Back in the 1980s when director John Badham was working steadily, his projects were usually credited as “A John Badham Movie,” with the more casual “movie” replacing the more formal (and common) “film.” This Means War is exactly that same type of project, a sort of reverse romantic comedy with plenty of action and situational humor. Actually, as much as I think this project would have been suited for Badham (who has been working solely in television since 2002), it reminded me even more of True Lies, although it isn’t anywhere near as smooth as that excellent James Cameron adventure.
Like True Lies, This Means War is romance in the guise of spies — and they share the notion that the “bromance” between men working together so closely parallels the ups and downs of any traditional marriage. Both stories feature espionage agents who cannot resist using the trappings of their profession for personal use to learn as much as they can about the woman they fear is seeing someone else. And both films offer odd casting of TV actors in key best-friend roles. In True Lies it is smart-alec Tom Arnold in the breakout role of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s partner. In This Means War it is smart-ass Chelsea Handler who is Reese Witherspoon’s best friend.
Witherspoon is ostensibly the star of the comedy, and she has never looked better, but she really isn’t the focal point. Director McG (no James Cameron, or even John Badham, I’m afraid) is far more interested in the men, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, whose easy chemistry with each other is a big asset for the story. Their rivalry is easily the single most interesting aspect of the film. Oh, and there is also an international mercenary or killer or something on the loose, played by Til Schweiger, who is bound to arrive just in time to put everyone in peril. This part of the film was pretty laughable, and I don’t mean in a comedic way.
I enjoyed the byplay, the chemistry between the leads and the glow that seems to surround Witherspoon at all times. This isn’t a film, it is truly a movie, in every popcorn sense of the word, and as such it is worthwhile. Just don’t take it very seriously, and have a good time. ✰ ✰ ✰. 21 Feb. 2012.