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Release Date: October 13, 2009
Rating: PG-13, Bonus Features Not Rated
Run time: 108 minutes (2 Discs, including Digital Copy)
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds match comedic wits as the ultimate odd couple in the year’s most hilarious and offbeat love story. Not to mention Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers), Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”), Malin Ackerman (Watchmen), Oscar Nunez (“The Office”), and a scene-stealing Betty White (“Golden Girls”) rounding out one of the funniest casts in recent memory. Will you say yes, to The Proposal?!
Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) terrorizes her publishing house co-workers with her abrasive, take-no-prisoners management style, especially her overworked assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). But when Margaret is threatened with deportation to her native Canada because of an immigration technicality, the quick-thinking exec announces that she and Andrew are engaged to be married. Ambitious Andrew agrees to go along with her scheme—if there’s a long-awaited promotion in it for him. Everything is going according to Margaret’s plan, until an overzealous immigration official makes it his business to prove that the couple’s engagement is bogus. To demonstrate her commitment to her new fiancé, Margaret agrees to celebrate the 90th birthday of his colorful grandmother (Betty White) — in Alaska. The editrix’s type-A ways put her at odds with her eccentric future in-laws with hilarious consequences, until the Paxtons teach Margaret a thing or two about family.
The Proposal is an enjoyable romantic comedy featuring Sandra as a no-nonsense publishing executive which is a refreshing yet awkward change from her past roles and Ryan Reynolds who constantly brings the funny, moreso with his facial expressions than his lines. This movie has more comedy than romance, so by no means is this just another chick flick. The chemistry between Sandra and Ryan is strong however the realization of their characters' love for each other while predictable, still developed too quickly. Mary Steenburgen and Craig T. Nelson make a great couple as mom and dad of Ryan's character, Andrew. Oscar Nuñez (The Office) and the divine Betty White bring most of the funny in the film. Overall, the film is charming, quite enjoyable, and even provides beautiful shots of Sitka, Alaska throughout.
DVD Bonus Features:
Alternate Ending - With Niecy Nash having a major role in the alternate ending, this is by far the most hilarious ending there is for the film. Although the romance is lost in this ending, which is why it was not the final choice. In the commentary for this, director, Anne Fletcher talks about the original ending, audience reactions, and Sandra's injury on set. I enjoyed watching the alternate ending and then watching it again with commentary. Commentary always helps understand the film better and this did just that.
Deleted Scenes - There were only 2 deleted scenes, "Phone Message" and "Walk & Talk." While both scenes are enjoyable, when watching the deleted scenes again with the Commentary on featuring director, Anne Fletcher and screenwriter, Peter Chiarelli...viewers will most likely agree with Anne that it was stronger finding out how Andrew's father found out about Maggie and Andrew without showing it. As for the second deleted scene, the writers and producers voted on this one and it did not make the cut! I enjoyed both of these scenes and would have been fine with them making the final cut but watch for yourself to determine your thoughts on these scenes.
Set Antics: Outtakes and Other Absurdities From The Proposal - This feature is fun to watch as viewers will see everything from Oscar Nunez dancing with Betty White, Oscar & Sandra Bullock talking about the stripper scene, Aasif Mandvi talking to the camera sometimes with members of the cast and even laughing at Sandra tripping on set, and behind the scenes outtakes and more with the entire cast although of course mainly featuring Ryan & Sandra. This feature was a nice length and fans will not be disappointed.
Commentary - The commentary included director, Anne Fletcher and writer, Peter Chiarelli and was so much fun to listen to while watching. Viewers will find out so much more about the film, many fun tidbits and others quite interesting...including how the Publishing Office was shot on location for the scenes in the beginning of the film, but were then built from the bottom up on a stage in LA for scenes at the end. Peter talked about how Sandra's character was originally going to be faced with the conflict of going back to Canada, which many will be grateful that original decision was axed. Anne does the majority of the talking in the commentary but a lot was learned from the both of them about this film...from how the setting if Sitka, Alaska was chosen, to the film being set over 4 days, to choosing Andrew's parents' house, and more. Fans of the film will definitely enjoy this commentary, there is so much said, you will not be disappointed.
The Proposal releases on Blu-ray and DVD October 13, 2009.
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