This Means War (2012) is a romantic action-comedy directed by McG, blending CIA espionage with rom-com antics. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy in a love-triangle that’s equal parts spy thriller and romantic chaos. Let’s break it down in detail.
Detailed Summary
Opening: Agents on the Job
The film begins with CIA operatives FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck Hansen (Tom Hardy) infiltrating a Hong Kong party to apprehend a criminal named Heinrich (Til Schweiger). The mission goes wrong, resulting in Heinrich’s brother’s death, and Heinrich swearing revenge. This establishes the espionage backdrop before shifting gears into the rom-com core.
Meet Lauren: The Ordinary Girl
Lauren Scott (Reese Witherspoon) is a successful product tester living in Los Angeles. Despite her career, her love life is a mess. Encouraged by her best friend Trish (Chelsea Handler), she reluctantly tries online dating, leading her to cross paths with Tuck. Around the same time, she meets FDR in a quirky encounter at a video store.
The Love Triangle Kicks In
Unbeknownst to Lauren, Tuck and FDR are best friends. When both realize they’re dating the same woman, they make a pact: “May the best man win.” This launches a competitive battle where each spy uses CIA surveillance, gadgets, and tricks to sabotage the other while trying to woo Lauren.
Spy Games Turn Personal
The competition escalates. FDR takes Lauren on flashy, adventurous dates; Tuck appeals with his sensitive, family-man side. The two spies bug her home, track her movements, and even sabotage each other’s romantic moments. Lauren, torn between two seemingly perfect men, grows closer to both—unaware of the full truth.
The Heinrich Plotline Resurfaces
Amid the love-triangle hijinks, Heinrich hunts down the agents for revenge. This subplot creeps into the main story, setting up the eventual action-packed finale.
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Movie Ending
The climax comes when Heinrich locates Lauren and uses her as bait. FDR and Tuck, despite their rivalry, join forces to save her. After a high-speed chase and shootout, Heinrich meets his end when his SUV is sent flying off a bridge.
The bigger emotional climax is Lauren’s decision. After weighing her feelings, she chooses FDR (Chris Pine). The movie makes this clear during the final scenes where she declares her feelings and embraces him. Tuck, though heartbroken, reconciles with his friend and accepts that FDR is the right match for her. Tuck eventually reconnects with his ex-wife and son, hinting at a rekindled family life for him.
The film closes with FDR and Lauren together as a couple, while Tuck finds happiness in his own family—ending the rivalry but keeping their friendship intact.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, This Means War does not feature a post-credits scene. Once the story ends with the romantic resolution and a comedic wrap-up, that’s it.
Type of Movie
The film is a romantic action-comedy. It mixes spy-thriller elements (gunfights, high-tech espionage, car chases) with lighthearted rom-com humor and relationship drama.
Cast
- Reese Witherspoon as Lauren Scott
- Chris Pine as Franklin “FDR” Foster
- Tom Hardy as Tuck Hansen
- Chelsea Handler as Trish (Lauren’s best friend)
- Til Schweiger as Heinrich (villain)
- Abigail Spencer as Katie (Tuck’s ex-wife)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Christophe Beck, while the soundtrack includes upbeat pop and rock songs to match the playful tone of the movie. Notable tracks include “This Means War” by Nickelback and “I Like It Like That” by Hot Chelle Rae.
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Filming Locations
The movie was shot mainly in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which doubled for Los Angeles. Vancouver’s diverse urban settings allowed the production to switch between sleek office towers, cozy suburban neighborhoods, and flashy nightlife scenes—all key to highlighting the two different lifestyles FDR and Tuck represent.
Awards and Nominations
The film was not critically acclaimed and received no major awards. However, it was nominated for a few negative categories, such as at the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies), where Chelsea Handler was nominated for Worst Supporting Actress.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Reese Witherspoon revealed she was drawn to the script because she wanted to explore comedy again after dramatic roles.
- Tom Hardy admitted he took the role to try a lighter film outside his usual intense characters, though later joked he felt “out of place” in a rom-com.
- Chris Pine described filming as “a boys’ playground” since he and Hardy competed in stunts as much as their characters did onscreen.
- Director McG wanted to make a “romantic comedy for men” by adding explosions and spy gadgets to a genre usually seen as female-driven.
Inspirations and References
The movie isn’t directly based on a book or true story, but it borrows from classic rom-com tropes like love triangles (Bridget Jones’s Diary) while mixing them with spy-action reminiscent of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Reports suggest early drafts of the script had Lauren choosing Tuck instead of FDR. Test screenings, however, showed audiences leaned toward FDR, leading to reshoots that cemented him as the winner of Lauren’s heart. Several deleted comedic scenes between Handler and Witherspoon were cut for pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is not adapted from a book, so there are no book-to-film differences.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- FDR and Tuck realizing they’re dating the same woman, setting up the central rivalry.
- Lauren dancing around her apartment while the spies watch her via surveillance.
- The paintball date with Tuck, showing his playful side.
- The climactic car chase where both men save Lauren from Heinrich.
Iconic Quotes
- Trish: “Don’t pick the better man. Pick the man who makes you a better woman.”
- FDR: “I don’t want to date her. I want to marry her.”
- Tuck: “You think this is CIA? This is my heart.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- FDR’s bachelor pad includes James Bond-style gadgets, a nod to spy movie traditions.
- Tuck’s cover as a travel agent parallels his desire for a grounded family life.
- Heinrich’s limited screen time emphasizes that the real conflict is not espionage but romance.
Trivia
- Bradley Cooper was originally considered for FDR before Chris Pine was cast.
- Seth Rogen turned down a role, saying he didn’t see himself in a rom-com action hybrid.
- Reese Witherspoon personally picked Chelsea Handler to play her best friend.
- Tom Hardy did most of his own stunts despite the film being comedy-focused.
Why Watch?
If you like lighthearted rom-coms but also want a dose of action, This Means War offers a playful blend. It’s not a deep spy thriller, but it’s fun to watch Chris Pine and Tom Hardy duke it out over Reese Witherspoon with gadgets, surveillance, and absurd CIA resources.
Director’s Other Movies (McG)
- Charlie’s Angels (2000)
- Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
- Terminator Salvation (2009)
- The Babysitter (2017)
