WIth films like Step-Up and 27 Dresses, director Anne Fletcher is no stranger when it comes to romantic comedies. And while some creators fall victim to the art of repetition, Fletcher has been able to keep things fresh, this time in the form of The Proposal, a romantic comedy about what all one will do when threatened with their career.
Starring two of Hollywood's most radiant stars, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the film opens with a Devil Wear Parada feel as employees scurry at the slight notion that their boss, Margaret Tate, has arrived. And even though everyone in the audience knows that the hard outer shell of Tate will be withered by her charming assistant Andrew Paxton, this opening sequence generates laughs and drama, all within the same breath .
Which leaves one to wonder: Just what makes this film so good?
Though there are numerous ways to answer this question, I feel that two merit a look. For one, the story. Though somewhat stereotypical for the genre, the story plays out like the most pristine orchestra; the notes all falling into place as emotions run high and chemistry just happens. There is no way to fully explain how that moment is reached, but what is known is its overall effect on the film. Bullock and Reynolds mesh fluidly, serving as an addicting couple that appears more ordinary than any other onscreen couple this year.
Secondly, I cannot critique the film without shining some light on the evenly balanced assets of comedy and romance. Many films, for fear of not pleasing the male crowd, overdo the laughs and make for a long series of awkward situations. Thankfully, during the course of the film, romance serves as the main course, with the slight interlacing of witty humor. The effect drastically influenced my impression on the film as I became intrigued with the growing relationship between our two leads.
But even with all its perks, The Proposal was not perfect. Near the end, with the conclusion foreseen and unavoidable, the story began to drag, not wanting to wrap things up and send us on our way. As a result, the final minutes might prove to be a little over-the-top for some, especially the males. But none the less, the film shocked me with its overall appeal, making it the ideal date movie that will actually entertain both parties!
