‘The Proposal’ may follow the formula, but it’s still great

A scene from 'The Proposal' (C) Touchstone/Walt Disney Studios

Romantic comedies, like nearly every film in the horror genre, have a small playing field and a list of guidelines in which to play from. Here’s a list of some of those guidelines:

1. You must have an “airport scene.” You know, where the guy sprints to the airport to declare his love before it’s too late? If you can’t have an airport scene, you must have some kind of a chase with the guy (it’s always a dude) chasing the gal on foot while she is in a fast-moving 40-ton vehicle.
2. The story must focus on a guy who must either be a hardcore philanderer that is afraid of real love/commitment, or on a nasty woman who fills the large void where her personal life should be, with her career. The two are interchangeable…but not usually.
3. The kiss that changes everything.
4. The female lead must leave the friendly confines of home and visit an environment outside of her comfort zone with hilarious consequences.

It’s no surprise that The Proposal has not only read the holy book of Rom-Com, but has put its teachings into practice. As it reads in Sandra 6:2, “…and Hugh Grant said to thee, ‘The mirth of feel-goodery and wacky setups shall bring the audience together, united in laughter with guffaws for even the most ardent cynic.’ ”

Amen.

You can tell by the pulled-back hair, the tight pencil skirt and stiletto heels, that Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a career-minded business woman. The high-powered Managing Editor of a highly-regarded New York City book firm, Margaret is not only respected by her subordinates but feared and even occasionally loathed. Her office staff, scared of being caught idle, communicates her whereabouts through IM and hesitates to walk past her door to avoid incurring her wrath. She’s assisted by (he’s not a secretary!) Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), her faithful man-servant and walking PDA. Andrew is faulted with the kind of work ethic that companies love: unquestioning, loyal, non-argumentative and, well, a lap dog. When not taking calls for Ms. Tate, he dreams of becoming an editor and published writer within the firm. He’s willing to pay a lot of dues to get there, including working weekends on short notice and late, late nights on a whim.

Despite Margaret’s tough facade, she has one weakness: she’s Canadian. With her work visa about to expire, Ms. Tate abuses her power by blackmailing young Andrew into marrying her so she can not only stay in the U.S. of A., but continue working for her U.S.-based company.

With her work visa about to expire, Ms. Tate abuses her power by blackmailing young Andrew into marrying her so she can she, not only stay in the U.S. of A., but working for her U.S. based company.

What can a guy do? Say no? As if!

The plan is hatched and Andrew even works out a quid pro quo to finally land his editing job and get his manuscript published. The proposal (wink) seems in perfect order…until they visit Andrew’s folks in Alaska. It’s a fun-filled weekend in celebration of Gammy’s (Betty White) birthday but the festivities are cut short when Andrew’s parents (played by Mary Steenburgen and Craig T. Nelson) ask that the newly engaged couple marry that weekend. Under the hot pursuit of an U.S. Immigration officer (Denis O’Hare), Andrew and Margaret are not feeling so great about conniving everyone…just in time to fall in love.

Written by newcomer Pete Chiarelli, The Proposal is a surprisingly witty affair. With laughs throughout the film, director and long-time choreographer Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses) has the great fortune of working with a fantastic cast. Nobody plays Ryan Reynolds better than Ryan Reynolds. Charming, witty and entertaining without making his characters a vexing experience, Reynolds easily makes this film a fun time for both parties of your date. Sandra Bullock is everything you’ve come to expect from her performances in this genre and does not disappoint, that is, if you are a fan of this genre. But for all the romanticism and predictability of this movie, the most memorable performance is that of Betty White as the slightly bizarre grandmother. She is hilarious and most of the film’s funniest moments are the result of her stealing scenes. Though, that’s what grandmas in comedies are supposed to do.

No, there’s nothing groundbreaking or even remotely new in The Proposal. But don’t hold that against it.

Share

Author Bio: Erik Buckman is the Managing Editor of Reelloop.com. He likes movies. And rainbows. Maybe sunshine. Follow him on Twitter.