with cats, and
2. Seems to be only there to make Sandra Bullock jealous of how effortlessly beautiful she is.
Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms or not, this movie is a relative smorgasbord of attractive actors – Sandra Bullock is 40?! Geez, you could’ve fooled me! – clever and witty dialogue, and set amid some of the most spectacular scenery country Alaska has to offer.
This reviewer highly recommends it, if only for the numerous offerings of Reynolds sweaty and in the buff (or close to it!).
A closing tip: be prepared for sore jaws, aching diaphragms and a hilarity-induced tear or two.
The Proposal is now showing in cinemas across Australia.
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