Share

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: Now

The Proposal Review

Movies.com Critics

2.0

Dave White Profile

Defend marriage against these people. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    48

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times Manohla Dargis

    Ms. Bullock, who excels at playing spunky, is as appealing as usual, but the role proves as awkward as those heels.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    A serviceable and intermittently funny romance.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    Just a good old-fashioned romance, one in which people actually bring out the best in one another rather than the worst. How novel is that?

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety Brian Lowry

    The Proposal won't catch any bouquets for originality, but in terms of a bended-knee pitch for the affections of women -- including Ryan Reynolds' boyish charms, a hip granny and even a beyond-adorable puppy -- this romantic comedy pretty much pulls out all the stops.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    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.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    The situations might be formulaic, but the teamwork of the two leads brings them to sparkling life.

    Read Full Review

  • 83

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

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

    Read Full Review

  • See all The Proposal reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

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
  • message true1

    Messages: Lessons about looking past the superficial.

  • rolemodels true2

    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
  • violence false0

    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...

  • sex false3

    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).

  • language false3

    Language: Language includes "bitch," "ass," "damn," "s--t," "boobs," "hell," "oh my God," and "Jesus!"

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: Several brands featured, including Starbucks, Apple (Mac), Pringles, Pepsi, and Hostess.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false2

    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

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

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

I laughed so hard I cried.... finally!!! by ccgray
Its been a while since a movie has made me laugh so hard I cried.. and this one made me cry a couple times. While the story is typical of a romantic comedy, the actors here just really did a good job of making it new again. The other perk was that there was nothing too perverted in this one as a lot of romantic comedies have had recently. (don't get me wrong I liked those movies too). I could watch this one with my grandmother or teenage sister and not cringe at some parts wondering what she's thinking!!!

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

Pleasantly surprised! by formalpenguin
A pleasant surprise, did not expect a lot from the trailers, however this was a very nice, romantic, funny movie. Sandra Bullock great as always. The supporting cast was excellent, and all except for the a little drawn out dancing scene, moved along well. Not up to While You Were Sleeping, but stil good in its own right. A "chick' flick for everyone.

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.

Advertisement