Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2009)

I was prepared to dismiss "The Proposal" as just another mildly entertaining, "formula" romantic comedy. I confess I completely underestimated this film. We saw this in a week-early pre-release screening. Even a week before release the buzz must have been good since the theater was sold out to the last seat. I swear everyone there was rolling in the aisles for the entire film. Bullock and Reynolds have great chemistry and both have pitch-perfect timing. They're supported by an incredible cast that includes Mary Steenburgen, Graig T. Nelson and Betty White. White, in particular, is a crack-up as the feisty 90-year-old Grandma Annie.
This is not one of those exasperating comedies that uses up its four good jokes in its trailer. I've seen some commentary describing this as a cross between "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Green Card". That is a fair description of the plot but it does this film a disservice. "The Proposal" is very much more than that. The writing here manages to be both wicked-smart and belly-laugh funny and the entire cast sells it in every scene. These guys really hit this one out of the park! A nearly perfect film! 10+ **Stay for the credits, by the way.**