This Means War is available on Blu-ray/DVD May 22nd. Amazon Link Here.
McG used to show promise. (That is surely a frontrunner for “Weirdest Sentence found on Cinemastance.com 2012”)
Back in 2000 the worst named director in the world gave us “Charlie’s Angels,” a hyper kinetic redux of the campy 70’s show that gave a glimpse of a unique vision. Then came “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” a couple years later that offered more of the same but with the edge gone. The sequel was limp and lifeless and a little of McG’s luster was lost.
Now 12 years later comes “This Means War” an action/romantic comedy hybrid that was meant to be a return to form after the disappointing “Terminator:Salvation” reboot that proved that Mr. McG can’t hack the straight violent blockbuster. “This Means War” features plenty of slo-motion glass flying and ridiculous leaps with the requisite bullets flying but the entire thing seems bland and played out. The film proves that McG is a one trick pony who has left all of his cards on the table.
Not that it’s his entire fault. The premise is one of the most unbelievable since Jenna Fischer gave Owen Wilson cheating privileges in “Hall Pass”. Two CIA agents, FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy), are grounded after a botched mission. With time on their hands, the men turn their attentions on “the ladies.”
FDR, the playboy, gets back to his usual one and done mentality while Tuck decides to try dating of the online persuasion. This is how he meets Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), a sexually repressed professional woman who needs to break her slump. She comes equipped with the mandatory Rom Com staple, a smartass, cynical best friend played to perfection by Chelsea Handler. When FDR accidentally catches Lauren’s eye as well the love triangle is complete and Tuck and FDR vie for Lauren’s favor by any means necessary. When you work for the CIA, “any means” includes thermal surveillance cameras and bugging everything. Hilarity ensues…
…Or does it? There is no chemistry and sparks between the three because the entire concept devolves into a meaningless competition between the boys. “This Means War” becomes impossible to invest in. Without suspending the disbelief (and there is plenty to disbelieve) you cannot break away from the fact that you are just watching a movie as Hardy, Pine and Witherspoon go through the motions preordained in some secret Romantic Comedy text book. I feel bad for our stars as all three are likable and deserve better.
Blu-ray Special Features:
Includes 2 Versions: Unrated and Theatrical
Alternate Endings w/ Optional Commentary by Director McG
Warehouse Alternate Ending
Alternate Ending #1
Alternate Ending #2
Bachelorette Party
Uncensored Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes w/ Optional Commentary by Director McG
Trish & Lauren Chat / Shooting Range
Jonas’ Funeral
Post Pizza
Ex-Girlfriends
Visiting Joe
Lauren Freaking Out
Alternative Opening Concept (Previz w/ Optional Commentary by Director McG)
Audio Commentary by Director McG (standard and extended versions)
Theatrical Trailer