The Proposal is a paint by numbers romantic comedy. Two people, who dislike each other, find themsleves together in an awkward situation, and soon develop feelings for each other. What keeps this film from sinking, and saves it from future obscurity is its two charismatic stars.
Margaret is Andrews boss at a New York publishing firm. She is Canadian and due to her lack of attention to immigration law, finds herself about to be deported. To stay in the country she talks her assistant, Andrew, into marrying her, with a promise that she will make him an editor, and publish his manuscript. To get to know each other, in order to convince an immigration officer that their marriage is not just one of convenience, they spend a weekend at Andrews parent's home in Alaska.
Much is made of big city girl Margaret finding herself in rural situations. Her high heels and snobbish attitude are quickly put to the test. Upon meeting Andrews grandmother, Margaret learns what Andrew thinks of her, "Do you prefer Margaret or "Satan's Mistress"?" She asks her. She also discovers that Andrew is from an affluent family. "Why didn't you tell me you're some kind of Alaskan Kennedy?"
His family is shocked to learn that a boss he has only spoken negatively of, is now his fiance. In one of the funniest scenes, they are asked to tell the story of how Andrew proposed. They also end up kissing for his family and end up creating a spark of attraction.
During the weekend they each learn personal things about each other. Andrew is at odds with his father, as he wants to live in New York while his father wants him to come back to Alaska to take over the family businesses. Margaret reveals some insecurities to Andrew during a late night conversation.
One of the things I really liked about this movie is that the director reveals Andrews and Margarets growing interest in each other in simple little ways. In one scene they are given breakfast in bed. Andrew is pleasantly surprised when his boss serves him. As it has always been he who has catered to her needs.
Reynolds is a great comedian and has always been able to deliver a joke with great aplomb. He can make simple lines funnier than they deserve to be. "Actually I picked up on all her little hints. This woman is about as subtle as a gun." However, his dramatic skills just are not there. He is a blank slate when confronted by his father. Bullock upstages him in the scene where he asks her to marry him, for real, "Margaret, will you marry me. Because I'd like to date you." Her eyes are red and she looks very emotional, while Ryan is again not registering.
The Proposal is about as original as a sitcom plot, and a few jokes get dragged out, like when she is holding the dog in the yard, or the guy who seems to have half the jobs in town. Still, Reynolds and Bullock keep it afloat by delivering enough jokes and giving their characters just enough heart to make us care.
