Cute comedy, maybe predictable but so what?

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2009)

Bullock does comedy very well, not just because she is a good actress but also because she is believable as a decent human being - contrary to Jennifer Lopez, just to mention the first name which came to mind -. This is the only problem with this movie. It is hard to buy Bullocks as a bitch, exactly because she is inherently good. However, the movie works out fine. Her leading man, Ryan Reynolds, is also quite good in a part that could easily fall into slippery territory. Unfortunately, he is a bit too young for Bullock and no real chemistry is detectable, but the pair still looks good together. The plot is easily said: Canadian boss needs to marry American citizen in order not to be deported. Being an unpleasant person, our girl Bullock does not have any man handy, so she has to ask her secretary. Forced to meet his family she falls for them. Very much along the "When you were sleeping" lines (another movie where Bullock falls the family), but then again, what is wrong with that? We all need to belong, and the Bullock character was cut off from family relations for too long. She needed to build a hard exterior to protect herself and naturally enough, once back in touch with a softer environment she melts. It may be boring and predictable, but also very human and the stuff life is (or should) made of. Regardless of what the cynic might think.