This Means War Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two super spies use government resources to compete for the affection of a woman who can’t decide between them, culminating in a fiery car crash and questionable life choices.

🍿 This Means War: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Hong Kong Mission Gone Wrong

CIA agents FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck Hansen (Tom Hardy) are tasked with stopping international criminal Karl Heinrich from obtaining a weapon. The mission in Hong Kong goes awry, resulting in the death of Heinrich’s brother. Heinrich vows revenge, setting up a secondary conflict.

Dating and Discoveries

Back in Los Angeles, assigned to desk duty for their protection, Tuck and FDR both seek love. Tuck joins an online dating site, where he connects with Lauren Scott (Reese Witherspoon). Simultaneously, FDR meets Lauren, unaware of Tuck’s connection, and also begins dating her. Lauren, advised by her friend Trish (Chelsea Handler), decides to date both men.

Spy Games and Sabotage

Upon discovering they are dating the same woman, Tuck and FDR agree to let her choose, but soon abandon their gentleman’s agreement. They utilize CIA resources to spy on Lauren and sabotage each other’s dates, leading to humorous and increasingly elaborate situations. This creates a conflict of ethics and resource misuse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lauren (Reese Witherspoon): A product tester caught in a love triangle with two CIA agents.
• FDR Foster (Chris Pine): A charming, womanizing CIA agent competing for Lauren’s affection with his best friend.
• Tuck (Tom Hardy): A divorced, British CIA agent also vying for Lauren’s heart.
• Heinrich (Til Schweiger): An international criminal seeking revenge on FDR and Tuck.
• Trish (Chelsea Handler): Lauren’s outspoken and sexually liberated best friend, offering questionable dating advice.
• Collins (Angela Bassett): The stern CIA director who oversees FDR and Tuck’s missions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Trish: “Don’t choose the better guy, choose the guy that’s gonna make you the better girl.” – Trish gives Lauren advice on how to choose between Tuck and FDR, emphasizing personal growth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $54,760,791
• Worldwide Gross: $156,491,279

💥 This Means War Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a silly action rom-com, and that’s exactly what I got. Chris Pine and Tom Hardy have great chemistry, even when they’re supposed to be at odds. I laughed a lot, especially during the paintball scene and any time Chelsea Handler was on screen. The plot is ridiculous, sure, but it’s fun to watch the CIA’s resources being used for such petty reasons. I liked that it did not take itself too seriously, which was refreshing, but, at times, a little cheesy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies with action elements”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, or Reese Witherspoon”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and undemanding film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and action sequences”
  • “Sexual innuendo and some suggestive content”
  • “Use of CIA resources for personal gain (ethical concerns)”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Though it boasts a likable cast and some slick action sequences, ‘This Means War’ ultimately fails to deliver on its comedic potential, resulting in a predictable and forgettable romantic comedy.
• IMDb: “‘This Means War’ is a romantic comedy that gets off to a cracking pace with a cool opening scene. I’m not a big fan of romcoms but this one has enough action to keep the fellas more than entertained. It is great, fun, funny and romantic movie.
• Common Sense Media: “A better-than-average romantic comedy that features handsome leads, action, and witty moments, with the plot revolving around ethical workplace behavior and relationship boundaries, with a bit of violence and substance-using in-between.

Audience Reactions

The undeniable chemistry between Chris Pine and Tom Hardy elevates the movie beyond its silly premise.: Audiences enjoyed the humor and action, especially the creative use of CIA resources for romantic sabotage.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted and entertaining film with a ridiculous plot, but elevated by the charismatic leads and comedic moments.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The skyline city in the opening scene is not Hong Kong, but Shanghai.”
• “The US theatrical version was cut for some sex jokes to achieve a more commercial PG-13 rating. International theatrical versions were uncut, but the cut version was used for home video releases worldwide.”

🖥️ How to Watch This Means War?

This Means War is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable and satellite providers. It’s also available on DVD and Blu-ray for physical media enthusiasts.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed This Means War, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): Features married spies hiding their professions and engaging in action-packed conflicts.
• Knight and Day (2010): Involves a normal woman caught up in a spy’s dangerous and adventurous world, with a mix of action and romance.

🛒 This Means War Related Products

• This Means War [Blu-ray]: Own the action-packed romantic comedy on Blu-ray. Enjoy crisp visuals and dynamic sound as you watch the CIA’s finest battle for love.
• Chris Pine: A Biography of the Star Trek Actor: A biography of Chris Pine, detailing his journey and career including This Means War.
• This Means War – Official Movie Poster: Show off your love for the movie with this high-quality poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• CIA Challenge Coin: Authentic CIA challenge coin, symbolizing the values and mission of the agency.

🎧 Soundtrack

This Means War features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shake It, Shake It” – performed by Ted Caplan
• “The Wilhelm Scream” – performed by Sound Effect

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tiny little T. rex hands – This Means War #shorts

Hey, check out this hilarious clip from This Means War! Tom Hardy’s character has the funniest reaction to a dinosaur toy, it’s sure to make you chuckle.

✨ Rate