The Proposal

Although filmmaker Anne Fletcher's romcom The Proposal is both derivative and contrived, it benefits from the solid chemistry between costars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Bullock plays Maggie, a ruthless, cold-hearted, Canadian-born book editor facing deportation from America due to a visa snafu. In an unabashed attempt at fraud, Maggie claims she's engaged to her long-suffering assistant, Drew (Reynolds), who agrees to further the deception in exchange for a promotion. Fooling immigration officials requires putting on an elaborate act, which results in Drew taking bright-lights-big-city girl Maggie to his small Alaska hometown for a weekend meeting with family members (Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Betty White). As you might guess, The Proposal revolves around hardboiled career woman Maggie's gradual softening and ultimate embrace of a lifestyle that puts family ahead of work, while Drew comes to realize that—after three years of hating his boss—he really loves Maggie. It's an absurd premise that only somewhat works because Bullock and Reynolds play off each other so well. In fact, the entire cast is excellent, right down to Denis O'Hare as the skeptical INS agent and Malin Akerman as Drew's old girlfriend. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Anne Fletcher and writer Peter Chiarelli, an alternate ending (7 min.), outtakes (7 min.), deleted scenes (6 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are additional deleted scenes and a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a so-so romcom.] (E. Hulse)