The Proposal
PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Originally posted on Frame by Frame: A Family-Friendly Guide to the Movies Blog
Follow me on Twitter!
New on DVD - Tuesday, October 13, 2009
When a high-powered book editor faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking executive declares she’s actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant whom she’s tormented for years. Andrew, played by Ryan Reynolds, agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. That’s when the unlikely couple of Andrew and Margaret, played by Sandra Bullock, head to Alaska to meet his family. It’s here the always-in-control city girl finds herself like a fish-out-of-water.
Then, just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, it’s time for an impromptu wedding. But, this is no normal wedding. It comes complete with an Immigration official on their tails!
Sandra Bullock At Her Best!
The Proposal puts Sandra Bullock squarely in a role that truly suits her. In all honesty, this is Sandra Bullock at her best. Not only is she funny, but the physical comedy included in The Proposal is pulled off very well too. In some of her past movies I always felt like she was acting for an Oscar. While she is worthy of an Oscar, movies such as Premonition and Crash were sub-par movies where she seemed to over-act. While she’s a versatile actress, and did pull those parts off, the movies simply fell flat.
Such is not the case with The Proposal. This movie contains lots of laughs and Bullock is simply brilliant in her comedic delivery. The Proposal also falls firmly in the genre of romantic comedy. But, the emphasis is on comedy here. While there is an element of romance, The Proposal should also not be classified as a chick flick. It’s simply a fun movie! I first discovered Ryan Reynolds in the television show Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place. That show survived 81 episodes, and I always enjoyed the humor of the sitcom. Reynolds is the perfect foil for Bullock in this flick.
Then, adding even more laughs, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson and Betty White portray Andrew’s rather quirky Alaskan family. It’s nice to see Craig T. Nelson on the big screen, and it’s even better to see Betty White! She plays the very funny Grandma Annie. While she’s getting up there in age herself,White is simply hilarious as she plays the role of a Grandma who’s turning 90! White’s character in The Proposal is very reminiscent of her Rose role in The Golden Girls.
When you think of comedy, or even romantic comedy on the big screen, many times such movies simply aren’t funny. Few writers or filmmakers are willing to work for their humor anymore. Instead of creative humor, all too often filmmakers stoop to rude, crude and sex filled innuendo in hopes of grabbing a quick laugh or to. But, in the end, such movies do not have the staying power. I believe The Proposal will have staying power.
While we are saying this movie is cautionary family-friendly, it falls into that category as a result of just a few scenes. One scene involves nudity of both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. While the situation is funny, and the real risque parts are covered, the scene seems somewhat stretched out, and therefore gently edges The Proposal into the cautionary family-friendly category. Keep in mind this is a PG-13 movie. While we’re sure kids have seen worse, for the purpose of our focus, we have to say it’s cautionary family-friendly.
All in all, The Proposal is an hilariously funny flick! I went in knowing I like Sandra Bullock, but not sure if this would be a chick flick. In the end, I can safely say The Proposal is not a chick flick. It’s fun, it’s intelligent and humorous. Also, if you’re not careful, you will even learn a lesson or two about true love, and the importance of family.
Enjoy the show!
Dr. Rus
