Selbst ist die Braut (The Proposal)
U.S.A. 2009

Opening 30 Jul 2009

Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Writing credits: Pete Chiarelli
Principal actors: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburger, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White

Much to my surprise, Anne Fletcher has turned out a thoroughly enjoyable film with a bit of Cinderella and The Devil Wears Prada thrown in. Yes, the story has been done before, but who cares. Every generation needs to see the uptight/lonely girl with the books/problems get the hunky prince in the end. The twist this time is that Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), a driven Canadian book publisher, needs a Visa to stay in the U.S. and an emotional rescue to stay human. Ms. Bullock is believable as the tyrannical workaholic to be rescued. Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) is ostensibly Margaret’s personal assistant/slave, but actually his whole purpose in life is not to get a book deal but to save Margaret from U.S. Immigration and herself. The fact the harried assistant turns out to be an Alaskan prince with daddy issues and an interest in novels comes as no surprise. Even in 2009 the status quo must be maintained. Mr. Reynolds can play both goofy and reliable with the reassuring looks of a 1950s matinee idol. Extra kudos go out to Betty White as the riotous Grandma Annie and Oscar Nunez as the ever lucid shop assistant/stripper/justice of the peace. They keep the film charged with the silly behavior crucial to a romantic comedy. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. (Rita Pearson Schwandt)