Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) works for a tyrant. Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a no-nonsense publishing editor who isn’t afraid to encourage shy authors to do Oprah and fire the people too afraid to approach said authors. She knows Andrew has editorial potential and talent as a writer (he submitted a manuscript), but she’d rather have him as her assistant. But then the unexpected happens: her Visa expired and now she has to return to her native Canada for one year. She can’t work for the publishing house while out of the country. She needs a quick solution — and she finds one. She asks Andrew to marry her. Andrew reluctantly agrees, but on several conditions: she must promote him to editor and give him a book deal. The ball is on his court. She needs her papers, and he has no reason to do this for her. It should be easy enough, but the immigration officer (Denis O’Hare) won’t let her off the hook easy. Margaret must also travel to Alaska for Andrew’s grandmother’s eightieth birthday, where she must pose as his fiancée the whole time.
So this is a typical rom-com with all the familiar tropes, but it stands out for a number of reasons. The gorgeous Alaska setting is one. The all-star cast is second (Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Malin Åkerman, Oscar Nuñez, etc.). And the wonderful world of New York publishing is third. You get a wonderful treat with this movie! I love Ryan Reynolds. His razor-sharp wit and dry humor are so natural, and I always love Sandra Bullock as the brooding, more-than-meets-the-eye heroine. She’s so good in these roles! Downsides? The publishing business setting — while more realistic than most — is still far-fetched. We’d love to think all publishing editors walk around with Pradas and Birkins, but unless you’re the head publisher or a super high-up senior editor, this isn’t the case. Most editors have to work their way up for a long time before they reach such a prominent status, which might explain why Margaret didn’t want to start her career over in Canada. Now on Starz through Ammy Prime Video. Other than that, this is a must-see! Four out of five salted caramel iced lattes, with creamy oat milk!