Movie Review: The Proposal – Worth Declining

By Lynda Nguyen
Staff Writer

Say no to The Proposal, a brainless comedy with a hackneyed plot. Does anyone remember Gerard Depardieu's Green Card? Reverse gender roles in the latter movie, cast Sandra Bullock as a type-A personality, workaholic boss and Ryan Reynolds as her secretary, and you have the essence of The Proposal.

The movie explores the evolving feelings between Margaret, the boss and Andrew, her secretary. The two are initially thrown into a bogus marriage of convenience but eventually develop bona fide feelings for each other. This plot is enshrouded with sexual humor and ridiculous scenarios meant to be comical but which rather come off as absurd. For example, in one scene the future-in-laws' dog is almost snatched by a bird; however, Margaret exchanges the dog for her cellphone.

The movie also attempts to evoke humor from the stereotype-shattering situation of a professional Canadian struggling with immigration issues. There are offhand jokes made about immigrants throughout the movie.

In another painfully long scene, Margaret and Andrew fib their way through describing how the marriage proposal took place. Unless one is smitten blind by either actor's charm, one cannot avoid noticing the triteness of the material. When the movie is not prosaic, it is bawdy. Two examples include a highly contrived, accidental full-frontal nude collision between the two protagonists and a bachelorette trip to see a male exotic dancer. I can count on one hand the number of times the audience or I laughed out loud.

The death sentence came after the faux wedding plans fell apart. What follows is an unrealistic, highly public reunion at the office. Furthermore, as the credits roll, the final bit involves a second interview to verify the validity of the marriage. Interspersed in these final moments are more gibes at immigrants and raunchy humor. The only merits of the movie that I could identify were Betty White's charming portrayal of Grandma Annie and the rapport between the two lead characters.

This movie is appropriate for a casual date night, but don't expect more than a frivolous film.