‘Proposal’ has funny cast, story weighs it down
‘The Proposal’ does next to nothing to distinguish itself from the other fifty-seven thousand romantic comedies produced annually. It does not miss a single note when it comes to replicating the same conventions of plenty of other romantic comedies. And yet it is saved by the charm of its cast.
Sandra Bullock plays demanding boss Margaret Tate (taken from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’), who runs into some problems with her citizenship, and must be deported back to Canada. To avoid this, she blackmails her hard-working assistant, Andrew into marrying her so that she may remain in the country. (forced marriage and fake love taken from ‘What Happens in Vegas’) When a government officer is suspicious, to sell the act they must spend the weekend at his parents’ house, for his grandmas 90th birthday. (awkward weekend at parents’ house: taken from ‘Meet the Parents’) Although their love is initially an act, they have feelings for each other! (opposites attract: taken from every romantic comedy ever made)
If I haven’t made it blatantly clear yet, it borrows every possible plot device from another film before it. Which makes the comedic talent of its stars a bit remarkable, given that they could elevate this material. Sandra Bullock can’t play the ‘Intimidating Boss’ role for her life, but her comedic timing as a stuck-up, rich woman is good. Ryan Reynolds is a great comedic talent, he has a dry wit that compliments the role. Betty White as the slightly crazy 90-year old grandmother steals the film from everyone, though.
‘The Proposal’ isn’t the most high-brow humor you’ll find at the cineplex. Dogs being snatched by eagles right off the ground, Sandra Bullock flying off a speedboat, etc. Nor is it very original. But two stars together, having a good time? Teenage girls, meet ‘The Proposal’. **1/2/****
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