Sandra Bullock returns to basics with a little edge and heck its just fun

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2010)

Nearly every review I read on The Proposal had the same statements and I agreed all around. It wasn't going to blow any minds, or win any acting awards but it was exactly what you expected when you walked in. Classic romantic comedy gal Sandra Bullock goes back to her roots and delivers a cute, funny rom-com and the only difference between this and some of her previous successful romantic comedies is that The Proposal has just a little more edge. Perhaps gives a more adult twist to her family friendly comedies with a little more raunchy humor which was necessary to go up against 2009 comedies like The Hangover. The film isn't trying to blow you away with anything but rather giving you two great stars with incredible comedic timing and personality and delivering a fun, cute adventure that you will enjoy and could watch any time. From slapstick one liners to some really terrific physical comedy the cast is incredibly well put together and just a clever slick little movie. Some terrific cameos round out what is easily a cast that works together and shines by playing off each other in the most perfect way.
Sandra Bullock has had ups and downs like any other but ultimately she is a star and 2009 was absolutely her year with this smash success and of course the success of The Blind Side. (I'm gracefully side stepping All About Steve---although I haven't had the pleasure yet.) Bullock demonstrates what made her an absolute star in The Proposal. She's versatile, funny, incredibly charismatic and can be a lady and a little raw at the same time. Ryan Reynolds is equally as versatile. He has done drama, action, horror, and of course comedy and he happens to be the perfect combination to Bullock despite their twelve years age difference. He is also one of the most charismatic young stars in Hollywood. They are truly the stars of the film but the supporting cast is a who's who of character actors who are as fun and charismatic as the leads. Mary Steenburgen (an amazing comedienne) and Craig T. Nelson who is always amazing. The amazing Betty White as Grandma Annie is sadly and almost surprisingly underused but her one liners as always are impeccable.
I think women directors always have a special flare when it comes to romantic comedies. And I don't mean to say they make it more like a chick-flick but rather have a knack for telling a story with the characters. Looking at the resume of director Anne Fletcher and you'd think she could write just about anything. The woman has worked on everything from amazing comedy classics like 40 Year Old Virgin to choreography on Catwoman. She obviously enjoys a good story as much as anyone seeing this film. Although her directing resume is fairly new this film will prove her chops. So the moral of my review and most others is The Proposal is the absolutely perfect movie to drop down and just relax for two hours and you'll laugh and just really have a good time. It is the ultimate date movie and anyone who finds something to complain about means they expected more than what it offers. 8/10