Forced Engagement

3/5

There are reasons why most companies have no fraternization rules in place. Most of us have an innate understanding of why they are there, apparently these rules don't exist in The Proposal. In this slightly darker romantic comedy (I'll explain what I mean by darker later) we are introduced to Editor-in-Chief Margaret (Sandra Bullock) and her executive assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds). Margaret is universally feared by everyone in the office, a point that is nearly beaten to death. Andrew is a diligent and hard worker who attends to his boss's every whim. After learning that she will be deported to Canada because of an expired visa, Margaret awkwardly announces her engagement to her bosses, much to Andrews shock and dismay. He grudgingly agrees, but only under the condition that she quickly promotes him to editor. After setting off together to Andrew's home town to celebrate his Gammie's 90th birthday they begin to see things about one another they had never seen before.

The uncomfortable situations and strange dialogue provide most of the laughs as Margaret and Andrew try to figure things and each other out (that is what I mean by darker comedy). The story and characters are mostly unoriginal (see Legally Blonde, The Office, Meet the Parents, etc) but, the movie still has legs strong enough to stand on it's own.

One area that the movie doesn't really come alive is in the two main actors chemistry. Understandably the story tries to make it seem implausible that a real relationship could ever form, but as it (obviously) does it doesn't seem natural or inevitable. Most of the more intimate moments seem forced or even worse scripted. I'm not sure upon whom the blame should fall for this. Honestly, I think that it could fall on both the script and/or the casting. There just didn't seem to be any real connection or chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. Spoiler (highlight to view): I thought their was much more chemistry between Andrew and his ex-fiance, Gertrude (Malin Akerman). In one of their final scenes, I thought it felt more "right" for them to resolve their past and get together than for Andrew to pursue Magaret, but that's just my opinion.

Even if the main characters didn't always do it for me there was always Grammie Annie (Betty White). As she always is, Betty White was wonderful. I am being a bit biased, I think, because she reminded me so much of my own wonderful Grandmother, but I thought she nearly stole the show. Her strange comments and intentionally obvious "face language" (think body language, but just your face) really helped keep the movie especially light hearted and tender.

Pros:
Some very funny moments and great supporting cast make for continuous giggles.

Cons:
Lack of chemistry between Ryan and Sandra. A couple of the scenes and jokes were a bit drawn out and lost their humor along the way.

Bottom Line:
An awkwardly funny romantic comedy that pleases. Though insincere at times and not always convincing The Proposal manages to forge ahead. Overall a movie that most will enjoy. I would just wait and rent it, my wife says I only say that because it's a chick flick and though their is truth to that statement I wouldn't say that in a review of all chick flicks (most, I admit, but not all).