'The Proposal' DVD - I do!

Sandra Bullock rom-com, out Tuesday, offers alternate ending, blah bloopers

By Chris Azzopardi

Originally printed (Issue 1741 - Between The Lines News)

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THE FILM: A fire-breathing bitch of a boss actually turns out to be a softy who falls for her assistant in the midst of a sham marriage. Like you didn't know that was the trajectory of "The Proposal," a romantic comedy that proposes sitcom-like silliness, a sentimental send-off and star power till credits do us part.

Customary, sure - but it charms our pants off, and literally those of its two irresistible leads, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Without their affinity and fleckless union of physical comicality - both can crack us up with a simple fake-as-flowers smile or disingenuous embrace, or a naked crash landing (oops!) - "27 Dresses" director Anne Fletcher's rudimentary rom-com bouquet shouldn't have been tossed. Except in the trash.

Bullock, who tickles our funny bones with her honed "Miss Congeniality"-type of physical humor, is the prime star here, mostly because she's been MIA from rom-coms since 2002's "Two Weeks Notice." Even when the film kicks into dramatic gear, she melts hearts and mists eyes. Mild Margaret is reminiscent of her "While You Were Sleeping" loner, Lucy - and who didn't adore her then? Who doesn't adore her always? Maybe it's just me, but it's good to have you back (and naked and looking hot), Sandy.

It's also got Betty White, and every thing's better with Betty. "The Proposal" knows it, letting her steal every ridiculous scene she's in. She's 87 and every bit as golden as she ever was, and more lovable than a stuffed teddy, even when she's busting a move to a Lil Jon song or playing Find Bullock's Boobs.

"The Proposal" is never as flat as her chest (thanks, cast!). Even when it's desperate to keep it blasting forward with outrageous laughs, like that over-the-top tribal dance White does, it's fetching no matter how unbelievable it is. Come on, tell me, when's the last time you saw someone changing on a balcony? Not that I'm complaining, but I want his address.

THE DVD: Some things - like witnessing Betty White get down to Lil John - just never get old, and the DVD features could use a little more of our "golden girl." Maybe that's why the bloopers stink, and I'd rather have some of the gut-busting cast promo clips (like the one below). There's also a commentary with director Anne Fletcher and writer Peter Chiarelli, who both give insight as to why the last scene was changed. The alternate ending is included, and changing it was a wise decision, but it wasn't totally a bust: the hilarious Niecy Nash of "Reno 911!" plays a brassy, I'll-cut-a-bitch flight attendant. She's killer.

Film: B

DVD: B-

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