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Parents' Guide to

The Proposal

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Charming romcom is best for older teens and up.

Movie PG-13 2009 104 minutes
The Proposal Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 37 parent reviews

Grandma22
Grandma22 Adult
September 26, 2020
age 18+

Too much nudity...

I bought this Rom-Com and watch it often, because I do like the end result. Ramone is disgusting to watch as he puts on his stripper act... I love the interaction between Sandra and Ryan, and wish they would have an actual wedding that counts!The nudity between them is unnecessary in their living area. I am a Mom, GM and GGM, and this has some fun laughs and good truths!... Definitely an adult movie!!! BH
Clubbya
Clubbya Parent of 12-year-old
January 27, 2023
age 12+

Very sweet movie, but lots of sex jokes!

I'm a parent who has more problems with violence than sexual situations (as long as they are comedic), so I found this fine for my 12yr old. Sandra and Ryan have great chemistry and comedic timing. We laughed together through the whole movie. There are quite a few sexual references, including a terrible-performing strip dance guy (he goes down to his undies) and a pretty showy scene where Sandra and Ryan slam into each other completely naked. It's a hilarious moment, but if you aren't comfortable with that, then I would steer clear of this movie with your kids. But the message of how important family is over material wealth rings loudly in this film which I loved, and my daughter can't stop talking about Betty White's performance!
See all 37 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (37 ):
Kids say (116 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

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