Caught off guard, Andrew is not quite sure how to respond, but decides to go along with the plan. Their troubles are further complicated by an INS officer who is intent on uncovering their deception. On top of that, the upcoming weekend brings with it a trip to visit Andrew's family and celebrate his Grammy's 90th birthday. This leads to all sorts of wacky fun as they attempt to deceive the family and avoid getting caught while also coming face to face with a new world of feelings they never saw before.
In the wrong hands, this story could definitely turned into a slog.. Fortunately, the team behind The Proposal knows how to turn a line and make a flat tale into something worth your while. Still, it is not a great movie, so keep your hopes in check.
What is it that makes it work at all? In this case, it is all about the cast. Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock both bring charismatic, likable presences to the screen. They have a way of drawing your attention, and they have a way of bringing just the right tone to a performance, especially in this particular genre.
The screenplay, the first from Peter Chiarelli, has some pretty snappy dialogue, particularly for Ryan Reynolds whose sarcastic approach works wonders for the picture. Similarly, Bullock does a fine job of appearing imposing at work only to have her shell cracked when faced with the family she has never had.
While the centerpiece of the story is the faux-engagement, there are moments that lurk around the edges that help round the film out and actually make the movie better than it would otherwise be. There are the big, broad moments that make everyone laugh, such as a wet and naked encounter, a strip show, and a goofy dance in the woods, and they work just fine. These are the scenes that get people in the door and ensure they don't fall asleep in their seats.
Article comments
1 - spiderman05
I went to see this movie yesterday and I enjoyed. Though, I was expecting a more intense and romantic ending. A wedding proposal in an office full of cubicles and spying eyes is not what I call romantic. Also, the character of Ramon was somehow entertaining.
Cheers.