The Proposal: Critic Reviews

The chemical energy between Bullock and Reynolds is fresh and irresistible.

Like most Hollywood romantic comedies these days, The Proposal is all about bringing a woman to her knees.

Sandra Bullock is teamed up with Ryan Reynolds, and each star's face has a waxy immobility that has nothing to do with Botox; the pure awfulness of the script has paralysed their facial muscles.

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.

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.

Why a screenwriter would think hilarity would ensue from this premise is anybody's guess.

You know every tinny beat and false note by heart, from the implausible setup to the sprint-to-the-airport finish.

It's impossible to guess why Bullock was ever attracted to this insulting role, and the eternally confident Reynolds is miscast as a young, bullied underling.

It isn't a film with a lot of big guffaws, but I smiled through most of it.

The script encases Margaret in rusted defenses from which it can't free her without awkward leaps and cheats.

The Proposal recycles a plot that was already old when Tracy and Hepburn were trying it out. You see it coming from a great distance away. As it draws closer, you don't duck out of the way, because it is so cheerfully done, you don't mind being hit by it.

The problem is not the acting. The problem is what these actors are required to say and do.

[A] buoyant vehicle for Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, whose chemistry is a happy surprise.

The setup is formula, but Bullock and Reynolds supply surprising fizz and kick.

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.

A straight-ahead romantic comedy that relies on the considerable charms of its stars, The Proposal feels so comfortable and familiar you might feel like you've seen it before.

So we've got a prodigal son who has the chance to deal with his father issues and discover things about his heretofore evil boss. It's like a romantic-comedy cliche twofer.

Bullock is one of those actresses that help prove that, when done right, a romantic comedy can be a wonderfully satisfying thing.

The Proposal won't catch any bouquets for originality, but in terms of a bended-knee pitch for the affections of women this romantic comedy pretty much pulls out all the stops.

Shamelessly derivative, contrived and predictable, The Proposal is nonetheless a crowd-pleasing romantic comedy.

Bullock's longtime fans should be happy to see her fully engaged in a role that suits her and paired, at last, with her comic equal: Reynolds.

Nobody who ever attended a date movie will be surprised by what happens, but The Proposal has low expectations and good vibes in its favour.

Familiarity breeds contempt

Onscreen chemistry is an elusive notion but you know it when you see it, and Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds definitely have it in The Proposal.

A romantic comedy doesn't need to be original to be enjoyable, and yet The Proposal still falls way too short of the mark.