The Proposal
The Facts
The story of The Proposal is simple and easy to follow. Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a witch of an editor for a publishing company in New York City. Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) is Margaret’s helper monkey, but he, like all of his co-workers, can not stand her or her cold heart.
When Margaret’s visa is denied (she’s Canadian), she announces that she and Andrew are planning on getting married so that she can stay in the country and keep her job, her true love. Andrew tries to refuse, but Margaret offers him a promotion in exchange for his cooperation and he can’t refuse. Unfortunately for Margaret, her scheme is detected by government worker Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare) and she is forced to fly to Andrew’s home in Alaska in order to convince Gilbertson that their engagement is legit.
Once in Alaska, Margaret discovers that Andrew’s family is very wealthy and also that he as an estranged relationship with his father (Craig Nelson). Andrew’s mother (Mary Steenburgen) and grandmother (Betty White) immediately try to warm up to Margaret for their son’s sake, although they have heard horrible stories about her as his boss. We also meet Andrew’s ex-girlfriend, Gertrude (Malin Akerman), whom he planned on marrying.
Upon discovering their engagement, the Paxton’s demand that the two be married at their house immediately and in true Paxton tradition. Reluctantly, Margaret and Andrew go along with it. Margaret is subjected to the only male stripper in the Alaskan town, which is as funny and disturbing as it sounds. She also encounters Andrew’s grandmother chanting in the woods and joins her in by dancing and singing “Get low”.
While the pre-wedding plans are being made, Margaret and Andrew grow closer and they learn more and more about each other. After a long night conversation, an accidental nude run in, and multiple hilarious moments, Margaret begins to question just how ethical her decision is because she doesn’t want to hurt Andrew’s family. The question posed to viewers is simple: Will the wedding go on?
.
Thoughts and Opinions
As a young woman, I can appreciate romantic comedies and the attractiveness of Ryan Reynolds, so I was looking forward to this movie. I managed to bribe my boyfriend to come along with me by paying for a nice dinner, and we both enjoyed it. Yes, a male specimen enjoyed a romantic comedy. Maybe it’s because the comedy is original even if the storyline has been done thousands of times before, and it’s actually very funny.
It’s always nice to see a strong powerful woman portrayed in movies, even if she does come across as a bitch in the beginning. The fact that a woman has all the power while the main male is her assistant is the reverse of the old “boss falling for secretary” cliché, but it a good way. In fact, the entire office atmosphere is amusing and not too exaggerated-the IMing amongst the employees is amusing and definitely made me smile.
At first, I was skeptical on the strength of Ryan Reynold’s character because he seemed too submissive, but it becomes clearer that he just wants to be as successful in his job as he can and that is why he is so obedient. When he forces Sandra Bullock’s character to promise him a promotion in exchange for his cooperation in their marriage, I started to appreciate his character much more.
Off the top of my head, I can’t seem to think of a romantic comedy that has taken place in Alaska, and the setting is truly beautiful. Of course, it’s a small town, which has been done quite often, but the beauty and serenity of the Paxton home adds an extra dash of romance to the movie. And the puppy? I am assuming the puppy is of the Alaskan Eskimo breed, and I can appreciate any setting that allows for a small white bundle of fluff.
The witty remarks and small interactions between Andrew and Margaret make for some “laugh out loud” moments, which in turn make for a pleasant atmosphere to watch a movie in. The chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock is easy to see and feel, so the pairing is easy to love and laugh with. The humor is not too girly or overbearing, which makes it easy to relate to-especially for guys.
Perhaps my favorite scene in the movie is the scene with Bullock and my favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, in the woods. As Andrew’s grandmother, White is performing an old chanting ceremony in the woods when she is interrupted by the unsuspecting Margaret (Bullock). White invites Bullock to chant with her, but the only chanting that Bullock’s character can come up with is the lyrics to the rap song “Get Low” by Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins. As a guilty fan of the song, I immediately started laughing, as did the majority of the audience, and the volume of the laughter only increased when Bullock started dancing to the lyrics. Hopefully nobody considers this a huge spoiler, as it bears little to no importance to the plot, but if you do…I apologize?
Of course, the movie does have some shortcomings. Although it is amusing to watch, I did feel like the movie never got into a proper rhythm. It was just too choppy in places and seemed a bit rushed and incomplete. Because the movie takes place over a weekend, only a few days, the relationship borderlines on being unbelievable. Thankfully, the chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock keep it from becoming too crazy. As I said, the movie does seem kind of rushed, especially the ending, but it’s bearable. I don’t want to say too much about it, or else risk ruining it.
Acting: I wasn’t surprised to find both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds do a fabulous job in this movie. Bullock’s role is very different than her infamous role in Miss Congeniality, but she manages to bring the same life and energy to this character. Of course, there are some similarities if you look close enough, but not nearly enough to consider type-casting her. Her dry humor fits perfectly within the movie and the constraints of her character.
Aside from looking hott and sexy throughout the movie, Reynolds also managed to show off his own acting talent. His character was loveable, genuine, and just a good person. Of course, his character’s humor flavor leaned on the sarcastic side, and Reynolds played that off very well. He also managed to show off his character’s thoughtfulness and kind-heartedness with and without words, which is what good acting is all about.
Betty White played a slightly senile grandmother perfectly. Her character in this movie was nearly as clueless as her character from the Golden Girls, but in a healthy way. She added a dose of classic blunt humor to the plot that balanced the other comedic styles throughout the film.
The relationships: Of course, the main relationship of this movie involves Margaret and Andrew, but there’s only so much to say about them without spoiling the movie. Bullock and Reynolds had such fantastic chemistry that the couple was believable in all aspects, even though it develops too quickly. The two characters are quite similar in many small ways, including enjoying similar music, but also have strengths and weaknesses that mesh well with the other.
Aside from the obvious romantic relationship, the relationships between Andrew and his father and Andrew and his ex-girlfriend enjoy subplots of their own. Andrew’s estranged relationship with his father helps to explain some his character traits, as well as show off his character’s ambition and work ethic. Meanwhile, his relationship with his ex shows that he is capable of love. Reynolds plays a longing Andrew so well that your heart will ache for him.
Cinematography/Soundtrack: The cinematography in this movie is as average as the next romantic comedy. It’s not bad, it’s not astounding. It is fitting because you don’t notice it either way and it keeps you fixated on the developing relationships and the humor. The soundtrack is similar in that way because it’s not full of sappy love songs or anything quite memorable. Of course, Sandra Bullock’s rendition of “Get Low” is memorable and would definitely be a Youtube hit if it could be.
Why it got this grade/In Summary:
Romantic comedies are so common that it’s hard to find one that you can differentiate from the bunch. Of course, there are the classics, but those are few and far between. The Proposal is not a stand out classic, but it is rather unique and is hard to confuse with another recent romantic comedy. Although the plot is somewhat rushed, the chemistry and humor make the movie worth watching and simply entertaining. Movies are just entertainment after all. Because of all these factors, I’ve decided to give it a B+, which is defined on my grading scale as worth watching and enjoyable.
I was told never to use “in summary” or “overall” years ago in my AP World History class, so in honor of my beloved teacher, I will refrain for this review. This movie is definitely worth watching as a group of girls, or even just as a couple movie. Of course, your male partner may protest (I dragged mine in after all), but I think he’ll be surprised to find the humor relatable. Again, this movie will not become a classic, but perhaps it will find a snug part in your cupboard to watch on a rainy day.
.
The IMDB site
The story of The Proposal is simple and easy to follow. Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a witch of an editor for a publishing company in New York City. Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) is Margaret’s helper monkey, but he, like all of his co-workers, can not stand her or her cold heart.
When Margaret’s visa is denied (she’s Canadian), she announces that she and Andrew are planning on getting married so that she can stay in the country and keep her job, her true love. Andrew tries to refuse, but Margaret offers him a promotion in exchange for his cooperation and he can’t refuse. Unfortunately for Margaret, her scheme is detected by government worker Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare) and she is forced to fly to Andrew’s home in Alaska in order to convince Gilbertson that their engagement is legit.
Once in Alaska, Margaret discovers that Andrew’s family is very wealthy and also that he as an estranged relationship with his father (Craig Nelson). Andrew’s mother (Mary Steenburgen) and grandmother (Betty White) immediately try to warm up to Margaret for their son’s sake, although they have heard horrible stories about her as his boss. We also meet Andrew’s ex-girlfriend, Gertrude (Malin Akerman), whom he planned on marrying.
Upon discovering their engagement, the Paxton’s demand that the two be married at their house immediately and in true Paxton tradition. Reluctantly, Margaret and Andrew go along with it. Margaret is subjected to the only male stripper in the Alaskan town, which is as funny and disturbing as it sounds. She also encounters Andrew’s grandmother chanting in the woods and joins her in by dancing and singing “Get low”.
While the pre-wedding plans are being made, Margaret and Andrew grow closer and they learn more and more about each other. After a long night conversation, an accidental nude run in, and multiple hilarious moments, Margaret begins to question just how ethical her decision is because she doesn’t want to hurt Andrew’s family. The question posed to viewers is simple: Will the wedding go on?
.
Thoughts and Opinions
As a young woman, I can appreciate romantic comedies and the attractiveness of Ryan Reynolds, so I was looking forward to this movie. I managed to bribe my boyfriend to come along with me by paying for a nice dinner, and we both enjoyed it. Yes, a male specimen enjoyed a romantic comedy. Maybe it’s because the comedy is original even if the storyline has been done thousands of times before, and it’s actually very funny.
It’s always nice to see a strong powerful woman portrayed in movies, even if she does come across as a bitch in the beginning. The fact that a woman has all the power while the main male is her assistant is the reverse of the old “boss falling for secretary” cliché, but it a good way. In fact, the entire office atmosphere is amusing and not too exaggerated-the IMing amongst the employees is amusing and definitely made me smile.
At first, I was skeptical on the strength of Ryan Reynold’s character because he seemed too submissive, but it becomes clearer that he just wants to be as successful in his job as he can and that is why he is so obedient. When he forces Sandra Bullock’s character to promise him a promotion in exchange for his cooperation in their marriage, I started to appreciate his character much more.
Off the top of my head, I can’t seem to think of a romantic comedy that has taken place in Alaska, and the setting is truly beautiful. Of course, it’s a small town, which has been done quite often, but the beauty and serenity of the Paxton home adds an extra dash of romance to the movie. And the puppy? I am assuming the puppy is of the Alaskan Eskimo breed, and I can appreciate any setting that allows for a small white bundle of fluff.
The witty remarks and small interactions between Andrew and Margaret make for some “laugh out loud” moments, which in turn make for a pleasant atmosphere to watch a movie in. The chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock is easy to see and feel, so the pairing is easy to love and laugh with. The humor is not too girly or overbearing, which makes it easy to relate to-especially for guys.
Perhaps my favorite scene in the movie is the scene with Bullock and my favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, in the woods. As Andrew’s grandmother, White is performing an old chanting ceremony in the woods when she is interrupted by the unsuspecting Margaret (Bullock). White invites Bullock to chant with her, but the only chanting that Bullock’s character can come up with is the lyrics to the rap song “Get Low” by Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins. As a guilty fan of the song, I immediately started laughing, as did the majority of the audience, and the volume of the laughter only increased when Bullock started dancing to the lyrics. Hopefully nobody considers this a huge spoiler, as it bears little to no importance to the plot, but if you do…I apologize?
Of course, the movie does have some shortcomings. Although it is amusing to watch, I did feel like the movie never got into a proper rhythm. It was just too choppy in places and seemed a bit rushed and incomplete. Because the movie takes place over a weekend, only a few days, the relationship borderlines on being unbelievable. Thankfully, the chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock keep it from becoming too crazy. As I said, the movie does seem kind of rushed, especially the ending, but it’s bearable. I don’t want to say too much about it, or else risk ruining it.
Acting: I wasn’t surprised to find both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds do a fabulous job in this movie. Bullock’s role is very different than her infamous role in Miss Congeniality, but she manages to bring the same life and energy to this character. Of course, there are some similarities if you look close enough, but not nearly enough to consider type-casting her. Her dry humor fits perfectly within the movie and the constraints of her character.
Aside from looking hott and sexy throughout the movie, Reynolds also managed to show off his own acting talent. His character was loveable, genuine, and just a good person. Of course, his character’s humor flavor leaned on the sarcastic side, and Reynolds played that off very well. He also managed to show off his character’s thoughtfulness and kind-heartedness with and without words, which is what good acting is all about.
Betty White played a slightly senile grandmother perfectly. Her character in this movie was nearly as clueless as her character from the Golden Girls, but in a healthy way. She added a dose of classic blunt humor to the plot that balanced the other comedic styles throughout the film.
The relationships: Of course, the main relationship of this movie involves Margaret and Andrew, but there’s only so much to say about them without spoiling the movie. Bullock and Reynolds had such fantastic chemistry that the couple was believable in all aspects, even though it develops too quickly. The two characters are quite similar in many small ways, including enjoying similar music, but also have strengths and weaknesses that mesh well with the other.
Aside from the obvious romantic relationship, the relationships between Andrew and his father and Andrew and his ex-girlfriend enjoy subplots of their own. Andrew’s estranged relationship with his father helps to explain some his character traits, as well as show off his character’s ambition and work ethic. Meanwhile, his relationship with his ex shows that he is capable of love. Reynolds plays a longing Andrew so well that your heart will ache for him.
Cinematography/Soundtrack: The cinematography in this movie is as average as the next romantic comedy. It’s not bad, it’s not astounding. It is fitting because you don’t notice it either way and it keeps you fixated on the developing relationships and the humor. The soundtrack is similar in that way because it’s not full of sappy love songs or anything quite memorable. Of course, Sandra Bullock’s rendition of “Get Low” is memorable and would definitely be a Youtube hit if it could be.
Why it got this grade/In Summary:
Romantic comedies are so common that it’s hard to find one that you can differentiate from the bunch. Of course, there are the classics, but those are few and far between. The Proposal is not a stand out classic, but it is rather unique and is hard to confuse with another recent romantic comedy. Although the plot is somewhat rushed, the chemistry and humor make the movie worth watching and simply entertaining. Movies are just entertainment after all. Because of all these factors, I’ve decided to give it a B+, which is defined on my grading scale as worth watching and enjoyable.
I was told never to use “in summary” or “overall” years ago in my AP World History class, so in honor of my beloved teacher, I will refrain for this review. This movie is definitely worth watching as a group of girls, or even just as a couple movie. Of course, your male partner may protest (I dragged mine in after all), but I think he’ll be surprised to find the humor relatable. Again, this movie will not become a classic, but perhaps it will find a snug part in your cupboard to watch on a rainy day.
.
The IMDB site