Hulu Classic Rom-Com Is One Of Deadpool’s Favorite Movies

By Brian Myers | Published

For a movie that many viewers haven’t thought about in more than 15 years, the 2009 film, The Proposal, is getting a lot of attention from new audiences thanks to a quick nod from its co-star Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine. Deadpool variant Nicepool (played by Reynolds) breaks the fourth wall in one scene and turns to the camera and says “The Proposal” to the audience. One might not think that this witty aside would have any impact on an older film, but the recent numbers from Hulu show otherwise.

The Deadpool Effect

The Proposal

The Proposal has climbed to the 15th position in the U.S. streaming charts since the release of Deadpool & Wolverine. The quick remark by Nicepool certainly garnered a ton of attention to an older Ryan Reynolds rom-com and is helping elevate it among viewer scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

… “The Proposal.”

The Proposal

For those who might have overlooked it, The Proposal follows alpha female New York City publisher Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) who is facing deportation back to Canada after she violates one of the terms to renew her visa. Desperate to keep her powerful position and the life she’d grown accustomed to in New York, Margaret throws a Hail Mary and bullies her personal assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) into marrying her.

Fearing that his years of work in the industry will be swept under the rug if his boss is kicked out of the U.S., Andrew agrees to the arrangement so that Margaret can secure a green card and stay in her position.

They Would Have Gotten Away With It Too …

The Proposal

But a United States Immigration Agent isn’t buying the sham marriage. Agent Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare) threatens the engaged couple with the possibility of a hefty fine and five years’ imprisonment for Andrew and deportation and expulsion for Margaret if he can prove that the two are lying. The Proposal sees Andrew enter an agreement with his boss that, if they marry, Margaret will promote the lowly assistant to an editor position.

The Proposal continues with Andrew and Margaret traveling to Sitka, Alaska to visit his family in his hometown. Complicating their stay are problems with Andrew’s ex-girlfriend, angry parents, and a persistent Agent Gilbertson.

The Proposal’s Premise Is Elevated By Its Supporting Cast

The Proposal

The Proposal is one of the better rom-coms from the earlier part of the 21st century, largely due to its cast. Aside from Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, the film gives audiences great performances from veteran stars Mary Steenburgen and Craig T. Nelson, who play Andrew’s quirky parents. Film and television legend Betty White appears as Andrew’s grandmother, giving viewers an added bonus.

Streaming The Proposal On Hulu

The Proposal

GFR SCORE

The script is a bit contrived and predictable, but The Proposal is definitely a fun watch with a good amount of laughs and some touching moments. Bullock and Reynolds play off of each other like old hands and make for a believable boss/employee duo and later as a real romantic couple. The chemistry between the two is matched only by the tension, pure fodder for the best rom-coms.

The critical reception was mixed at best, but the $40 million production was a mega-hit at theaters and raked in $317.4 at the box office.

You can stream The Proposal with a subscription to Hulu.