CIA operatives pine for the same woman in 'War'
"May the best man win." This truism is the idea behind This Means War, a film that features one girl dating two guys – two guys who are not just best friends, but also partners in the CIA. Directed by McG (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle), This Means War features a solid cast, well-written script and some good ?old-fashioned romance.
CIA agents Tuck (Tom Hardy, Inception) and FDR (Chris Pine, Star Trek) are best buds who do everything together, whether it is hanging out on a Friday night or taking down the bad guys. Their friendship appears completely strong and unbreakable until they meet Lauren (Reese Witherspoon, Water for Elephants). Lauren, a product consumer expert, meets Tuck on an online dating profile that her interfering best friend, Trish (Chelsea Handler, Are You There, Chelsea?), creates for her. After Tuck and Lauren's first date, Lauren bumps into FDR, who unabashedly courts her. Although Lauren and FDR engage in heated conversation, romantic sparks fly between the two of them. The next day, Tuck and FDR realize that they are both pursuing the same woman, and instead of backing off, they decide to let the best man win. As CIA operatives, they implement all of their resources in order to keep track of Lauren and her interactions with one another. In the end, Lauren realizes she must choose which man is right for her.
This romantic comedy is loaded with stars whose spot-on acting helps the film tremendously. Reese Witherspoon, queen of the romantic comedy, is finally back in the game and gives a solid performance with terrific timing and a warm presence that makes the audience fall for her. Playing a kind gentleman with his dashing natural British accent, Hardy does a commendable job of expanding his filmography into the romantic comedy genre, channeling his inner romantic in contrast to his partner in crime, Pine. Pine plays the arrogant ladies' man quite well. He seamlessly sheds his ego as his character falls in love, making the audience's choice for who Lauren should choose more difficult. Although Handler's role as Trish, the interfering best friend, is smaller than Witherspoon's, she adds greatly to the comedic value of the film, making her the cherry on top of an already talented cast.
The plot stays tightly focused on the battle for the girl. Since FDR and Tuck are both CIA operatives, there is a minor subplot that deals with their jobs beyond the use of CIA technology to give them an edge while trying to date Lauren. The subplot is weak, however, and appears only at the beginning and end of the film, adding little conflict to the plot as a whole.
Overall, this film is a great romantic comedy that appeals to both genders. Although a romance, the strong comedic writing and action scenes help to balance out the movie.
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