The Proposal (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Charming romcom is best for older teens and up.


parents & educators say
  • 82% say sexual content is an issue
  • 45% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this charming romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds has a much talked-about scene in which the leads, both naked, accidentally crash into and fall down on top of each other. But since it's rated PG-13, all that's shown is a tumble of skin. There's also plenty of innuendo, as well as couple of passionate kisses and a comical scene featuring a flabby exotic dancer in a G-string. Language is the basic PG-13 variety ("ass," "bitch," and "s--t" are the main offenders), and there's some social drinking and product placement.

Positive messages: Lessons about looking past the superficial.
Positive role models: Margaret treats employees poorly -- especially Andrew. She blackmailshim into marrying her, and he accepts. But as the movie goes forward,she realizes she can't do something so questionable. Andrew andMargaret both learn to look past each other's "covers" to unearth thereal person underneath. Andrew is a good role model as someone whodoesn't just use his family's money to live a life of entitlement butactually works hard for his accomplishments.
Violence: In one scene, Margaret, who can't swim, falls into a lake and has to tread water for a few desperate seconds. The big "naked fall" scene is played for laughs, but it had to hurt...
Sex: The main characters accidentally crash into each other while completely nude (lots of skin is glimpsed, but no uncovered sensitive body parts). In addition to that, there are a few kisses, scenes of a couple in bed, references to morning erections, and a comical sequence of a flabby exotic dancer's strip tease (he gets down to a male G-string and pumps his hips near a woman's face).
Language: Language includes "bitch," "ass," "damn," "s--t," "boobs," "hell," "oh my God," and "Jesus!"
Consumerism: Several brands featured, including Starbucks, Apple (Mac), Pringles, Pepsi, and Hostess.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink at a cocktail party and at a bar, where one character gets buzzed.

More on The Proposal

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how this movie compares to other romantic comedies. What do most Hollywood "romcoms" tend to have in common? How is this one different (if it is)?

  • Margaret isn't just Andrew's boss, but she's also clearly older than him. Is that a common scenario in romantic movies?

  • The movie's trailer prominently featured the "naked fall" scene. Did knowing about that gag make the scene any less funny? In general, do you think trailers give away too much, or just enough?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Margaret (Sandra Bullock) is a shrewish Manhattan book editor who's as feared as The Devil Wears Prada's Miranda Priestly. When Margaret's bosses inform her she's about to be deported back to her native Canada, she blackmails her faithful, exploited assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) into pretending they're engaged. To convince their incredulous immigration officer, the two agree to visit Andrew's family in Alaska, where they have to put on a believable show for his entire clan. As the weekend progresses, they predictably start falling (literally) for each other.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

There's nothing original about an uptight career woman who needs some lovin' falling for her gorgeous, put-upon assistant. But Bullock and Reynolds have a breezy chemistry that most on-screen couples never achieve. They're equally believable as boss-and-subordinate as they are as reluctant lovers. Both have finely honed comedy skills, and they're bolstered by scene-stealing supporting actors, particularly Betty White as Andrew's grandmother and Oscar Nuñez (The Office) as a jack of all trades (including exotic dancer).

Obviously, there aren't many unconventional twists to this mainstream love story. But occasionally a good ol' genre flick is well executed enough to transcend its predictable plot. Director Anne Fletcher hit the jackpot with leads who know (no doubt due to their long-term off-screen friendship) how to make each other funnier. Move over Matthew and Kate -- it's time for Sandy and Ryan to be Hollywood's new golden romcom couple.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Touchstone Pictures
Director: Anne Fletcher
Cast: Betty White, Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release: June 19, 2009
DVD release: October 12, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sexual content, nudity and language
Watch our review

This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 33 parent & educator reviews:
  • 82% say sexual content is an issue
  • 45% say language is an issue
  • 36% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

family10
parent of and 3 , 8 , 10 , 13 , 14 , 18 year old
 
Sad to see unnecessary nudity displayed. That and the language will keep me from buying it or ever watching it again. I was glad my husband and I watched it without children present.

iamateacher
educator
 
great movie just tell your kids to be the opposite of some of the characters
i think this is a great movie, it teachs tweens and teens what they should not do and how they should not treat people, as long as you make sure they know not to do what the charaters do, they will love this movie and want to watch it numberious times

mileyrox418
kid, 11 years old
 
everything is fine except the shower scene

 
Great comedy for adults and mature older teenagers
Absolutely a terrific film comedy!!! Totally funny!!!

Volleyball9
kid, 12 years old
 
12 old enough
This is such a good movie, the one naked scene wasn't to bad, it didn't show any body parts, but if your 12 you won't freak out, I bet your probably old enough for it. This is a cute movie.

 
Wow...our rating system really STINKS!
Unbelievable inappropriate nudity. I'm no prude, but the rating system FAILS severely in The Proposal. The nudity is irrelevant and goes on for, what seems like ever. Just because it's not 'explicit sensuality'. For 13 year olds...hah! This is how we get babies having babies. Cute movie but it could have been so much better without the crap...just really disappointed.

t-swift13
teen, 15 years old
 

soccerchic
teen, 15 years old
 
christian review on : concerns of the sensual behavior
i did not at all appreciate the scene where they fell on top of each other naked ! it wasnt needed ! id say it is off for those under age 13 !

 
On for Tweens
Loved this movie. 11 year olds would be able to watch and understand. My 12 year old and 10 year old saw it. Sandra bullock was wonderful. One part where a man is in a G string and they accidentally run into each other naked. High praises for this movie. Tweens would love it!!

MovieWizard
teen, 14 years old
 
This is a cute movie.
I don't really think there's too much to worry about. most children around ages 12 and up shouldn't have any issues with this movie. Nothing that makes it not worth watching.

humanoftheyear
teen, 16 years old
 
good iffy good
SOOO good i love it a little iffy but very good i was hooked from the first five minutes funny but really romantic

bananalover
teen, 16 years old
 
AWESOME
this movie is awesome, awesome, awesome!!

TheSuperman765
teen, 16 years old
 
check out my page for more great recomendations
The good stuff * Messages: Lessons about looking past the superficial. * Role models: Margaret treats employees poorly -- especially Andrew. She blackmailshim into marrying her, and he accepts. But as the movie goes forward,she realizes she can't do something so questionable. Andrew andMargaret both learn to look past each other's "covers" to unearth thereal person underneath. Andrew is a good role model as someone whodoesn't just use his family's money to live a life of entitlement butactually works hard for his accomplishments. What to watch out for * Violence: In one scene, Margaret, who can't swim, falls into a lake and has to tread water for a few desperate seconds. The big "naked fall" scene is played for laughs, but it had to hurt... * Sex: The main characters accidentally crash into each other while completely nude (lots of skin is glimpsed, but no uncovered sensitive body parts). In addition to that, there are a few kisses, scenes of a couple in bed, references to morning erections, and a comical sequence of a flabby exotic dancer's strip tease (he gets down to a male G-string and pumps his hips near a woman's face). * Language: Language includes "bi-ch," "a-s," "d--n," "s--t," "b--bs," "h--l," "oh my God," and "Jesus!" * Consumerism: Several brands featured, including Starbucks, Apple (Mac), Pringles, Pepsi, and Hostess. * Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink at a cocktail party and at a bar, where one character gets buzzed.

MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
 
Except This Proposal If You Wish
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds shine in this charming and fun romantic comedy!

emkat97
teen, 15 years old
 
I laughed so hard and long during this film!
Sandra Bullock is BACK. The plot in this movie is predictable by the end, but it's a clever concept. Every time Betty White popped up on the screen, I would squeal, "SHE'S SO ADORABLE!!" because this movie is such a great vehicle for her comedy skills. I laughed out loud several times and altogether, it was a cute, feel-good romantic comedy. I read somewhere that "The Proposal 2" is in the works, and after seeing the movie, I really hope it is!

mini starr
kid, 11 years old
 
Tweens should be able to watch this movie.
This is my favorite movie. It is hillarious, and the actors are great. I do admit, there is some drinking, and sexual situatons, and language kids can't use. But, it is only PG-13, and this review is comming from a ten year old

Snoopy Dogg
kid, 12 years old
 
Its Okay...
This movie is kinda funny but there is too much drinking, language, and sex stuff

ac rockster
kid, 10 years old
 
great for teens
I thought it was horrible. Waste of your time.

Tashyflower
kid, 13 years old
 
Great Movie to See
This movie is great. Parts of it are a bit slow but overall I really think it's good. The only problem is that it isn't really all that funny for most of it. Overall, I liked this movie;a great choice to see.

moviefan22
teen, 13 years old
 
See it!
I'm not into romcom's at all, but this one wasn't half bad. It actually had a plot, was pretty funny, and wasn't syrupy love crap. Only sex I remember is one part where the naked Reynolds and Bullock are thrown against eachother (not as bad as you think... no sensitive parts are shown)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age