Seen on: June 19, 2009

The players: Director: Anne Fletcher, Writer: Pete Chiarelli, Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Denis O'Hare, Malin Akerman, Mary Steenburgen

Facts of interest: Anne Fletcher also directed "27 Dresses."

The plot: When a tough book editor (Bullock) faces deportation to Canada, she forces her assistant (Reynolds) into a marriage of convenience.

Our thoughts: Say yes to “The Proposal,” and you won’t be disappointed. Anne Fletcher’s latest romantic comedy doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, but its light plot, decent humor and charming cast led by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds all make for a highly entertaining film that’s very easy to enjoy.

Bullock stars as Margaret Tate, an overbearing book editor who runs into a huge problem when she suddenly faces deportation to Canada. Unwilling to let her career go down the drain, however, Margaret falls back on the only solution to this embarrassing predicament: blackmail her personal assistant Andrew (Reynolds) into a marriage of convenience.

Eager to keep his job and maybe one day make it to editor, Andrew agrees to the deal as long as Margaret is willing to play it by his rules. In an effort to get to know each other a little better, Andrew insists she accompanies him on a weekend to Alaska to meet this wacky family, and before they know it, the two suddenly discover they may have more in common than they expected.

The story of “The Proposal” is a familiar one: two people who pretty much despise each other and are not supposed to ever get along slowly warm up to each other and eventually fall in love. As old and as unsurprising as this formula is, however, Fletcher’s movie still succeeds in generating a refreshingly funny and partly romantic atmosphere.

Starting off a little slow, “The Proposal” quickly develops into a simple but sweet little comedy as soon as Andrew and Margaret meet his eccentric family in Alaska. The comic moments ensuing from their pretense that they love each other are amusing to follow, and even the buildup of mutual feelings between Andrew and Margaret boasts an authentic flair.

What really makes the film work is its splendid cast. Sandra Bullock is a beautiful woman, and she really blossoms in the role of the mean boss whose troubled private life gives her a hard time. She also shares a wonderful onscreen chemistry with Reynolds, and they both handle their gags and romantic moments quite well. Oh, and before I forget, Betty White is simply irresistible as granny Annie.

Freaky quote: "Why are you naked?" – Sandra Bullock

The final word: “The Proposal” is a fairly standard big-screen romance, but Bullock’s incredible charm and her ability to inject her role with addicting energy are reason enough to give this one a try. While the film won’t cause huge laughs, its harmless, warm-hearted plot and accessible humor will easily win over cinemagoers looking for a witty romantic comedy. I sincerely propose you go see it.

Article by Franck Tabouring