THE PROPOSAL (2009) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Sandra Bullock | Ryan Reynolds
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The host, Brandon Sheiley, had a personal 'beef' with 'The Proposal' because it was set in his hometown of Sitka, Alaska, but only two shots were actually filmed there.
- ❖The majority of 'The Proposal' was filmed in Vancouver and Massachusetts, not Alaska, a fact Brandon frequently had to explain to tourists.
- ❖Betty White's character, Gammy, stole the show with her dry wit, outlandish actions (like the 'thinking dance' and faked heart attack), and self-awareness of her age.
- ❖The film accurately depicted some cultural elements of Southeast Alaska, such as the Tlingit language (e.g., 'Gunish' for thank you) and the ubiquitous 'Extra Tuffs' neoprene boots.
- ❖The hosts praised the comedic chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, noting their excellent dry delivery of humor.
- ❖A missed opportunity in the film was the unresolved emotional arc between Ryan Reynolds' character and his father, which felt underdeveloped despite strong initial setup.
Insights
1Hollywood's Selective Portrayal of Remote Settings
Despite 'The Proposal' being set in Sitka, Alaska, only two brief shots were actually filmed there. The majority of the movie was shot in Vancouver and Massachusetts. This decision was likely due to the logistical challenges and high costs of transporting film equipment and crew to a town only accessible by boat or plane.
Brandon, a Sitka native, recounts having to repeatedly inform tourists that the movie was not filmed in his hometown, pointing out the two specific shots that were. He explains the difficulty of shipping film equipment to Sitka. (, , , )
2Betty White's Scene-Stealing Performance and Character Depth
Betty White's portrayal of Gammy is highlighted as a standout, combining dry humor, outlandish actions, and a self-aware manipulation that resonated deeply with the hosts. Her character's ability to use her age and matriarch status to influence events, such as faking a heart attack, added significant comedic and emotional weight.
The hosts discuss Gammy's 'thinking dance' () and her faked heart attack to force the wedding (). Brandon compares her to his own grandfather-in-law, noting her 'I'm old and what are you going to do?' attitude ().
3Authentic Cultural Touches Amidst Inaccurate Filming
Despite the primary filming locations being outside Alaska, the movie incorporated surprisingly accurate cultural details. This included the use of the Tlingit language (e.g., 'Gunish' for thank you) and the visual inclusion of 'Extra Tuffs,' the neoprene boots commonly worn in Southeast Alaska.
Brandon notes Betty White's character speaking Tlingit and confirms 'Gunish' means thank you (). He also expresses excitement about seeing 'Extra Tuffs' in the film, calling them 'amazing boots' worn by everyone in Southeast Alaska ().
4The Unresolved Father-Son Dynamic
The relationship between Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) and his father was a significant emotional subplot that felt incomplete. Despite a strong setup of paternal disappointment and Andrew's desire for an independent life, the storyline lacked a clear resolution or a meaningful reconciliation.
The hosts discuss the golfing scene where the father apologizes but then reiterates his disappointment (, ), and the airport scene where the father's sudden understanding of Andrew's love for Margaret felt unearned given his prior actions (, ).
Notable Moments
Brandon's personal connection to Sitka, Alaska, the movie's setting.
This provides a unique, authentic lens through which to critique the film's portrayal of its location, adding depth beyond a typical movie review.
The hosts' reaction to Betty White's 'thinking dance' and her speaking Tlingit.
This scene is highlighted as a comedic and culturally specific moment, showcasing Betty White's character's eccentricity and the film's unexpected cultural details.
The 'eagle scene' where Margaret tries to save the puppy from an eagle while on an important phone call.
This moment is praised for its comedic timing, physical comedy, and the absurdity of Margaret prioritizing her phone call over the dog's safety, despite the danger.
Betty White's character fakes a heart attack to ensure Andrew and Margaret get married.
This exemplifies Gammy's self-aware, manipulative charm and her determination to see her family happy, showcasing her role as a comedic matriarch.
Quotes
"No, it wasn't actually shot here except for two scenes. And I'll I'll I'll point them out. I'm going to geek out."
"People are like, 'Where was it shot? Was it actually shot here?' I'm like, 'No.' And then you see the disappointment come in their eyes."
"Betty White is like this outlandish character that just feels so realistic."
"I love this family and we're so happy that you're here and I'm just going to insist on everything because I'm old and what are you going to do?"
"I just want to see my grandkids. That's it. I'm ready to be a grandma. That's what I want."
"Gunish is thank you in Clinket. So, they used the traditional spoken language, which I really appreciated."
Q&A
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