Though it falls short of winning our hearts completely, The Proposal is a serviceable and intermittently funny romance made enjoyable by the sparks between Bullock and Reynolds.
Comment
06/18/09
The Proposal (2009)
43
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:176
Fresh:76
Rotten:100
Average Rating:5.3/10
Consensus: Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds exhibit plenty of chemistry, but they're let down by The Proposal’s devotion to formula.
Theatrical Release:22-07-2009
Synopsis: THE PROPOSAL could have been a strictly script-by-numbers affair, but hilarious performances by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds improve this romantic comedy. Publishing powerhouse Margaret Tate... [More]
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman, Craig T. Nelson
Director: Anne Fletcher
Reviews for The Proposal
And though Bullock and Reynolds have snappy chemistry to spare, their love affair stops just shy of being believable. There are too many awkward 'tender' moments and not enough vigor for a real romance.
06/18/09
Hinging on the far fetched premise that if you put two people with zero chemistry in a room together long enough, they'll inevitably fall in love with each other, the movie is stolen away by Oscar Nunez's multi-tasking paunchy male stripper grocery clerk.
06/18/09
Surprisingly charming and smartly executed.
06/18/09
Despite sparkling performances by Ryan Reynolds and Denis O'Hare, this derivative story has been made into too many movies not to be stale.
06/18/09
Never underestimate the pleasure of a sparkly screwball comedy - and a fluffy puppy.
06/18/09
Why a screenwriter would think hilarity would ensue from this premise is anybody’s guess.
06/18/09
Given the plot summary, you have to admit that anything better than 'I took my own life halfway through the screening' is impressive.
06/18/09
The problem is not the acting. The problem is what these actors are required to say and do.
06/18/09
At every turn where The Proposal could have seemingly gone in a less obvious direction, it just puts on the blinders and forges ahead with the cliches of this genre.
06/18/09
All this predictable, romantic/screwball comedy really has to do is supply us with a steady supply of laughs. And in that regard, the film succeeds.
06/18/09
Just looking at the poster for The Proposal, a by-the-numbers romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, tells you exactly how it's all gonna go down.
06/18/09
A romantic comedy so numbing it feels like Novocaine.
06/18/09
The setup is formula, but Bullock and Reynolds supply surprising fizz and kick.
06/18/09
Bullock and Reynolds play off each other with a real zing and zeal, but the narrative journeys down an avenue so formulaic the viewer's heart shatters at the very realization of it.
06/18/09
Sluggish when it should be scintillating and sappy where it should be sardonic, this romantic comedy winds up more softball than screwball.
06/18/09
Following 27 Dresses, this is the second high-concept, low-impact, wedding-themed comedy in 18 months for choreographer-turned-director Anne Fletcher. It might be time to move on.
06/18/09
Were it not for the jangly screwball energy ... The Proposal would be just another desperate attempt to jam as many winning formula elements into one graceless package as possible.
06/18/09
Though there's definitely an audience for the story's increasingly sunny sweetness, the film sparks to life pretty much only when the estimable duo of Bullock and Reynolds bickers.
06/18/09
It's been made according to the chapter in the box-office manual labeled "summer counter-programming."
06/18/09
Latest News for The Proposal
June 26, 2009:
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Time for the weekly update, folks. As always, thanks to everyone who has submitted reviews and helped contribute to the show. Every week, we continue to bring you a lively,... More...
June 22, 2009:
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This week, The Rotten Tomatoes Show will be looking at the movies that opened over the weekend, with help from you (the Rotten Tomatoes community), the Current TV community, and... More...
June 22, 2009:
Box office: Australia accepts Sandra's Proposal
Proof of the power of the cougar-com in this season of blockbuster action and low-brow man-movies, Sandra Bullock's The Proposal mirrored its US success and wooed Australian... More...
June 21, 2009:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: Audiences Can't Refuse Bullock's Proposal.
Sandra Bullock showed North America who's boss with her return to romantic comedy in The Proposal which gave the actress the biggest opening of her career and her first number... More...
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