The proposal – 3 stars (good)
The drive to succeed in American companies can involve total commitment, long hours, stiff competition, and the talent it takes to overcome obstacles. When her name is Margaret Tate, it can also mean not having a life before, during and after work.
Welcome to “The Proposal,” starring Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate, an insensitive editor-in-chief and always in command of a major Big Apple book publisher.
Tate forces her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her to avoid being deported to Canada. Paxton agrees on the condition that he achieves his main goal in life, becoming an editor. When the government investigates what appears to be a bogus effort to prevent deportation, the two conspirators are forced to spend a weekend with their parents in Alaska.
Once there, Margaret Tate discovers that her entire life is spiraling out of control and Andrew Paxton begins to see a totally different side to her dictatorial and immoderate boss. Could there be a more vulnerable part of Margaret that will crumble when she meets the Paxton clan so close-knit?
Pete Chiarelli receives significant support for writing a good romantic comedy here that reminds us of some very basic values that have gone out of style in our modern relationships, such as truthfulness and integrity. Chiarelli’s story slowly takes us back to one of the best decisions we will ever make in relationships, knowing when to bite the bullet, regain your senses, become humble, and go after what you want: the person of your choice.
Director Anne Fletcher puts The Proposal together at the end, like a perfect bow on an exquisitely wrapped wedding gift. It’s not easy directing rom-coms, the tendency is to get cheesy, sophomore, sentimental, or goofy. Anne Fletcher doesn’t do any of this, thanks in part to Sandra Bullock.
I have become a huge fan of Sandra Bullock. When I see her again in The Proposal, I am again struck by her ability to play the part without ever looking like an actress or an actor.
Sandra Bullock is not as beautiful as Catherine Zeta Jones, but she is obviously an attractive woman. If you saw her on the red carpet for the first time, you wouldn’t think of an arm candy. You will be surprised by its sobriety, depth and presence.
Bullock’s on-screen appeal is becoming even more popular. Part of this growing awareness of Bullock may be due to movie-goers who, looking at Catherine Zeta Jones, know that they will never be able to fully relate to such a beautiful creature, while with Sandra Bullock, it could be the girl from al side. that could also be them.
Women can see themselves as Bullock, she is not out of reach. Also, guys can look at Bullock and think about asking her out. The average guy could only fantasize about Catherine Zeta Jones, but he thinks he could date Bullock, that’s huge.
Ryan Reynolds does enough with his role to get a second and third lead appearance. Hollywood is hungry for younger leads. Yes, there are Brad Pitt, Leonardo De Caprio and Johnny Depp, and women love them. The problem is that they are not outstanding men. We find them continually in action adventures, not in romantic dramas or romantic comedies.
Watching the movie, I thought, “If this is what Alaska looks like, I want to go.” However, in life, people and things are not always what they seem. The Proposal was actually filmed in Boston and on Boston’s North Shore. And all those snowy mountains? They were later added digitally.
If you liked watching “Sleepless in Seattle,” I suppose you would enjoy The Proposal.
Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley