This Means War DVD Review: Cute… But Bad

This Means War is a fast-paced romantic comedy that sadly brings nothing new to the table. A script that has been done before with characters that aren’t the least bit realistic are all the film has to deliver.

The plot is simple. Two top secret agents, FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are fighting over the same girl, and using the resources of the CIA to do so. While their friendship is put to the test, Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) finds herself in a situation she’s never been in before…. she’s dating two guys at once.

With a predictable ending, unbelievable characters and a lackluster script you can’t help but feel like you haven’t wasted a 2 hours of your life you’ll never get back. That being said, This Means War does have it moments. Sure it has cute scenes, and Chelsea Handler (who stars as Lauren’s best friend) brings some great laughs to the table. Take Handler away though, and you have a boring, structureless comedy that feels pre-packaged and dated. Example.. At the beginning of the film, Lauren and FDR meet in a video rental store… a very large video rental store. When is the last time you’ve seen a single location like this that hasn’t had an “out of business” sign on it within the last five years? Yet this film is set in present day. There’s no creativity here, and there’s not a single part of this film that feels realistic in the least.

Bottom line, even though I completely adore Reese Witherspoon and romantic comedies in general, this wasn’t a smart movie. It needed more thought put into the script and more realistic human qualities put into the characters… something so that we could somehow relate to them and connect with them. Because at the end, you just don’t really care which guy she picks. There’s no emotional investment.

Special features on the Blu-ray release include 3 alternate endings, gag reel, deleted scenes, extend version, and more.

Grade: C-
Review By: Emma Loggins