{"id":8432,"date":"2012-06-27T11:53:51","date_gmt":"2012-06-27T09:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pinartarhan.com\/blog\/?p=8432"},"modified":"2012-08-11T17:30:35","modified_gmt":"2012-08-11T15:30:35","slug":"a-funny-action-comedy-with-a-fun-romance-brilliant-ending","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pinartarhan.com\/blog\/a-funny-action-comedy-with-a-fun-romance-brilliant-ending\/","title":{"rendered":"This Means War: A Funny Action Comedy with a Fun Romance & Brilliant Ending"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"This<\/a>
This Means War starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. Image: moviepostersdirect.co.uk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plot<\/strong><\/p>\n

CIA Agents Tuck (Tom Hardy<\/a>) and FDR (Frank – played by Chris Pine) are partners and best friends- they consider each other family despite having totally different outlooks on life and romance:<\/p>\n

Tuck is divorced with a kid, but he hasn\u2019t given up on romance. He wants to find the right woman to share an immense, permanent bond.<\/p>\n

Frank on the other hand is the perfect womanizer. He\u2019s gorgeous, a smooth talker and he always has the perfect strategy-compliments of being a good agent. And while Tuck is an equally kick-ass agent, he prefers honest, serious relationships \u2013 although he has to lie about what he does for a living.<\/p>\n

But things get complicated when the pretty, successful but romantically jaded Lauren (Reese Witherspoon<\/a>) is forced back into the dating pool by her married friend Trish (Chelsea Handler.) But Lauren\u2019s outrage about Trish\u2019s putting up an online dating profile for her disappears when she sees that a \u201ctravel agent\u201d named Tuck seems interested.<\/p>\n

Frank, however, is not willing to put Tuck\u2019s heart on the line by letting him go dating on his own. \u00a0After all, there\u2019re lots of crazy women out there, and he is out of practice. Tuck unwillingly lets him to be at a safe, unseen distance \u2013 just in case.<\/p>\n

The date goes great, but unfortunately before Tuck can let him all about it, Frank meets Lauren \u2013 and is totally attracted to her no-bullshit, I-don\u2019t-date-players-like-you attitude.<\/p>\n

When they boys find out they\u2019re dating the same woman, they decide to \u201clet the best man\u201d win, as they both seem to like her a lot. But unfortunately their spy habits turns the deal into \u201clet the best agent\u201d win as they start spying on and sabotaging each other\u2019s dates.<\/p>\n

Lauren wouldn\u2019t take Frank seriously, but a chance encounter forces her to give him another chance. Then she gets into a dilemma however when she realizes that she is dating two great, gorgeous guys. She decides to choose after a couple of more dates.<\/p>\n

So who is going to win as both men are playing \u201cdirty\u201d? And will their friendship survive their increasingly growing rivalry? And how the hell are they going to protect Lauren when they are too busy to notice that their ultimate CIA target is on the right track and dying for revenge?<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Why You Should See It:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This movie is just so much fun. It is a lot more hilarious than it is romantic, and the fighting scenes are really cool \u2013 and when the fighting gets funny, it is still really cool because let\u2019s remember, we have two badass fighters instead of Colin Firth\u2019s Darcy and Hugh Grant\u2019s Daniel \u201cfighting\u201d on Bridget Jones\u2019 Diary (they fought quite clumsily in both movies.) Don\u2019t get me wrong, I love those scenes, they make for great comedy \u2013 but two agents fighting is a lot sexier than watching two clueless men fighting.<\/p>\n

As for the ending, let\u2019s say there is more to it than a happy ending. And the very last scene might be my ultimate favorite in the entire movie.<\/p>\n

If you were Lauren, who would you pick?<\/strong><\/p>\n

OK, this might suit my dating blog more, and I\u2019ll post a related article there too. But both guys have their flaws and dealmakers so let\u2019s have fun. My point of view:<\/p>\n

( I do give a bit about the tricks and events, so it might be a bit spoilerish).<\/p>\n

My turn-offs from Frank (Chris Pine)
\n<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I hate clubs \u2013 I can\u2019t stand the music played there. It\u2019s a nightmare for a rock addict.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d love it if potential Mr. Right hadn\u2019t slept with 500 women.<\/p>\n

Sure, your past is past- but a guy having slept around that much is not a very impressive trait. I get that he is gorgeous, but I really hope he doesn\u2019t tell Lauren- if he is going to be all romantic and loyal it is great- but I\u2019d not be happy knowing my boyfriend slept with pretty much any girl he wanted.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His taste in music. Sade? Really?<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His taste in movies. Titanic? You\u2019ve got to be kidding me! I guess that he was in the mood for sappy and cheesy and overdramatic \u2013 but he could have just as well opted for a much more heart-felt romance with a better story. Titanic? Seriously?<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He is too freaking arrogant! He looks great and he knows it, but at least he can fake a little modesty.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pretending to like the art when he doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pretending to love animals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

(Not that I care about Lauren\u2019s taste in art or am that keen about pet shelters, but I\u2019d be disappointed to find out we didn\u2019t have that much in common after all.)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My turn-offs from Tuck (Tom Hardy)
\n<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He is divorced- which would bring me to the question \u2013what did he do? Was it a mutual screw-up or did he cause it?<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0And he has a kid, and an ex-wife- and if things worked out, it would be a little complicated.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Not to mention that his wife is gorgeous and they don\u2019t seem to be completely over each other.<\/p>\n

Turn-ons \u2013 Frank<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The moment Frank sent the stewardess home.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He actually tried to be a gentleman when he took her home. It lasted for 2 seconds, but in all fairness, she didn\u2019t want him to be a gentleman.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He is a badass agent- I love all the fighting stunts.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s a great friend \u2013 for the 95% of the time anyway.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When he is in love, he really is in love.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s the perfect \u201cfake\u201d boyfriend to drive your ex crazy in about 2 minutes.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He is good in bed. And he can do it 5 times in one night. Hallelujah!<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Did I mention hot? He\u2019s also charming and he can be very nice and cute when he wants to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turn ons – Tuck:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/em>– <\/strong>\u00a0 Great guy.<\/p>\n

– A decent dad.<\/p>\n

– He is a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

– I love safe and earnest, but I never thought he was safe- first date was about acrobacy after all.<\/p>\n

– I should mention sexy and cute, which is a pretty irresistible combination.<\/p>\n

– He is very funny. Half my favorite lines come from him.<\/p>\n

– Him being British is a perk, not a flaw!<\/p>\n

– He actually is a gentleman- he\u2019d let you take control over how fast you want to go.<\/p>\n

-When he chose fun dates for Lauren, he didn\u2019t fake interest in anything. He just chose something she\u2019d love, but he\u2019d also enjoy. Remember the convertible ride?<\/p>\n

– He is a pretty cool agent. I loved how he got rid of the cameras when he wanted to.<\/p>\n

– I\u2019m sure there is more. But you get the idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Does it look like I\u2019d pick Tuck?\u00a0 Well, I\u2019d- had it not been for the whole ex-wife\/kid\/unresolved feelings bit, as well as the several redeeming qualities they threw in for Frank (the whole time at his grandma\u2019s house was \u201cemotional porn\u201d(Tuck\u2019s words) indeed. Throw in the stewardess rejection and looking genuinely hurt when she was with Tuck). But when you add it all up, Frank actually does seem to be a pretty strong rival to me.<\/p>\n

Yes, I was lusting after them both, though I rooted for Tuck for the 85% of the time.<\/p>\n

And during that 85%, I was lusting after Frank. Though I didn\u2019t\/couldn\u2019t picture myself dating him. He seemed like the guy even the most emotional and romantic of girls would want to have on speed dial as a booty call. And then I\u2019d want to date Tuck, and just Tuck for good (as I said- had it not been for the ex-wife (Abigail Spencer and the son.)<\/p>\n

You can write your vote in the comments. I\u2019d love to hear your preferences and why.<\/p>\n

But the ending was perfect, and I couldn\u2019t have written it better myself. And by the ending, I do mean all the scenes starting at the showdown at the restaurant.
\n*<\/p>\n

Why the ending is awesome:<\/strong> it ends with action, and not the romance (though we get to learn about the romantic decision too right before.)<\/p>\n

I always make fun of a friend of mine for seeing Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona<\/a> as the ultimate \u201cromance\u201d movie- and I totally get it. Trust me. Two girls, one guy, all meaningless in a cool city. And I enjoyed Vicky Christina Barcelona as a movie- just I didn\u2019t like any of the characters, including Bardem\u2019s. No, wait \u2013especially Bardem\u2019s.<\/p>\n

But This Means War might very well be a girl\u2019s Vicky Christina Barcelona. Two hot guys fighting for one girl, being romantic and fun and adventurous \u2013 and not to mention their ass-kicking skills. I had a great time with all the action and eye candy, and I also enjoy seeing Witherspoon on the screen.<\/p>\n

See it. It is in the league of Knight and Day \u2013 the romance is there, but so are humor and action. And if someone deems this one a chick flick, I know that we have totally different taste in movies. It\u2019s OK, as it is all relative.<\/p>\n

But I freaking loved this movie because it made me laugh out loud, a lot!<\/p>\n

ONLY Disappointment: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Angela Bassett didn\u2019t have a bigger role and I\u2019d have loved to see her bring her A-game from Strange Days and beat the hell out of the boys for abusing the agency resources.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Favorite lines:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuck or Frank: I love you, man<\/p>\n

– Tuck or Frank: I love you too.<\/p>\n

-Lauren: Oh my god! I\u2019m yoko<\/p>\n

(though I don\u2019t think that Paul McCartney ever had a thing for Yoko. But she did break the band so this line did crack me up.)<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Lauren<\/strong>: (on why she doesn\u2019t like the idea of online dating) I might end up in a body suit or in somebody else\u2019s trunk.<\/p>\n

Trish:<\/strong> You\u2019re being dramatic. That only happens to one in 20 girls.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Discussing pros and cons of the two:<\/p>\n

Lauren:<\/strong> FDR has these tiny, like, girl hands. Like little T-Rex hands.
\nTrish<\/strong>: Eeww gross that means he’s got a mike and ike for a penis.
\nFrank: <\/strong>[observing from the ops center- to Tuck<\/em>] you know that’s not true.<\/p>\n

(then he goes on to remind how Tuck has seen it in Bangledash and it is not true. But just as Tuck is enjoying this too much, Lauren says what is wrong with Tuck):<\/p>\n

Lauren:<\/strong> He\u2019s British
\nNow it\u2019s Frank\u2019s turn to crack up.)<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Directed by McG, and written by Timothy Dowling,\u00a0 Marcus Gautesen\u00a0and Simon Kinberg.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Also with Tom Hardy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Inception<\/a><\/p>\n

Also on Reese Witherspoon:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Penelope starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recommendations for the people who enjoyed This Means War and\/or people who love the combination of action\/romance comedy.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Bird on a Wire starring Mel Gibson & Goldie Hawn<\/p>\n

Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz<\/a><\/p>\n

Air America starring Mel Gibson & Robert Downey Jr. (no romance, action\/comedy with some drama)<\/p>\n