Story by Hannah Everman
If you were one of the many couples who flocked to the movie theaters this Valentine’s Day, then you may have had the pleasure of seeing This Means War, a new film directed by McG and starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. Chris Pine plays FDR, a classic ladies man, with bright blue eyes that lure you into his web of seduction, but you don’t really mind once you get there. Tom Hardy, on the other hand, plays Tuck, the stable single dad, with a British accent that makes you forget about anything he’s actually saying because you’re only focusing on how beautiful his voice is. Not only are these men best friends, but also top CIA operatives working for the same agency. Unbeknownst to them, they both end up dating Lauren (Witherspoon), a hard working career girl waiting to be swept off her feet. Lauren meets Tuck through an online dating site that her best friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) sets up for her in an effort to get Lauren dating again. The idea that any character Reese Witherspoon plays would ever have to use an online dating site is a barrel of laughs in and of itself; however, the real fun begins when she realizes her blind date turns out to be a smoking hot British man, with enough bicep tattoos to warrant a good degree of bad boy.
Lauren ends up running into FDR at the video store around the corner, just after her date with Tuck. Little did she know that FDR was hiding out at the video store, in case Tuck’s date went badly. However, not only did FDR not get the call, but he also had no idea who Lauren was or looked like, so he himself charmingly engaged her, and that was the start of this movie that turned into a war for love and a love for war between these two best friends.
The chemistry between Lauren and each of these men was perfect, but also the chemistry between FDR and Tuck was reminiscent of the relationship between Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in the 2004 version of Starsky and Hutch. They convincingly played not just co-workers, but best friends. From the point of recognizing that they are in love with the same woman, to the point where FDR admits to sleeping with Tuck’s ex-wife, these two give an outstanding performance of what it means to be like brothers. They were funny, exciting to watch, and witty. Throwing a fun-loving character like Lauren into the middle of that only made it more entertaining.
Tuck and FDR are playing CIA operatives, so you’d think there would be a lot of action happening. However, it was completely the opposite. There was an action-packed opening scene, and a fairly well choreographed chase scene at the climax. But he entire establishing section of the movie was comprised of FDR and Tuck bickering over who will win Lauren’s heart, which was relatively action-free. Their competitive nature, and the drastic measures they take to win Lauren’s affection, never hesitates to make you laugh.
Also, as a supporting actress, Chelsea Handler captivated the audience with her vulgar, blunt, sexual humor that was never anything less than hysterical. She was the character that you can’t help but love, because they say everything you’re wishing they would say for you. She also has a loving relationship with her son and husband, and acts as Lauren’s rock throughout the movie.
If you didn’t get a chance to see this movie, it is definitely one you should put on your “must see” list. Good romantic comedies with engaging, original humor are scarce, so treat yourself to a day off and see This Means War.

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“This Means War” Review