Most romantic comedies are predictable. The rom-com-action flick, This Means War, while having an outstanding cast, is no different from any other “attractive person has to decide between two attractive candidates” movie.
FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are as good as friends as you can find. Also, they happen to work for the CIA and bond over chasing baddies. FDR is the perpetual ladies man, complete with a bachelor bad I do not believe to be structurally accurate. Tuck, is the hopeless romantic, who’s relationship with his ex-wife and son are strained apparently because of his cover job of being a travel agent. Their relationship is put to the test when, surprise, Reese Witherspoon’s Lauren comes into the picture. She meets Tuck, falls in love, then happens to run into FDR, who persuades her to go on a date with him. It’s a neck and neck battle, with each agent using government funds and equipment to check in and deter the other person.
Ultimately, the movie is hinged on Lauren’s decision between FDR and Tuck. Spoiler alert, I figured it out 15 minutes into the film when Tuck shows some softness to her ex. From that point on, I knew exactly where the plot was going, and the ride wasn’t as fun knowing that. Obviously all 3 actors know their stuff (Sweet Home Alabama, Star Trek, Inception, etc.), but this really didn’t need to be made by any of them. I thought after Bronson, Inception, and The Dark Knight Rises, that Tom Hardy could do no wrong. But it was me that was wrong. If you can watch the first part of this movie without figuring out the finale, go ahead, maybe it’ll be fun for you. If not, turn it off. It’ll probably be better imagined in your head.
Weekday Matinee 