gil 588096:

3.5 stars. Pairing up Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock in the latest formulaic romantic comedy was a stroke of near genius. Somehow the two brought out the best in one another. Bullock plays Margaret Tate, a hard-nosed Canadian publishing executive who has been working in NYC for years. Suddenly she is at risk of being deported from the United States due to an expired Visa, so she instantaneously fakes a serious relationship with her handsome secretary of three years, Andrew Paxton, played by Reynolds. When the whole thing looks suspiciously like a ruse to the INS agent, the couple is forced to fly to Sitka, Alaska, Andrew's hometown, to celebrate Andrew's grandmother's (Betty White) 90th birthday. From there, hilarity ensues in the form of misunderstandings, strained parental relationships (Mary Steenburgen and Craig T. Nelson), boating mishaps, a former girlfriend (pretty, blonde Malin Akerman), embarrassing situations, naked collisions where the viewer gets a glimpse of Bullock's sensational 44-year-old body, and an adorable white dog who is snatched away by a hawk. It's all done in good, "clean" fun and I actually cried near the end. Bullock expertly plays the strong, independent woman who needs some loving and Reynolds' Andrew is just the right combination of tenderness, understanding and strength. This is definitely a mindless chick-flick, but if you're in the right mood, a very satisfying one indeed. 10-23-09

alpha309:

Under past circumstances I would have reviewed this film, but when NetIix implemented the new page detail design they removed friends' ratings, top 10 lists and the ability to send movie notes, along with several other useful features. This made it very difficult for me to find films that I believe that I would enjoy, as well as harder to suggest high quality films to other users. If you are reading this, please call NetfIix at 1-866-716-0414 and ask them to give us the very useful community features back. When this is done I will replace with with my actual movie review that can be located by going to the NefIix blog, followed by going to the community forums on Ning, and then checking out my profile there. I apologize for this non-review and hope that you understand.

mabell3368:

A disappointing rom-com that stuck to the formula and failed to cover any new ground. Sandra Bullock, looking very beautiful indeed, returned to her roots and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dull bit of fluff. There were some real laughs here, but too few and too far apart. The inimitable Betty White was a scene stealer, and that is not necessarily a good thing. This viewer found her character annoying and a bit over the top, detracting from my enjoyment of the movie. The Alaskan scenery was austere and quite beautiful and the rest of the supporting cast was adequate, but only just. Disappointing on balance mostly because I expected better.

Jeremy Thomas:

I am as surprised as anyone to see how much I enjoyed The Proposal, a movie that takes a tired concept and manages to inject life into it based on the strength of its cast. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds conjure up a chemistry that allows the movie to carry through on their able shoulders and the supporting cast is quite good, especially Betty White. Despite some scenes that don't work and times when the "been there, seen that" feel start to seep in, Anne Fletcher's third directorial effort manages to rise above the low bar set by most romantic comedies to be an easy hour and forty-eight minute experience to sit through.

ykf 483620:

Are you in the market for a really funny romantic comedy that may have a slightly worn concept, but makes up for with an exceptional cast and endearing script? Well... step right up, I have the movie for you. The Proposal is to romantic comedy what a 90mph fastball down the middle is to baseball. It's what is expected... and I have to say I thought this was a very fun movie. The story is about a mean boss (Bullock) and her put upon assistant (Reynolds). When the boss finds out that she's being deported (she's Canadian), she hatches a plan to have her assistant marry her... and then because of a diligent immigration officer, they end up in Alaska visiting his family and planning their impromptu wedding. Real world plausible? No. Movie plausible? Yes. This movie has just enough pace and solid acting to make it like cotton candy. It's a delicious treat that serves no other purpose. Bullock is charming as always in her role as the boss and Reynolds nails the part of the leading man. I hope this finally moves him into the A-list category for leading men because he is really talented. And they have a great supporting cast in Betty White, Steenburgen and Nelson. The bottom line is that this will be a perfect date movie or a movie to just enjoy on a lazy afternoon. I recommend it to all.

moviesorfilm:

Not my usual favorite genre but this was really entertaining and well scripted for a formulaic romantic comedy. This is the type of movie that really works best for Bullock although seeing her in the beginning of the movie as a tyrannical executive was a bit off-putting. The story of Andrew (Reynolds) trying to save his boss Margaret (Bullock) was refreshing as they traveled to Alaska to meet his family. While the ending was going to be obvious, it was handled well and had a really good cast. Nelson and Steenburgen, Reynolds and Bullock all were so watchable together--a lot of chemistry. I pretty much smiled throughout the last half of the movie (thanks to Betty White) and was highly entertained. Very much recommended, especially since this is on IW.

AtTheBeach:

"The Proposal" is predictable but worth seeing. Sandra Bullock plays a bitchy boss with a problem--and she knows her assistant, played by Ryan Reynolds, will go along with her scheme because she can offer him a promotion he wants badly. The two people do not like each other but, after a weekend in Alaska with his family, they have a change of heart. While the movie is predictable, it has a happy ending, the acting is good and the humor is genuine and sprinkled throughout. It moves quickly; it stays entertaining; and it satisfies its objectives of being entertaining, funny, and worth watching. This is one of the better romantic comedies.

Firewater:

THE PROPOSAL is average romantic comedy fare at best, elevated only by the obvious appeal of both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, as well as a wonderful supporting cast in Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen and Betty White. I could go almost four stars on this one but for a story that gets increasingly silly and unbelievable. Still worth a watch. [01-07-2010]

Andsav:

A charming, sweet, and funny story that although a bit cliche and predictable is nonetheless a riot to watch. Bullock and Reynold really shine in this movie. The age difference was a minor thing that I hardly noticed. I caught myself smiling like an idiot throughout the entire movie. The "collision" scene was awkward but brilliant, although the eagle scene was perhaps a little extreme. Margaret's growth was fun to watch. She wasn't the predictable coldhearted, uptight boss, there was some back-story to explain it. My biggest annoyance was how they simply glossed over the issue between Andrew and his father. That part could have been dealt with in a better way. Overall fun, better than expected movie. Very enjoyable, gotta love Betty White!

ENPIV:

Sandra Bullock is a bitchy career woman and Ryan Reynolds is her long suffering assistant. Bullock gets into legal trouble which can only be solved by marrying an American citizen (even though in reality that no longer keeps you from being deported). So Bullock bribes Reynolds to marry her and they take off to his parents home in Alaska to convince everyone the relationship is real. You might think the outcome is obvious from that setup, but there is actually enough uncertainty to keep it interesting. Reynolds is his usual dryly sarcastic self, and Bullock does well in a very typical 'fish out of water' role. Its a three star RomCom elevated by the cast and some good laughs. Highly recommended. As a side note, Reynolds is actually Canadian and Bullock American, so the switch must have been amusing for them.

Greg House:

I gave this movie four stars because I really enjoyed Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Not because I really liked the movie. The plot was weak. Sandra and Ryan had really terriffic chemistry and both are talented enough actors that they would be enjoyable to watch in most any project.

tntbaker1:

Very good romantic comedy. Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock nailed their parts. Very funny, the wife and I laughed several times. Did not have high expectations on this going in but was pleasantly surprised. Worth a viewing/rental.

Bimplebean:

Predictable, of course A rom-com won't work if it doesn't follow formula. What does NOT work in this film is the comedy. It falls flat, and is always telegraphed by pizzicato strings, somehow trying to tell you "this is the funny part" when in fact it's not. The film only gets good when it gets serious. When the two characters begin to realize they have feelings for each other and begin to make sacrifices, only then does the film find it's heart. The acting and emotion only come through truly at this point -- the failed attempts at comedy sabotage the movie.

SuperShortReview:

A better than average romantic comedy that manages to hit all the notes required by the genre without feeling stale or contrived, mainly due to Bullock's spunkiness and Reynolds' acerbic wit.

Jeff in Durham:

I hate romantic comedies but I really enjoyed this. Good story, good actors, and best of all, Betty White! Rent this.

batman1784:

Again Ryan Reynolds is hilarious in this film. Sandra Bullock plays a moody boss of a book editing company. Ryan is her assistant that will do anything for her just to get to the top. But when the company finds out that she is not a citizen of the United States she will be deported back to Canada for a year. She gets this great idea that she is engaged to her assistant and they have been keeping hush. He goes along with it, making a deal he will be chief editor after they get married and then shortly later devorce. When immigrations thinks this is a fraud they have to complete a test about each other, personal questions. So they take a trip to Ryan's family home in Alaska. Very funny movie, not just Ryan but also Sandra. Betty White from the Golden Girls stars as the "holds nothing back" grandmother.

Manx203:

Loved it! I'm a big Sandra Bullock fan. Betty White was awesome. This is 'nice' movie that you can get lost in and laugh along with. Well worth renting even if it's just to see Betty in the extras.

WideStance:

Look, there aren't a lot of fresh ideas in this new romantic comedy and it's really not that great but both leads are sufficiently appealing (even though I swear they lack any distinguishable chemistry) Betty White and Oscar Nunez are funny as hell, and at least nobody sings Mowtown songs into a hairbrush. So it's enjoyable enough--especially if you time your bathroom trip or popcorn refill to a scene about midway through where Betty White (in cringe-worthy Native American garb) and Sandra Bullock dance in the forest. Oh, to have that particular 2 or 3 minutes of my life back.

Buckemdown:

This movie is charmingly funny. It was nice to see Sandra B play a different rolse. I laughed through the whole movie. Verry funny

simplygreg:

Reynolds brings the smarmy cluelessness and Bullock is all cute and slapsticky. Comfortably pleasant, like a decent 80's cover band or finding a good deal on a t-shirt at the Gap.

cartman2:

OMG! Despite the fact that this may look to be you average chick flick, this was one of the most funniest movies that I have seen in ages. Everyone in the theater was laughing so dang hard. The entire cast was just outstanding especially Sandra Bullock and Betty White. I lmao all the way through this one. So if you need a good laugh then this certainly the movie for you.

PD 415239:

Spoilers! - I like Sandra Bullock as an actress. I hope that her recent Academy Award will lead to some juicier roles for her, because this one is a dog. The movie starts by immediately shooting itself in the foot. The premise is that Bullock's character, an iron-fisted book publisher has forgotten to file the correct immigration paperwork and is about to be deported to Canada; unless she marries some dupe. Enter her tireless assistant, Reynolds, an eligible bachelor. Reynolds is supposed to cross every T and dot every I for his boss both professionally and personally, but somehow this important paperwork slipped through the cracks? Believable? NO. The rest of the movie is just as awkward and predictable. Most of the standout scenes; Bullock accidentally ending up on top of Reynolds while both are naked, Bullock falling overboard, Bullock dancing with Betty White, are so stiff and clumsy that you'd think they were shot by a first year film school student, If you are a Bullock fan, you might find this one mildly entertaining. Anyone else will be disappointed.

Rick Online:

This would of been the perfect movie for Sarah Palin to make a cameo as a waitress at the Strip Club. A very funny movie and a wonderful performance by Betty White. My dogs barked constantly during the naked bedroom scene because of the barking little dog in the movie. Really cute and highly recommended. 04/18/10

late nights:

Great Cast! Sandra & Ryan make a good couple. Betty White is ever so amazing. Very Witty and endearing at the same time. You want these two to work it out.

Redder64:

Under normal circumstances I might review this DVD, but when NF implemented the new page detail design they removed friends ratings, top 10 lists and the ability to send movie notes. That made it harder for me and others to find movies we will like. If you are reading this, please call NetfIix and ask them to give us the community features back. I apologize for this non-review.

Goldwin:

This movie has no (like in not one) redeeming qualitiy. It didn't make me smile once much less laugh, and I'm a sucker for romance and comedy. Save 2 hours of your life for something else, this is a waste of time. I'm amazed that Roger Ebert gave it a positive review. He and I so rarely disagree.