Today’s quick review: The Proposal. Faced with deportation, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), a high-powered editor at a New York publishing house, ropes Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), her long-suffering assistant, into a sham marriage. But Margaret begins to have second thoughts when she meets Ryan’s loving, trusting family (Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White) over a weekend visit to Alaska.
The Proposal is a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. What begins as a legal dodge to escape a visa snafu turns complicated as Margaret and Andrew actually get to know one another. The Proposal features a charming premise, a well-matched pair of leads, and a healthy mix of humor and sentiment. While its charms won’t work on everyone, the movie is an entertaining watch and a fine pick for fans of romantic comedies.
The Proposal gets most of its strength from its cast. Sandra Bullock plays a cold, no-nonsense editor who’s used to getting her way. Ryan Reynolds plays opposite as her efficient, obedient assistant who gains the upper hand when she needs him for her sham marriage. The pair fit each other well, and their improvised relationship and jabs at one another give the movie a steady source of humor.
The main weakness of The Proposal is that it goes light on the romance. As Margaret and Andrew get to know each other, they shift from a strained but productive work relationship to something resembling mutual respect. Unfortunately, they have a harder time making the jump to loving couple. The movie has a solid plot progression and almost all of the elements it needs, but it’s missing the raw, unfettered emotion of some of its rivals.
Give The Proposal a watch when you are in the mood for something light, funny, and sweet. Although its romance is a step or two below where it could have been, the combination of great leads and a fruitful premise make it a solid entry into the genre. Steer clear if you dislike the conventions of the genre or either of the lead actors.
For another comedy about a harried assistant and an overbearing boss, try The Devil Wears Prada. For a black comedy that takes a similarly strained work relationship in a darker direction, try Swimming with Sharks. For another romantic comedy about a similar fake relationship, try Just Go With It, You May Not Kiss the Bride, or Accidentally Engaged.
[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1041829/). I give it a 7.0 for well-executed comedy.