All About Steve (2009)

"Crossword puzzle constructor Mary Horowitz is smart, pretty - and a natural disaster that shakes news cameraman Steve to the core..."

TV director Phil Trail brings up this major release romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock as the word wielding, eccentric beauty Marry Horowitz who after years of being single and living at home, and with the help of some very rude but enlightening children, has decided it's time to get a man. That's where Steve (Bradley Cooper, The Hangover, He's Just Not That Into You) comes strolling in after being set up blindly by their parents. Immediately Marry is infatuated and overcome by her bottled up sexual frustrations. Steve catches on quick and realizes he needs to leave, and leave now. Rolling camera alongside disaster news reporter Hartman Hughes (Thomas Haden Church, Spider-Man 3, Sideways), Steve is constantly on the move and feels it'll be a clean break. To his dismay, Marry is not jobless, and has nothing better to do in life but pursue his love, wherever it may go. But when a sinkhole appears from nowhere and Marry is trapped, cligning to life, Steve begins to re-evaluate his priorities and think about what he's doing to Marry. Disaster turns into love as Ken Jeong and DJ Qualls aid in handing out laughs in this delightful date movie that you might just take something away from.

If for no other reason than the message behind the movie... you know, basically that whole don't judge a book by it's cover deal... see this movie. It's cute, vibrant, and just fun to watch. All others need not apply. Sandra Bullock was super cute and well Bradley Cooper... I can't remember a thing he said in this movie. It could have been All About Hartman and just left Steve at home.

5.2/10

Rated: PG-13
99 mins

The Proposal (2009)

“Here comes the bribe,” err… bride. An old story, a modern day reality for some, is retold in this funny fling through relationship morality and what it can do to those involved, especially when fake endearment becomes true love.

Ahhh the age old adage, a sham wedding to reap the benefits. That’s the underlying tone to the Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses) directed romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock (All About Steve, Miss Congeniality) and Ryan Reynolds (Waiting…, Van Wilder). Margaret Tate is a workaholic, go-getting editor for a NYC publisher. To some a goddess, to most… Satan herself. Her assistant Andrew wants to be in her shoes, and will do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means committing a federal felony to ensure his boss doesn’t get deported because it isn’t just about her job, it’s his too. Margaret hatches a seat of the pants scheme to marry Andrew, stay in the US, and keep her job. What she doesn’t foresee is that what starts off as a fickle business arrangement turns into underlying attraction and an ultimately hilarious relationship.

The Proposal never really grabbed me in the previews, and it seemed like just another chick flick. But the movie really is funny; it just happens to be targeted at women and young couples. I loved Bullocks overpowering demeanor, she was in complete control, but was relieved to see deep down she was beautifully vulnerable and in need of something missing inside. Reynolds' straight faced humor cracked me up time and time again. The supporting players, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and the fabulously funny Betty White, really pull it all together. The ending is blatantly predictable, but even though you know it’s coming, it’s hard not to feel the strong sentiment and courage behind her words. See it with your special someone and share a laugh.

7.7/10

Rated: PG-13
108 mins