REVIEW: Stars stir laughs in unoriginal 'Proposal'

A friend of mine described "The Proposal" as a cross between the sparkling, albeit conventional "Devil Wears Prada" and the more recent, completely mechanical "New in Town."

He's exactly right.

Still, despite its less-than-original pedigree, "The Proposal" is a perfect example of a predictable, formulaic script elevated by fine acting and palpable chemistry.

High-powered book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is the human embodiment of terror.

Her minions cower and quake in her presence, her drones snap to attention as she passes, her underlings scurry from her advancing shadow like frightened rats.

She's devoid of a sense of humor and possesses a singular ability to make miserable the lives of all those around her - especially her beleaguered doormat of an assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds).

The normally invulnerable and emotionally impenetrable Margaret is shell-shocked to learn that her visa is about to expire, and she is to be deported to her native Canada.

Quick on her feet, Margaret declares that she and Andrew are in love and engaged to be married.

The put-upon assistant, speechless at first, agrees to participate in her charade, but only if he receives a hefty promotion.

In order to make their scam look legitimate (especially to a suspicious, self-important immigration agent played by Denis O'Hare), Andrew and Margaret travel to remote Alaska (gorgeously doubled by Massachusetts), where they meet Andrew's colorful family: his aloof father (Craig T. Nelson), doting mother (Mary Steenburgen) and feisty, sharp-as-a-tack grandmother (Betty White).

Out of New York and on his home turf, Andrew finds the roles reversed. Suddenly in control, he delights in causing Margaret - very much a fish out of water - as much discomfort as possible.

However, the more time he spends with her, the more Andrew finds to like about his once daunting boss.

Though contrived and derivative, "The Proposal" is nevertheless a charming, hugely likable and often hilarious romantic comedy (a scene in which Bullock and Reynolds inadvertently collide while totally naked shouldn't be as funny as it is, but it might just elicit tears of laughter).

The credit for "The Proposal's" success lies squarely with its leads. Together, Bullock and Reynolds create a cracklingly entertaining chemistry.

Thankfully, "The Proposal" takes its time smoothing out this inevitable couple's rough edges.

They don't fall in love overnight, but after a long, protracted (and entertaining) battle of wits.

Bullock, who is an extremely amiable and capable comedian, has not had a comedy hit since the original "Miss Congeniality" nearly a decade ago.

Reynolds, whose star is very deservedly on the rise, seems to be one of those actors equally beloved by men and women alike.

Bullock has the most work to do here, transforming her taloned gargoyle into a warm, sympathetic, even vulnerable woman.

But Reynolds, with his deadpan comedic style and enviable comic timing, matches her point for point, and easily draws the most laughs.

The only thing that keeps Reynolds from stealing the show is the presence of the mischievous Betty White who accomplishes that just by walking on-screen.

Some other amusing cameos involve alums from "The Daily Show" and "The Office."

This is one proposal you should have no problem accepting.

THE PROPOSAL

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White
Director: Anne Fletcher
Playing at: Carmike, Chapel Hills, Cinemark, Hollywood, Tinseltown
Rated: PG-13 (for sexual content, nudity and language)
Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

GRADE: B