The Proposal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Canadian boss blackmails her assistant into marriage to avoid deportation, then they go to Alaska and everything gets weird with a stripper and Betty White.

🍿 The Proposal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Margaret’s Predicament and the Proposal

Margaret Tate, a demanding editor-in-chief at a New York publishing house, learns her visa has expired, threatening her deportation to Canada. Desperate to retain her position, she impulsively announces she’s engaged to her long-suffering assistant, Andrew Paxton. Andrew, initially stunned, sees an opportunity to leverage the situation for a promotion and the publication of his manuscript.

Trip to Alaska and Family Dynamics

To convince immigration officials of their genuine relationship, Margaret accompanies Andrew to his hometown in Sitka, Alaska, for his grandmother’s 90th birthday. There, she meets his close-knit family, including his parents and eccentric Grandma Annie. Margaret finds herself navigating the unfamiliar territory of family traditions and personal relationships, a stark contrast to her isolated professional life.

Complications and Growing Feelings

As Margaret spends more time with Andrew’s family, she begins to see a different side of him and starts to appreciate the warmth and connection she’s been missing. Tensions arise between Andrew and his father, and an ex-girlfriend adds another layer of complexity. Meanwhile, an immigration agent’s unexpected arrival threatens to expose their fraudulent engagement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock): A formidable and demanding New York editor who forces her assistant into a fake marriage to avoid deportation.
• Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds): Margaret’s long-suffering assistant who agrees to the fake marriage in exchange for a promotion and the publication of his book.
• Grace Paxton (Mary Steenburgen): Andrew’s warm and welcoming mother, who is enthusiastic about his sudden engagement.
• Joe Paxton (Craig T. Nelson): Andrew’s father, who has a strained relationship with his son and questions his life choices.
• Grandma Annie (Betty White): Andrew’s playful and eccentric grandmother, who encourages the relationship between Andrew and Margaret.
• Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare): The suspicious immigration agent who investigates Margaret and Andrew’s marriage to determine its legitimacy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret: “I haven’t been this emotionally moved since they cancelled ‘Murder, She Wrote’.” – Margaret says this sarcastically, highlighting her emotionally detached personality.
• Andrew: “Three days ago, I loathed you. I used to dream about you getting hit by a cab.” – Andrew confesses his initial feelings towards Margaret before their relationship changed.
• Andrew: “Margaret, marry me, because I’d like to date you.” – Andrew proposes to Margaret, expressing his desire to build a genuine relationship.
• Grandma Annie: “Get low, get low, get low.” – Grandma Annie chants while dancing with Margaret, leading to a humorous, bonding moment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $163,958,031
• Worldwide Gross: $317,375,937

💥 The Proposal Reviews

Personal Review

I love this movie! ‘The Proposal’ is a classic rom-com that always makes me laugh. Sandra Bullock is hilarious as the tough boss, and Ryan Reynolds is so charming. The scene where they accidentally bump into each other naked is comedy gold! Betty White’s performance as Grandma Annie is legendary. It’s the perfect movie to watch when you need a feel-good escape.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy movies with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining film.”
  • “Audiences who appreciate predictable but feel-good stories.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Suggestive humor.”
  • “Some partial nudity.”
  • “Thematic elements related to immigration and workplace harassment (played for comedic effect).”

Professional Reviews

• FandomWire: “While predictable, ‘The Proposal’ charms with Bullock and Reynolds’ chemistry. Betty White steals scenes, adding humor to the Alaskan backdrop. Though formulaic, it’s a genuinely funny romantic comedy with strong performances and feel-good moments, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
• IMDB: “Starts strong with sharp wit between Bullock and Reynolds, but devolves into predictable sitcom territory once in Alaska. The initial chemistry fades as the plot leans on clichés, but their early interplay and Betty White’s presence offer some enjoyment amidst the formulaic storyline.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are very good, and their mutual screen time is terrific. The 1st 45 minutes is WELL worth seeing. Reynolds and Bullock are so good, they could be this generation’s Tracy and Hepburn. I’d like to see them in another project that follows through all the way.

Audience Reactions

Betty White’s performance and comedic timing were particularly well-received.: Viewers widely appreciated the on-screen chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

Many praised the beautiful Alaskan setting, which added to the overall charm.: The movie struck a chord with those seeking a light-hearted and feel-good romantic comedy.

Overall Consensus: A funny and entertaining romantic comedy with great chemistry between the leads, though somewhat predictable.

Awards

1. People’s Choice Award (Favorite Comedy Movie)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Betty White almost didn’t take the role because it required her to be away from her golden retriever for 10 weeks.”
• “The Alaskan scenes were actually filmed in Massachusetts, primarily in the towns of Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea, with digital effects adding snow-capped mountains.”
• “The role of Margaret Tate was originally offered to Julia Roberts, but she turned it down.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Proposal?

The Proposal is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Hulu with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand from services like Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Proposal, you might like these similar films:

• 27 Dresses (2008): Directed by Anne Fletcher, it features a similar blend of romance and comedy with a focus on relationships and personal growth.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995): Sandra Bullock is in a light hearted romantic comedy where a misunderstanding leads to unexpected romantic entanglements and heartwarming family dynamics.
• Green Card (1990): A comedic story of convenience marriage, with a female lead needing a male lead to avoid immigration issues.
• Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Deals with cultural clashes, family expectations, and personal growth, while showcasing comedic moments and a central romance.
• Bringing Up Baby (1938): Features a fast-paced, quirky romantic comedy with witty banter and physical humor, appealing to fans of classic screwball comedies.

🛒 The Proposal Related Products

• The Proposal [Blu-ray]: Experience the laughs and romance in high definition with the Blu-ray edition. Includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes features.
• Ryan Reynolds Signed Photo – The Proposal: A rare autographed photo of Ryan Reynolds in his role as Andrew Paxton. A unique collectible for die-hard fans.
• The Proposal Movie Poster: High-quality poster featuring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Perfect for decorating any movie lover’s room.
• North Shore, Massachusetts: One of the most visually stunning and inspiring places on the planet. You too can visit this movie’s filming locations and see the magic in person!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Proposal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Relax” – performed by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
• “Get Low” – performed by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Boss Forces Her Young Assistant to Marry Her

Curious to see how a high-powered editor and her put-upon assistant navigate an impromptu wedding and an immigration official on their tails? Dive into this clip to get a taste of the movie’s quirky humor and charming chemistry between the leads.

✨ Rate