While FDR is an unabashed womanizer, Tuck is a little more “safe” and struggles to reconnect with his young son who doesn’t really seem to want him in his life anymore. Tuck begins musing about finding love and decides to sign up for online dating. Meanwhile on the other side of Los Angeles, Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), a consumer products tester who has been unlucky in love, runs into her ex with his lovely new fiancée on his arm. This prompts Lauren’s best friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) to sign her up for online dating and wouldn’t you know, she and Tuck find each other. Through a twist of fate, FDR meets Lauren at the video store following her successful date with Tuck and he becomes intrigued with her, not knowing who she is. With both guys falling for the same girl, comedy ensues.
Soon, Tuck and FDR realize they are both vying for Lauren’s affections and the war begins. Both men begin using CIA resources to spy on Lauren and do recon so they can gain an advantage. In the meantime, despite the fact that finding Heinrich was made top priority by their boss (Angela Bassett), both men have been shirking their responsibilities and soon, Heinrich is in L.A. looking for them. At the same time, Lauren is falling for both guys since they both seem to be the perfect man for her. Plus Trish is no help at all as she insists Lauren simply sleep with both of them as the tie-breaker. When Heinrich kidnaps Lauren, Tuck and FDR are forced to put aside their differences to save Lauren and in typical McG fashion, the movie wraps up in an explosive finale.
I must say that I laughed out loud numerous times throughout this film. The antics between FDR and Tuck in an attempt to dissuade Lauren from one another were absolutely hysterical. I also liked that there was a backstory about Heinrich and his quest for revenge, instead of simply revolving around the love triangle. While I wasn’t crazy about the way it ended, Lauren’s situation was impossible and after seeing the alternate endings, I preferred the one McG chose and everything did work out.
Special features include an amusing gag reel, a handful of deleted scenes, commentary by McG and a featurette called Bachelorette Party with Lauren and her girls cutting up. There are also two versions of the film to watch, the Extended and Theatrical version, plus a DVD and Digital Copy as well. The Extended version is only an extra few minutes, but neither version is for the kiddies with Chelsea Handler in the mix.
This Means War is a fun, action/romantic comedy that both guys and girls can appreciate. It’s a McG, so don’t be looking for a deep, introspective plot, but just enjoy it for what it is. The cast works really well together and Tom Hardy is definitely one to watch for in the future. If you are looking for a fun popcorn movie, check out This Means War.
