MovieTradition: Trio of movie critics gives review of “The Proposal” and “Year One”

The movie:
“The Proposal”
Final take: 8 out of 10
Sandra Bulloch and Ryan Reynolds made the perfect couple in Friday’s blockbuster hit “The Proposal.” The movie begins with Margaret Tate (Sandra Bulloch), an extremely powerful and chilling woman, being told by her boss that she is being deported and sent back to Canada and will no longer work for the publishing company that she currently edits for. So at a moment’s notice, Margaret unwittingly grabs her secretary (Reynolds) and forces him to join her on a weekend of lies. Making him tell his family and friends that he will be marrying a woman whom he seemingly has abhorred for the past three years of his life, only to save his career and keep her in the country.
The audience will rave for this movie. It was a barrel of laughs and had a semi-predictable yet satisfying love story that will warm the hearts of all its viewers. Team MovieTradition recommends this movie for anyone older than 16, because of some of the more revealing scenes and crude humor that appeared throughout the film. It is sure to reach high on the opening weekend’s box office charts and become one of the summer’s biggest hits.
So get some friends together, grab that special someone and go watch “The Proposal.” It will be well worth the money!
The movie:
“Year One”
Final take: 6 out of 10
Jack Black and Michael Cera make a truly hilarious partnership in this sidesplitting adventure from the past. The two rebels take a walk through the Bible days, running into some unexpected characters along the way. When Zed (Black) takes a bite of the forbidden fruit, he and his friend, Oh (Cera), are banished from the only place they think exists, but once they reach the mountain tops, they realize there is much more to be discovered. Finding themselves in many predicaments along the way to save their lovers, whether it’s lathering the high priest or joining the army, they always seem to prevail in a rather hilarious way. No matter what the cost, Zed and Oh find a way to stick together and accomplish the mission.
There were a few strings that kept “Year One” from reaching the top of the charts. This comedy was filled with many witty scenes, but nothing too hysterical.
Columbia Pictures titled the movie “Year One,” but throughout the movie, the comic duo had many adventures, from many different times, making it quite confusing for the viewer. Cera’s performance seemed to be cut from the mold. Most will love his performance, but others will wish that he had chosen to mix it up a little. He is the same character in “Year One” that he was in “Juno” and the very popular, “Superbad,” making this film a little predictable.
Black also played his typical role of the hilarious yet sometimes strange character, but all in all, the two talented actors did a great job as always.
Overall, “Year One” is definitely worth the time and money. Black’s craziness and Cera’s dry humor will leave you with a thirst for more and a desire to create your own “Muscle tribe of Danger and Excellence!”