Feel like snuggling up on the couch and watching a good thriller? Perhaps something with espionage, secrets, and gunfire? I’m not sure whether or not The Proposal, a 2001 spy thriller starring Jennifer Esposito and Nick Moran, would be the film you’re looking for. But if you enjoy mediocre performances, overused plot twists, and the baggy cargo pants women wore in the early 2000s, then this could be just the B movie for you! Read on…
Let’s just jump right in. Susan Reese (Jennifer Esposito) is a fresh-faced eager cop who’s been stuck doing data entry work since she joined the force. Terry Martin (Nick Moran) is an undercover FBI agent who’s been trying to bust a gang operation for the last several months. When he mentions he is married, he gets invited to a party with Mr. Evil-Gang-Guy Simon Bacig (Stephen Lang). Smooth, quick-on-his-feet Terry is not actually married though, so his boss decides to toss newbie Susan into the field with him to pose as his wife. Right away I’m impressed. As far as anyone knows Susan has been stuck in an office punching numbers since she joined the force, and suddenly she’s undercover, part of a super important secret mission to take down a gang of really bad dudes. Obviously this is a good plan.
The two undercover cops put on a show of living together, grocery shopping together, and having intense discussions as to the severity of their undercover situation. The usual faux married people stuff. But soon it becomes apparent by the extra-long stares and heavy breathing that there is attraction between Terry and Susan. Before you know it they can’t stop making out. A lot. It kind of seems to interfere with their job a little bit, actually.
Then Terry really starts to get in over his head. Aside from his fake wife starting to like him for real, his FBI handlers let him know that Simon may have an informant with the police department. Then Simon, testing Terry’s loyalty to the gang, gets him to carry out a hit on someone he wants dead. The situation is going South at a frightening rate. Terry starts to panic but Susan convinces him to stay with the assignment, dangerous though it is.
When Simon invites Terry and Susan out to his country home to hang out with his gang friends, it’s clear that Simon has figured out Terry’s cover. He tries to get him to slip up, but when Simon ends up letting them leave without any serious injuries or bullet holes Terry can’t figure out why.
As the film approaches the final twist and climactic showdown, Susan is revealed to be
Simon’s inside source. Dun-dun-dun! What an insane plot twist I never saw coming in a million years! Poor Terry. He is bummed. All those longing looks and excessive kisses were for nothing! He gets in a shootout with Simon and ends up diving for cover near Susan. Even though she betrayed him, Terry can’t help but shield her from bullets and debris and Simon and his guys continue shooting (several feet off target. Really, Simon?). Amidst the craziness surrounding them, Terry and Susan start making out AGAIN. Because if Simon ever does manage to aim at them, why not go out with a bang (haha)?
In the end, we discover that Susan is not actually a data entry specialist, a twisted dirty cop, or even actually on the police force. She is in fact an undercover FBI agent. Hey, just like Terry! What a small world. While the film seemed a bit clichéd and the actors’ performances underwhelming, it was far from the worst thriller I’ve seen. So…a half thumbs up? Maybe one whole thumb? I don’t know. I’ve given you the synopsis; I’ll let you decide the appropriate amount of thumbs for this movie. Until next time.
The Proposal, 2001, Rated R
Starring Jennifer Esposito, Nick Moran, Stephen Lang
Directed by Richard Gale
Written by Maurice Hurley
-Jess D (guest film reviewer)
