THIS MEANS WAR (2012)

Directed By: McG 
Written By: Timothy Dowling and Simon Kinberg 
Story By: Marcus Gautesen & Timothy Dowling 
Cinematography By: Russell Carpenter 
Editor: Nicolas De Toth 

 Cast: Resse Witherspoon, Tom Hardy, Chris Pine, Chelsea Handler, Til Schweiger, Abigail Spencer, Angela Bassett, Rosemary Harris, Laura Vandervoort, Jenny Slate


Two CIA agents, Tuck and Frank who are also best friends, have been benched because someone's after them. Tuck is divorced with a son whom he's not close to and Frank is a ladies man. Tuck decides to try and find someone so he places his profile on a dating website. Lauren, a woman also looking for a guy sees tuck's profile and goes with him. She later bumps into Frank and he hits on her and she goes out with him. she's intrigued by both of them. When they learn that they're dating the same girl, they agree to let her choose. But both can't help but use their skills to keep tabs on her and each other. And also sabotage each others dates with her.

A middle of the road film. As it appeals to women with a more romantic comedy plot with 2 hot guys and a woman who is successful to identify with. It appeals to the males of the audience by once in awhile having an action sequence.

While it seems action oriented. It seems like that story is quickly put on the back burner and forgotten though we are reminded once in awhile it seems an excuse to make the co-stars have scenes together as soon it is one of them sharing a scene with Reese Witherspoon. It also gives the film a reason to have their Co-Workers help them sabotage one another in increasingly expensive ways

James Franco was offered a role, but declined.

Bradley Cooper was cast but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

Sam Worthington, Colin Farrell, Justin Timberlake and Seth Rogen were considered for the lead roles, but eventually Chris Pine and Tom Hardy were cast.

This film feels like a blockbuster that has money that is thrown on the screen to make it look more impressive. Instead of working out the problems story-wise with intelligence.

Chris Pine and Tom Hardy have both appeared in Star Trek-related films. Hardy played Praetor Shinzon of Romulus & Remus in Star Trek: Nemesis, while Pine played Cpt. Kirk in Star Trek.

Chelsea Handler who Co-Stars as Reese’s best friend advisor seems to have been brought in last minute and basically played a married with kids version of herself. Though at least she makes the film feel more alive when she’s on screen. Most of her lines are ab-libbed including the mention of Cheetos and Mike and Ike.

The film does have 2 really impressive scenes that if they were done in one take makes them all the more impressive. Reminding the audience of Peter Bogdanovich movies (Like NICKELODEON, NOISES OFF), As he used to always have a scene that is meticulously choreographed of characters coming in hiding or avoiding each other narrowly. This film has a scene like that where the characters are setting up surveillance equipment around her house while she is there and both doing it unnoticed as she keeps walking in and out whatever room they are in.

It’s predictable early on who she will choose though you do feel sorry for the other as he seems more deserving.

Once the action scenes come into play , the scenes feel basic though more to impress and be a bit comedic.

It’s written by Simon Kinberg who also wrote MR. & MRS. SMITH Which this film feels very similar to in formula and the same world of espionage made simple.

Spoiler

An ending was shot with Lauren ending up with Tuck.

Spoiler End

Reese Witherspoon is an actress I used to root for as ever since I saw her in the film MAN ON THE MOON.I have been impressed by her performances as she played in more independent films as she got older, then the odd studio movie I really admired her even as she was the straight character in CRUEL INTENTIONS. She seemed to fall into the romantic comedy territory permanently until WALK THE LINE . Which was a dramatic romance and while she was good I always felt it was more of a supporting performance. After she won the Oscar her career seemed in transition as she sought to define herself. She played in the drama RENDITION, but soon seemed to go to comedy, but big budget ones only, like FOUR CHRISTMASES at times she does try something different VANITY FAIR and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST more celebrated period pieces. I just wish she would try something a bit more challenging something to show she still has an edge to her. Rather than just be a star who feels interchangeable with others. Rather an actress who puts a personal stamp on a role.

I am a fan. I just wish she picked better films.

Wait for tv

GRADE: C-