A Movie to cure the Valentine’s Day Blues

Every girl dreams about the time when her boyfriend gets on bended knee and pops the question.  All the scenarios are filled with flowers, giggles, and kisses. No girl dreams of the scenario that happens in “The Proposal,” directed by Anne Fletcher.

The movie starts out with Andrew Paxton, played by Ryan Reynolds, working as an assistant to Margaret Tate, editor of a big name publishing company in New York, played by Sandra Bullock. As many bosses can be, Margaret is domineering and sarcastic. Andrew puts up with her for the sake of his job and in hopes of being promoted to editor, but vents to his family about the boss he cannot stand. He comes to work thinking it will be just another ordinary day, when his boss starts to act overly nice with a huge favor to ask: will you marry me?

The plot turns around and you find out that Margaret’s visa has expired as she is originally from Canada. The only hope she has to keep her job and stay in the United States is to be married to a U.S. resident. Dangling the promotion above his head, Andrew hesitantly obliges and accepts her proposal. It is also perfect timing, as Gram’s, played by Betty White, 90th birthday is coming up and he is going back to Sitka, Alaska to celebrate with the whole family. What a better way to announce the engagement, right?  Both go from having a sarcastic, rude relationship to acting like they are in love. However, their acting isn’t good enough and Andrew’s father, played by Craig Nelson, is skeptical of the relationship and senses it’s a scheme from the beginning.

It gets even better when Andrew’s mom, Grace Paxton, played by Mary Steenburgen, proposes they get married on Gram’s birthday, which is in two days. The rest of the movie is spent in a whirlwind of action as Margaret and the rest of the ladies, one being Andrew’s ex girlfriend, spend all their time and energy getting a dress, preparing the food, and inviting guests for the wonderful knot tying.

I love this movie for its hilarity and actors. Bullock is one of my favorite actors, as she can play a diverse range of characters. Her personality and skill are a great mix for Reynolds’ expertise and charm. Both of them have a natural sarcastic sense of humor that when compiled, makes you laugh until your sides hurt.

Another great actor in the movie is the classy White. She definitely does not disappoint with her witty comments throughout the film, acting like a true elderly lady when she is a kid at heart, and showing her dance moves in a great campfire scene.

All in all, this movie is a great chick flick for the girls to watch together on a quiet Friday night. Even though the plot is predictable, the events in between will keep you laughing and on your toes. The talented actors and comical lines make for a movie worth watching and remembering.