The Proposal is one of those summer chick flicks that sneaks in between two blockbusters, does a lot of $$$ and falls to oblivion when the next blockbuster comes along. The film stars Sandra Bullock as a ball busting book editor who is the manifestation of bitch on wheels. When she slights the government on her visa she is deported to Canada and can only stay in the country if she gets married to her assistant played by Ryan Reynolds. The film then follows the traditional path of two out of touch people pushed together in the most outlandish circumstances, all the while falling in love with each other. Yes, kids, we've seen it all before.But The Proposal is able to go beyond the usual formula by actually being funny at times, mainly through Ryan Reynolds smart ass comments that don't harken back to films like Green Card, but something a little more hipper. The chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock is also a nice aspect of the film that helps it rise above the usual schlock of this genre. And of course Betty White yelling "Slap his ass!" is worth the price of admission.
What films like this essentially represent are bargaining chips. Guys, your wife or girlfriend does not want to see Transformers or Inglorious Basterds with you. I'm sorry to drop that bombshell. But they will go with you so that you'll go with them to see this. I'm planning on snowballing this one into Scorsese's new picture this fall. Of course I'll always have the Twilight sequel to barter. I think that will be worth two.
