Review: The Proposal

Synopsis:  Administrative assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) just can’t catch a break from his overwhelming, workaholic book publishing boss Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock).  That is, until Margaret is on the verge of being deported back to Canada for an expired visa.  Forced into a corner, Margaret concocts the story that she and Andrew are engaged in order to save her career.  In order to sell the love story to the immigration authority, Margaret and Andrew travel to Alaska to spend time with Andrew’s (extremely wealthy) family.  Maybe it is the fresh arctic air, but Margaret and Andrew start to realize that their professional relationship may be turning into something neither of them expected.

My Thoughts:  I have always been a Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds fan, so I was excited for the pairing.  Bullock’s natural physical comedy combined with the sarcastic wit and delivery of Ryan Reynolds made for an delectable comedy.  The supporting cast was great, but I do think a little too much emphasis was placed on Betty White’s role.  While White has good comedic timing, there is a limit on stereotypical characterizations.  Maybe it was the writing or the acting, but White character quickly moved from funny, slightly quirky grandmother to annoying, irritating older woman – not exactly intelligent comedy.

For the Single Girl:  The Proposal has several great messages for SGs, but you have to look close for some of them:

• While explaining his relationship with Margaret to his father, Andrew mentions the outstanding professional achievements that his boss has accrued in such a male-dominated field.  Until that moment, Margaret had been described as a hard-ass, ball-busting bitch of a boss.  It’s important to remember how working women are perceived by different parties in the media compared to the real world.  The Proposal shows both sides, which is often forgotten by Hollywood in an effort to perpetuate stereotypes that sell tickets.
• As a freelance image consultant, I am also interested in the clothing worn by professionals in films and TV.  Margaret’s wardrobe shows the importance of dressing for success.  Love the clothes, and the shoes…
• Ryan Reynolds is an incredibly versatile actor and he is great in the rom com genre.  As an everyday working woman, you wish you had someone like him in your office – sweet, considerate, and good-looking.