THE PROPOSAL

rated PG13

ART--->**
HEART->***
MIND-->*
FUN--->***1/2

Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is the ice queen boss of Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), her executive assistant. Upon learning she is about to be deported back to Canada, Margaret convinces Andrew to marry her so she can stay in the country and he can get a promotion. They travel to meet with his family in Alaska, to surprise everyone with their engagement. Will this business deal work out? Will they actually fall in love? Or will one of them be left standing at the altar?

This movie is (mostly) delightful, with winning performances by both Bullock and Reynolds. Their reactions are believable and funny, with the perfect amount of love/hate/sexual tension that are the proving grounds for the best romantic comedies. Add the wish-fulfillment fantasy of getting back at your boss for everything they've done to you, and you've got an enjoyable mix that just about everybody can relate to.

But, there are some minor speed bumps along the way.

The story gets off track in a couple places. The women in Andrew's family bring Maragret to the (I believe now obligatory) pre-wedding strip bar, where everyone but her is having a great time. Thankfully the guy in this scene is unattractive, and goofy gross, so Margaret's reaction of disgust is fitting and understandable. Still, this scene, while uncomfortably funny is inappropriate and unnecessary.

There is also a filler tangent where Margaret is biking in the woods and stumbles across Andrew's grandmother (Betty White) doing some generic Native American dancing ritual. Margaret joins in and does some kind of funny/sleazy dancing and singing to urban music that references certain body parts. Again, slightly humorous but this could have been left out.

Speaking of body parts, Bullock does one comic scene completely naked (she's barely covered by her arms)! Now, she is beautiful, and *ahem* in shape, but to say this is overexposure is to put it lightly. I guess Sandra Bullock wants us to know that she's held up over the years since we first met her in "Speed" way back in 1994. Then of course, Reynolds gets in the buff, and they accidentally run into each other and fall on the floor. They're both attractive and hilarious so this works for the scene, but it definitely pushes the boundaries of the PG13 rating.

A subtle, yet telling choice in this movie is the use of the aforementioned goofy gross stripper guy as the officiator of Andrew and Margaret's wedding. Now I know, I know, the whole plot of the movie is that this marriage is a sham so I shouldn't take this so seriously. And sure, that character only exists for comic relief.

spacespacespacespacespacespacespace

But think about it.

The only religious reference in the film is Betty White doing some Indian chant-dance. And then, once it's apparent Andrew really has feelings for Margaret, the "pastor" at their wedding is a seedy stripper guy. This ultimately, yet indirectly, belittles the wedding ceremony and sanctity of marriage. And it should not be so quickly discounted.

The filmmakers should however be given props for striving to achieve credibility. Plot devices like getting married to prevent deportation can be treated lightly in movies like this, but the threat from INS is realistic. There are familiar and honest family tensions. And if you're preparing for the convenient and expected culmination of a Hollywood wedding, you might be surprised. There is a lot of heart in this movie, and real consideration for the feeling and dignity of family and friends.

In the end, "The Proposal" is winning, funny, and a wonderful date movie. Just watch out for those speed bumps.

RECOMMENDED (not for kids)