Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Mary White, Ramon Oscar Nuñez, Dennis O’Hore; Director: Anne Fletcher; Producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman; Screenwriter: Pete Chiarelli; Music: Aaron Zigman; Editor: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly; Genre: Romantic Comedy; Cinematography: Oliver Stapleton; Distributor: Touchtone Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 107 min.;
Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance
Young and attractive, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), an executive and book editor of a New York publishing empire, comes across also as tyrannical. Demanding, she so intimidated her staff that they panic once she enters her office. Though seeming invulnerable, one day she gets a notice from the U.S. Immigration office informing her of her imminent deportation to Canada due to an expired visa (She’s Canadian). She devises a plan to get the coveted visa, that is, by marrying her surprised assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). She proposes a sham marriage followed by a quickie divorce once she gets her visa. Often brow beaten and usually compliant, this time he refuses. But she blackmails him and bribes him by offering him an editorship in the office. Ambitious, he consents. Suspecting something fishy, the immigration officer warns them of the punishments for fraud and informs them they will be questioned on intimate matter including each other’s family. Though together in the office for 3 years, they virtually know nothing of each other. For familiarization, on the part of Margaret, they visit Andrew’s parents in Sitka, Alaska. Thinking Sitka is some God forsaken Alaska outpost, she gets the shock of her life when she instead sees a charming, urbanized town with warm welcoming people. Loving and very closely knit, Andrew’s wacky family is thrilled to know Andrew and Margaret are getting married. With no affection for each other, they have to pretend before family and friends that they are in love. This situation is the well spring of many embarrassment and funny moments.
The Proposal has a plot that is as old as the hills; two people who almost hate each other at the beginning end up getting to like each other, in spite of the madcap obstacles that come their way. Very predictable and formulaic but it does not bore. Cheerfully done, this romantic comedy with all its conventions entertains with its hilarious moments. The humor is devoid of vulgarity, though one embarrassing funny scene involves the two lead actors in the nude. The cinematography enhances the viewers’ pleasure. Though said to have been filmed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, it replicates the pristine beauty of Alaska. The story is set in a picturesque town with chic, quaint shops (no fast foods or franchise chains) and a waterfront that looks like a tourist haven. This setting exudes a charm befitting this fantasy. Sandra Bullock is versatile as seen in various roles she has played in other movies, but her talent in this romantic comedy is remarkable in her convincing and likeable portrayal of the high-powered uptight New York woman (with the formidable look in pencil skirts and stiletto heels) who is touched and transformed by the loving embrace of Andrew’s family. Ryan Reynolds’ performance is just as commendable as he matches Sandra’s snappy banter and comic skills. Very good support is given by Mary Steenburgen and Nelson Craig as Andrew’s parents, Mary White as the 90 year old grandma and the preacher-exotic dancer Ramon.
The Proposal is entertaining and enjoyable. Scenes of family closeness, togetherness, affection, generosity and understanding will not fail to touch a chord in the hearts of those who value family relationships. It is heartwarming to see here depicted these “old fashioned” values still existing in some towns though practically lost in the fast rat race in the cities. The old grandma especially may be a bit bizarre in her antics but she delights us in her simplicity, wit, and respect for family traditions. On the other hand, there are some negative elements here that should not be glossed over. Like, for instance, the way marriage is viewed by Margaret and Andrew as a vehicle to attain ambition, power, or other mundane practical results like getting a visa. But this sadly happens in real life today. Young people getting married should always start life right and that is by getting the right perspective regarding marriage. Infused with love, marriage should primarily help fulfill each person’s quest for happiness and perfection as well as realize God’s plan. It should never be considered a mere tool for material advancements.
