Rated PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
Directed by Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses)
Starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Oscar Nunez, and Betty White
Finally a romantic comedy that I loved… in fact it’s on my “Top Ten” list for the year.
Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is the executive editor-in-chief of a book publishing company, Colden Books, who forces her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her in order to avoid being deported to Canada. He grudgingly accepts, under the condition that he is promoted to the position of editor. When the government investigates, the two are forced to spend the weekend with his parents in Alaska in order to sell the lie. However the weekend has a peculiar effect on both of them… and they start to fall in love.
Let’s be honest, most romantic comedies are either predictable cheese or predictable filth. And while the formula for The Proposal is just as predictable, the journey feels fresh and fun. I attribute that to Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock who are both outstanding. They have genuine chemistry and are completely believable as a couple. Not to mention the fact that they are hilarious.
The support cast is just as good. In fact, it's hard to imagine a better “family” than Craig T. Nelson as the distant and intimidating dad, Mary Steenburgen as the easy-going mom, and the legendary Betty White as the rambunctious, speak-her-mind Grandma. They all play each scene flawlessly. It’s hard to believe that with all that talent, there is room for a scene-stealer… but there is. The Office’s Oscar Nuñez plays Ramone, the outrageously flamboyant but not-terribly-talented stripper, general store manager and the town preacher.
Director Anne Fletcher keeps things moving at an enjoyable pace and a perfect balance between laughs and tender moments.
Although there are a few PG-13 moments, The Proposal has the charm and innocence of films like Meet the Parents and Hitch. Yes there is a scene where Ryan and Sandra are naked and they show… well almost everything. But within the awkward context, it’s intended to make you laugh more than anything else… and yeah I laughed. I laughed almost as much as I did during Ramone’s striptease. Again, in another context it’s offensive and dirty… here it’s so over the top that it’s just plain funny.
With an amazing cast, a great director, a fun story, plenty of laughs and a big heart… The Proposal is a “Theater Worthy” romantic comedy.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This PG-13 may be on the mild side but with a naked Reynolds and Bullock I would keep this one away from younger viewers.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
