OK for kids 14+
Charming romcom is best for older teens and up.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this charming romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds has a much talked-about scene in which the leads, both naked, accidentally crash into and fall down on top of each other. But since it's rated PG-13, all that's shown is a tumble of skin. There's also plenty of innuendo, as well as couple of passionate kisses and a comical scene featuring a flabby exotic dancer in a G-string. Language is the basic PG-13 variety ("ass," "bitch," and "s--t" are the main offenders), and there's some social drinking and product placement.
- Families can talk about how this movie compares to other romantic comedies. What do most Hollywood "romcoms" tend to have in common? How is this one different (if it is)?
- Margaret isn't just Andrew's boss, but she's also clearly older than him. Is that a common scenario in romantic movies?
- The movie's trailer prominently featured the "naked fall" scene. Did knowing about that gag make the scene any less funny? In general, do you think trailers give away too much, or just enough?
The good stuff
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Messages: Lessons about looking past the superficial.
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Role models: Margaret treats employees poorly -- especially Andrew. She blackmailshim into marrying her, and he accepts. But as the movie goes forward,she realizes she can't do something so questionable. Andrew andMargaret both learn to look past each other's "covers" to unearth thereal person underneath. Andrew is a good role model as someone whodoesn't just use his family's money to live a life of entitlement butactually works hard for his accomplishments.
What to watch for
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Violence: In one scene, Margaret, who can't swim, falls into a lake and has to tread water for a few desperate seconds. The big "naked fall" scene is played for laughs, but it had to hurt...
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Sex: The main characters accidentally crash into each other while completely nude (lots of skin is glimpsed, but no uncovered sensitive body parts). In addition to that, there are a few kisses, scenes of a couple in bed, references to morning erections, and a comical sequence of a flabby exotic dancer's strip tease (he gets down to a male G-string and pumps his hips near a woman's face).
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Language: Language includes "bitch," "ass," "damn," "s--t," "boobs," "hell," "oh my God," and "Jesus!"
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Consumerism: Several brands featured, including Starbucks, Apple (Mac), Pringles, Pepsi, and Hostess.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink at a cocktail party and at a bar, where one character gets buzzed.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
"The Proposal" - The Best Sandra Bullock Movie....Ever! by sweetivylyn
Just came out of the 11:10AM show at AMC in Port Chester, N.Y. and am feeling extremely uplifted!
The theatre was "packed" for a 1st show on a Friday morning of opening day...primarily women and teenage girls, but a few guys were there as well.
Initially I thought it was going to be a movie of little substance, but just about 10 minutes into it I could tell that this movie was indeed going to be a pleasant surprise!
Sandra Bullock plays a high level Publishing exec. and Ryan Reynolds, her assistant. Think of Sigourney Weaver in "Working Girl"; She is obviously a "witch" and totally self absorbed.
When it's discovered her Canadian work Visa hasn't been extended because of an out of country trip she took without "permission" by the U.S. Government, she's about to be deported and won't be able to work for any US company, even from Canada, for at least a year and non-stop comedy, with some tears along the way, ensues!
The entire cast was brilliant, especially Betty White as Grandma!
5
This is a movie for everybody to see!! by DJ Los
This movie was GREAT!! I haven't seen a movie like this, that I've liked so much in such a long time!! Kept me entertained throughout the whole movie... I definitely wanna see it again.
5
You just have to see this movie!! by lmdaube
Some comedies are funny in a couple of scenes but "The Proposal" is outrageously funny from beginning to end. I (and the entire audience) couldn't stop laughing! When the movie ended, people actually clapped and cheered because the movie was so great! As I was walking out I could other hear people bubbling over about how much they loved the movie and couldn't wait to go see it again - I can't either!! I've already told others to go see it and I am planning to take my brother and sister-in-law on Tuesday ... but it's a movie you can't tell others too much about because not knowing the story line and what is going to happen next is what adds to the hilarity of the movie!
This is the first time I've felt strong enough about a movie to actually sign up to leave a rating and so I didn't realize that of the 1,244 reviews it currently has, only 648 reviewees have actually seen the movie. How can you review a movie without seeing it first?? GO!!!! You've be glad you did!!
5
Yay! by adrpwns
This was a really cute movie. I went with my boyfriend and he laughed through the whole movie. We both enjoyed it a lot. It's a guy-friendly romantic-comedy :]
5
Absolutely a must see! by jwoodard897
First off, it is so great to have Sandra Bullock back on the big screen, she has been missed! If you're the type of person who loves a romantic movie with lots of humor this is the movie for you. A friend and I went together to see this movie and left with big smiles, sore stomachs, and the satisfaction of money well spent. This is a must see movie!
5
Incredible acting and not predictable story by benadin
We were laughing all the time. The acting was incredible, but what surprised me - the story. I expected it to be interesting, but quite predictable. And this one was nothing like that.
I also didn't see enough nudity or conversation references to not taking your kid with you. However this is for parents consideration.
5
The Proposal by jstash
This was an excellent movie!! A very good story, acting was superb, your attention caught from the opening scene and was enjoyed until the very end. The setting was breath taking in Alaska! But most important is the fact that this set the record for the opening weekend taking the #1 spot and it is a CLEAN!! WHOLESOME!! MOVIE!! Wow a HIT!! A WINNER!! And a romantic comedy!! No sex, No F word. How can this be??? Thank You for a beautiful movie. This IS what the world wants.
4
The Proposal by emg101
It is a cute, light film with enjoyable scenes and lines throughout. There is undeniable chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds that makes them really cute. Betty White as the Grandma is also quite funny. There are many clever one liners that make you laugh quite a bit throughout the entire movie. It is a really cute date movie.
5
Excellent Comedy! by bradsperry
I thought this was going to be a chick flick and really stalled my wife on going. But we went finally and I was very pleasantly surprised. I ended up laughing out loud all through the movie.
Not only is it funny, but it's got a few tear-jerker moments too.
5
Great Pair! by wpantino
This was a great romantic comedy and not light on the comedy at all! These two actors make a great team from their love hate relationship to their unusual pairing. Betty White delivers her set of laughs as Gammy. Sandra Bullock looks gorgeous as she is seen in classy business suits and incredible heels. As a high power editor who is threatened to be sent back to Canada, is feared by all her employees, and shows no emotion. In an act of desperation she enlists her assistant who hates her to be her fiance. They must prove to Immigration they are in love and preparing to marry. They have to undergo serious questioning and have only days to tell his family the news. From NYC to Alaska where the sun is always out this is a movie you should definitely go see! It is filled with a lot of surprises you will love. Take a date or take a friend either way you won't be disappointed.