Just say yes to this ‘Proposal’

A well-timed release of a romantic comedy can produce an unexpected hit when the public grows tired of the usual summer offerings of gross-out comedies and special effects-laden science fiction films.

Such seems to be the case with “The Proposal,” which is currently the No. 1 movie in the country. Surprising even Touchstone and Disney — the studio and distributor, respectively — “The Proposal” in its first weekend made more than $33 million at the box office and gave star Sandra Bullock her biggest opening ever.

Bullock stars as Margaret Tate, a ruthless publishing executive so hated by her staff that a message simply saying “it’s here” circulates on the office computer screens when she arrives in the morning. Receiving the brunt of her mistreatment is her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). By dangling the possibility of promotion to editor over Andrew’s head, Margaret is able to run him ragged and have him basically give up his life for the firm.

Things change, however, when Margaret is told her work visa has been denied and she is going to be deported to her native Canada. Her corporate bosses tell her she has to stay out of the country for at least a year, which will effectively end her employment. Out of desperation, she tells the executives that she and Andrew are engaged and will soon be married, which will allow her to stay in the country.

Immediately seizing the upper hand, Andrew insists Margaret accompany him to his grandmother’s 90th birthday party in Sitka, Alaska, a trip he had canceled due to being made to work over the weekend.

Andrew and Margaret are immediately forced to pretend they are newlyweds in front of his close-knit family. Andrew’s parents (Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen) are shocked at this development, as their son always portrayed his boss as a monster. The grandmother (Betty White) is much more enthusiastic about the union, as she knows the path of true love can take many twists and turns.

As with most romantic comedies, the relationship goes from mutual loathing to deep love in a matter of days. The couple goes right on battling in private while trying to present a vision of love and devotion to Andrew’s family and the dogged immigration official (Denis O’Hare). Naturally, this results in many comical moments for all members of the fine cast.

Ultimately, the entire enterprise rests on the shoulders of the actors portraying the couple. Bullock and Reynolds are both attractive and likable and seem to have good chemistry. They are both fine comic actors and really work to make the most of each gag and pratfall.

Interestingly, Bullock (44) and Reynolds (32) are mismatched in the usual Hollywood sense, as most often the male star is older. However, Bullock is still a youthful-looking beauty, and Reynolds’ attraction to her is realistic.

Special mention should be made of White, a real-life 87-year-old playing her age plus three years. White steals every scene she is in while doing her patented slightly daft but lovable shtick.

“The Proposal” is really just a bit of fluff, but it is sweet-natured, funny and fun to look at for both the principal actors and the beautiful Alaskan scenery. This film delivers just what is expected — and apparently, for many people, that is enough.

VAN NOVACK is the assistant vice president of institutional research and assessment at Cal State Long Beach and lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.