The Proposal (2009) Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock Directed by Anne Fletcher
Anne Fletcher probably best known for her Step Up movies (she also did 27 Dresses), both cute films, shows up again with a standard romantic comedy about love that is literally right in front us...but somehow...um...we don't see it? (Ron Burgundy?) Not sure about you but if Sandra Bullock is in front of me, I think I would notice that I had feelings toward her...pretty much right away...but never mind this is Hollywood so I won't bore you with complaints about the silly plot, or how Ryan Reynolds really looks like he wears eyeliner all the time, instead let's review.
So The Proposal is about a young assistant editor (Reynolds) who is forced into marrying his boss (Bullock) when she is threatened by deportation. Pretty simple, we get to go home and see the family who is obviously shocked by the engagement news (including a very entertaining Betty White). As you can imagine they don't "Really" like each other so they are forced to pretend to keep this charade going. Inevitably (as they always seem to) they figure out that they actually like each other through this ordeal and find a way to make things work. Although it is indeed a recycled plot (see What Happens in Vegas etc..etc..) and although Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Malin Akerman are all wasted here, it still is entertaining enough. I think Bullock looks great, and Reynolds is growing on me (now just wipe off that damn eyeliner...you know you wear it...jeez). It is better than Couples Retreat, and solid film to grab at the Redbox or Video Store.
(The Shawshank Scale 1-10) Again just a nice film that will keep you entertained. On the scale it gets a modest 6.0. I have liked Bullock since Speed, and she was great in another cheesy little romantic comedy with my boy Hugh Grant Two Weeks Notice...which was better than this.
Ok so I have been saturated with homework, regular work, and fantasy sports/real sports goofyness...let's play catch up on some mentionable films. Remember on the Shawshank Scale there are only two 10's (Field of Dreams, and The Shawshank Redemption of course)...the film has to be a 7.0 or better to be in my "best of the year" talk...and a 6.0 is average (it's like the Atlanta Falcons...at times flashy, but in the end...just so-so...for my sports fans, who only understand that language) Ok then, let's break em down...
State of Play (2009) Directed by Kevin McDonald
Tony Gilroy co-writes a dud in this very average political thriller...Ben Affleck is yet again not believable (got to be those capped teeth) as a Senator, and Russell Crowe mails this one in...makes you want to watch All the Presidents Men...and then send it to Tony Gilroy when your done...a watchable 5.5
Ghost of Girlfriends Past (2009) Directed by Mark Waters
Some nice moments in the Matthew McConaughey standard...nice to see Jenifer Garner again...and the sleazy Michael Douglas makes me anxious for Wall Street 2...ever since I saw Matt Damon do a McConaughey (impression) on Letterman, it's all I can think about when I watch his films, oh well kept the laughs going anyway...a likable 6.0
Adventureland (2009) Directed by Greg Mottola
I probably should have given this film a full review, Mottola does a great job recreating the feel of 1987 and both Jesse Brennan and the fascinating Kristen Stewart are great. Kristen Wig and the always funny Bill Hader (the guy from like every movie...Ok...the non-Seth Rogan cop in Superbad...got it?) really are part of a well-rounded cast. It took me a few days to realize how much I liked it, which is a good sign in my book...an Almost Famous like film set in a time I can easier relate to...it is a very worthy 7.5...and a top ten of the year in my book...rent this!! (if you were alive in the 80's)
Will you go to sleep! I'm with you on Adventureland sneaky good sir
ReplyDeleteI really liked State of play, but I could do without Affleck, he is a little annoying.
ReplyDelete