More than you would expect in a romcom with a rehashed plot.

Rating: 7/10 (22 June 2009)

The Romcom is a genre that becomes increasingly easy to craft, but as the years go on, it's a genre that is liked less and less by critics of all ages. Unlike the genres of action, sci-fi, and even comedy, the amount of ideas for a romantic comedy become quite limited. You can only find so many ways to make people fall in love before you realize you've seen it before. In recent years, romantic comedies rely much more on star power and chemistry rather than storytelling; since the story is probably something done before in dozens of other movies, romantic novels, television productions, plays, musicals, etc.
In this decade, the most lucrative romcom hits emerge because of the main actors and their interacting with each other. Movies like Hitch, What Women Want, He's Just Not That Into You, Sex and the City, Knocked Up, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days used big stars, big names, and lavish productions for successful profiting. The Proposal does the same exact thing: they took a story we all know (and females love) and pitch it with two likable, bankable, and attractive stars. Add a dosage of beautiful scenery, strong supporting staff, and cute animals, and viola, there's a hit arriving. Yet, for the second time this year, we have a repetitive plot being saved by delightful performances. Just like He's Just Not That into You, it's a predictable ride, but an unexpectedly fun one.
The Proposal is about a stern, cynical, and seemingly heartless boss (Sandra Bullock as Margaret) blackmailing her young and hard-working assistant (Ryan Reynolds as Andrew) to marrying her to avoid being deported. In order to prove to immigration that they are indeed going to marry and it's not a ploy, the new couple heads to Alaska to meet Andrew's loving family. Throughout the trip, the fake couple learns more about each other than expected; and as the plot twists and turns, sparks start appearing. Like I've said before, we've seen this tale before; it's not a groundbreaking tale that will change movie-making forever.
Instead, we rely solely on star power and the supporting cast. Despite the age difference (and the movie experience difference), Reynolds and Bullock have a nice bit of chemistry together, and play off each other's tricks and subtle jabs perfectly. Bullock is very talented, but yet seems to have found a comfortable groove in these romantic comedies, and it is quite frustrating considering her performances in Speed and 28 Days. Reynolds proves that he can mold into different types of roles, as he was a comic book character just a few weeks before this movie's release. Check out the star power behind the support that was not advertised: Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Betty White, Malin Akerman.
Yes, the clichés are present, yes left-field moments do occur (and since when do they not in romantic comedies?), and yes, you can predict where the story goes. Fortunately for us, Disney (in its marketing), and the director Anne Fletcher does a fantastic job hiding the surprises sprinkled throughout the 107 minutes. The surprises range from plot twists, to totally improvised moments in which you can't help but chuckle at the absurdness. Fletcher doesn't dazzle with clever shots or beautiful cinematography, but did do a fantastic job maintaining The Proposal in the PG-13 range with several scenes, especially concerning a nearly graphic yet hilarious moment that must have ruffled some feathers in the censorship department with the nudity involved.
Bottom Line: Once again, I am surprised by a chick flick, and can't help but actually recommend the film, even with the flaws attached. Star power, like in all the good romantic comedies of this decade, is what carries and drives this film away from mediocrity and keeps it afloat even whenever the movie drags the slightest bit. This isn't going to win awards or become analyzed for years to come, but it will improve any gloomy evening with its comedy, chemistry, and overall lovable personality. Loosely shut off the brain and memory of previous flicks, and you'll have a good time.