A romantic comedy named "The Proposal" manages to do the impossible during a season known for its special effects blockbusters: get noticed. The top-grossing movie of the third weekend of June, starring former rom-com regular Sandra Bullock, is a sweet relationship comedy about a hard-driving publishing executive and her over-worked assistant. Switching roles from her position in "Two Weeks Notice," Bullock excels in the role of the nasty, unrelenting task-master. Her charm stills comes through, more and more, as the story develops and her character's personality is explored and understood. Ryan Reynold's soft-spoken gentleman proves to be the perfect counter-point to Bullock's city gal, especially once he learns he has the brief advantage in their relationship. Part office comedy, fish-out-of-water tale, and family friction story; "The Proposal" is a wonderful patchwork of humor that fits together perfectly.
Bullock is Margaret, a woman who's career in publishing is her life. She terrifies the company’s office staff with her unforgiving attitude; while keeping her underling, Andrew (Reynolds), in a state of constant groveling. But Margaret is a Canadian, in America on a work visa, which she has allowed to expire. She will be deported and lose her job if she can not think of a brilliant plan to stay. Poor Andrew is drafted into marrying Margaret to save her career and, she reminds him, his own. As part of the ploy, Margaret invites herself to visit Andrew’s family in Alaska. Now that Andrew has something Margaret needs, he begins to assert himself and his wishes on his formerly demanding boss; while Margaret finds there is more to her assistant than a good work ethic.
The director of "27 Dresses," Anne Fletcher, gets the tone of this third feature film exactly right. Margaret's domineering character is asserted early on but not belabored to the point of causing the audience to absolutely detest her. Bullock's normally good-natured disposition may have helped in quelling some of the nastiness inherent to the boss from hell. The story gives Andrew the chance to turn-the-tables early on in the picture; making otherwise reasonable demands of Margaret, if he goes along with the arrangement to wed. Watching Andrew assert himself, changing into a confident and capable cohort in the eyes of the viewer, makes him a fine foil to Bullock's city gal. The film smartly further develops Bullock's character, explaining why she acts as she does. By the end, the audience's sympathies are with both characters.
The movie starts with strictly office humor, as co-workers run to stay out of Margaret's way. It grows into a fish-out-of-water tale as the reserved Margaret must adjust to life in a close-knit, seaport town and eventually becomes a film about having a family, with the good and bad things that comes with that. The parents are perfectly cast with Mary Steenburgen ("Step Brothers") and Craig T. Nelson ("The Family Stone") filling the mother and father roles of Andrew, respectively. The real stand-out character in the film is Andrew's grandmother Annie, played by the lively Betty White ("Bringing Down the House"). Annie is full of spunk and vigor, tempered by a sweetness, and does not take "no" for an answer. She is one of the most memorable characters in the film and a moment between her and Bullock proves to be the most touching.
"The Proposal" is a romantic comedy I can easily recommend to couples, giving both men and women plenty of humorous situations to laugh at. The film manages to stay away from being mean-spirited or too randy, and instead allows the audience to get to know Andrew, his family, and Margaret better. Despite one scene, the situations never feel forced and the movie will make you feel better after seeing it. This is the best rom-com so far this year and is therefore a safe pick at the movies.
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
