****/*****
Before I shell out $8-$12 per ticket to see a movie, I always check the online reviews. Most of the reviews that I looked at rated the 'The Proposal' a two or a three on a five star scale. Admittedly most romantic comedies (RC) are predictable: boy meets girl, they hate each other and then fall in love the last 15 minutes of the show.
I will have to confess that this movie departed from some of the stereotypes. Although the film started in the Big Apple, most of it was shot in beautiful Sitka, Alaska. Sarah Palin must be smiling because the scenery is amazing.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds were the lead members of the ensemble cast. Andrew's mother is mother is played by Mary Steenburgen, his grandmother is Betty White, and his hard charging father is Craig T. Nelson of 'The Coach' TV series fame.
You get to see Sandra Bullock like you have never seen her before. She really slimmed down for this role and has an amazing figure. Jesse James, her husband, of Monster Garage is a very lucky man, indeed! Bullock is a very bright and distinguished actress who produces movies, but has not acted in one for a while. It was good to see her on the silver screen gain
Ryan Reynolds does an admirable job in the movie, but it is clear there is an age difference between Bullock and Reynolds. Reynolds plays Bullock's assistant in the film and is an aspiring writer. Bullock is the editor-in-chief of a large publishing house. She rules it with an iron fist.
For the most part the direction by Anne Fletcher was solid. Screenwriter Peter Chiarelli is an excellent writer.
The plot centers around the editor-in-chief, Margaret Tate, who is Canadian and about to be deported. She blackmails her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds), into marrying her so she won't have to leave her job. Andrew takes his 'shot gun fiancée' home to Alaska to meet the parents.
Margaret, who has big city snobbishness, has the tables turned on her when she realizes that there is a lot more to Andrew that she ever realized.
Craig T. Nelson plays the successful father who wants Andrew to take over his business in Alaska. Mary Steenburgen, who plays Andrew's mother, wants peace between the father and son. Betty White portrays the grandmother who is elated her grandson is marrying and looks forward to grand children.
The only scene that seemed out of place was with Betty White who had some some sort native American experience out in the woods with Sandra Bullock. There was also another character who was amusing who kept popping into the movie at unexpected times, but I won't say any more to spoil the film for you. There were some very poignant moments in the movie which transcended comedy and made some insightful statements about families.
Once the credits appeared, I got up to leave, but there was an additional two of three clever minutes of the couple back in the immigration office. Almost of the audience stayed in their seats after the credits had run to watch the last couple of minutes. This indicated the audience really loved this movie.
This flick was a real crowd pleaser and is worth seeing. Check it out on Fathers' Day with your significant other.
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2 comments:
My wife and I both want to see this movie, looks good. Ryan Reynolds was in several other good films like "Chaos Theory" and "Definitely, Maybe"
the Proposal made me want to move to Alaska, the scenery was fabulous
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