2009's summer movie season is now in full swing with its killer robots from the future, flying houses, and hijacked subway trains, but what if you want a light-hearted romantic comedy.  Do you have to wait for the fall?  Not this year with the release off the Proposal by Touchstone pictures.

High-powered book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that she's actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), who she has tormented for years.  He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own.  The unlikely couple heads to Alaska to meet his quirky family (Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White), and the always-in-control city girl finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another.  With an impromptu wedding in the works and an immigration official on their tails, Margaret and Andrew reluctantly vow to stick to the plan despite the precarious consequences.

Normally  I am not drawn to these types of films (my type of comedy is usually something along the lines of The Hangover), however, since I am a big fan of Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, I was curious to see how this film would play out -- and in fact -- it was simply amazing!

While the story itself is a bit over the top and simplistic, the actors and director, Anne Fletcher, create a wonderful film.  Sandra Bullock gives her best performance since Speed, and Ryan Reynolds shows that aside from cracked one liners, he really does have some great acting abilities.  The supporting cast, including Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White are simply amazing and nicely round out the film.

Aside from the great performances, the landscape of Alaska really shines through in this film and actually has me longing to take that trip to Alaska I vowed to take sometime in my lifetime.

Again, if you are sick of all the action/kid fair in the theaters, and if you are in the mood for a light-hearted feel good comedy to escape the world for 2 hours, then run - don't walk to the theaters and get ready to laugh with the Proposal.