Great Cast Saves Improbable Plot

Rating: 7/10 (9 May 2010)

Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite actresses, falls somewhere between the brilliant, confident, wise-cracking Katherine Hepburn and the more vulnerable and lovable Doris Day in her role as a successful and ruthless businesswoman (Margaret) who coerces her wimpy male assistant (Andrew, played by Ryan Reynolds) into marrying her to prevent her deportation to Canada, an occurrence that would negatively affect her career. In order to accomplish this, they must both convince the U.S. immigration authorities and his family in Alaska that theirs is not a marriage of convenience.
The problems I have are with the main characters are: How does a sophisticated, well-heeled businesswoman does not know how to dress to take a boat ride, but shows up in a business suit? How does she not know how to pull the blinds to keep the sun out of her eyes? How is it that a seemingly meek and manipulated assistant turns out to be from a wealthy and supportive family; he certainly does not have to subject himself to the demands and blackmail of his boss! It was also a shame that the background scenes were not shot in Alaska; if they had, they would have been much more breathtaking and majestic. If you can overlook these inconsistencies, "The Proposal" is fun and entertaining, thanks to the spot-on acting by the superb cast, including Bullock, Reynolds, Betty White, Mary Steenburgen and Craig T. Nelson.
Funniest scenes: The misreading by Grace and Grandma Annie of what is happening with Margaret, the eagle, the dog and the cell phone; Margaret and the male stripper.
My advice is to ignore the silly script and just enjoy the actors' witty performances.