OK for kids 15+
Lackluster action romcom has violence, sexual references.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that This Means War is a romantic comedy-meets-spy thriller with lots of sexual innuendo, passionate kissing, and action violence (including shooting and some deaths, though nothing particularly graphic). The language includes one use of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "bitch," "ass," "d--k," and the like. There's one love scene and several references to sex (including doing it with two guys as a "tiebreaker") and many make-out scenes. Although the movie's premise is comical, it can also send the iffy message that lying about who you are can win someone's heart. Note: The movie was initially rated R but was re-rated PG-13 upon appeal.
- Families can talk about why so many movies, books, and more revolve around the premise of a love triangle. What's the appeal of that kind of story? Do you think it's a realistic situation?
- What messages does This Means War send about relationships? Do you think Lauren treats one or both of the men unfairly? Are the men wrong to spy on Lauren to get ahead in the competition for her love? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding love and relationships.
- Tuck's ex-wife becomes interested in him again when she finds out he's really a CIA agent. Are women only interested in men with "cool" or well-paying jobs? Would you want to be in a relationship with someone whose interest in you was based on your job?
The good stuff
-
Messages: The movie's ultimate message is that you shouldn't put on an act while you're dating someone. But for most of the movie, both men are using information they've acquired as CIA agents to woo Lauren under false premises. Still, Lauren decides that the only advice she needs isn't "who's the better guy" but who makes her the better girl.
-
Role models: At first, the guys are willing to back away from Lauren when each realizes that the other is seeing her, too, but then they decide to vie for her affections. The two agents don't play fairly and pretend to be interested in things only because they know Lauren loves them.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Plenty of action-packed, quickly edited violence. Characters die, but it's not gory -- several are shot in quick succession; another falls off the side of a building. Tuck and FDR threaten a possible informant with a wrench and get into fights during their missions. Explosions, gun shots, hand-to-hand combat, and martial arts moves, but the body count isn't high, and the scenes are so fast paced that you can barely tell who's hurt where.
-
Sex: One love scene (the woman is shown in her bra and panties; the man is shirtless), plus lots of make-out scenes and references to sex -- like when Lauren decides to have a "sex tiebreaker," or her best friend, Trish, discusses who looks like he'd have "dirty sex." Trish also encourages Lauren to talk about the fact that she was a gymnast, because guys like women who are "flexible" and can do certain things in bed. A man describes sex as "entered the premises"; two best friends swear not to have sex with Lauren but then do it anyway.
-
Language: One "f--k" and several uses of "s--t," plus "ass," "bitch," "bastard," "damn," "horny pants," "p---y," "d--k," "hell," "crap," "oh my God," "idiots," etc.
-
Consumerism: Many shots of Mac computers and various cars, including a Camaro, a Suburban, an Audi, and a BMW.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink socially at various dinners and dates. One character stashes alcohol in a sippy cup and at one point refers to her drink as "mommy's special milk." She also refers to her marital sex appointment as doing it "with Cheetos and wine."
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Amazing! Funny! Don't miss it! by crashnburnn
I had no idea how much this movie would blow me away. From start to finish it was funny, action-packed, and kept the story flowing at a believable pace. Men and Women can both find something for themselves here. The characters were very believable and well-developed. I just cannot say enough how great this movie was. I can't wait to see it again!
4
Very Funny, and worth the price of admission by LynnCindy
This was a very entertaining movie, and kept you laughing rhoughout. There was a lot of chemistry on screen, and Reese Witherspoon is just getting better with age... both in her acting and her beauty.
It will make a great "Date Night" movie, and kids 13 and over will likely enjoy it as well, because it is full of plenty action.
Without giving away the ending, I will say it ended the best way possible for all those involved, and we completely agreed with it.
It will be an action comedy we add to our personal collection once it is released on DVD.
4
Hoping for a Bromance Sequel. by CinnTaNo
There were a lot of fun, laugh out loud moments and the few action scenes were pulse pounding. Definitely adult humor. I love Tom Hardy's character Tuck, I wish they would have allowed his character to be shown a little more. The best scenes were with the relationship between the male leads. I am hoping they will do a bromance movie featuring Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, that would be an amazing sequel. Although I enjoyed this movie immensely, the ending was a bit of a let down.
5
DONT LISTEN TO THE CRITICS!!!! by Movie_magic4me
I haven't written a review in awhile. Not enough time in the day but I had to here because the critics were so harsh on this flick. I absolutely LOVED this movie. It was funny, cute witty and had a bit of everything for everyone. I thought the actors worked incredibly well together. They pulled you into the movie and hold you there. I laughed so hard my gut ached and I thought it was extremely well casted! Go see it for yourself. Great date movie and great night out movie all the way around!. If giving it 1 out of 10 (10 being excellent), I would rate this an 8 or 9 for the genre it is in! Trust me!
5
Perfect for couples by Jblinkey
This movie has action and quirky romance, it's hilarious! My husband walked out and said that this was the best couple movie he's seen in a while.
4
A Pleasant Surprise by winnie263
I was very surprised at how entertaining the movie was. My impression after watching the trailers was that it was going to be a chick flick but it was action packed as well. A movie for both sexes.
4
Rotten Tomatoes can suck it. by cjsimond
This film's got a 25ish% rating on rotten tomatoes, and I don't see why... Granted it's a bit cliche and unrealistic, but it's great for both an action flick and a chick flick! If you love Chelsea Handler and/or Reese Witherspoon at all, it's seriously a must see. Very funny.
5
Very funny!! by gtherlan
Better than expected; Reese looked amazing and the guys were awesome too! Tom Hardy reminded me of a young Kevin Costner and Chris Pine is just so cute!! A definite must see.
4
A Good Time by doctorevildoer
Critics try too hard to dissect movies into its parts....it wasn't this or it wasn't that.....this movie is good for what it was.....it was just a good time. This Means War doesn't take itself too seriously and neither should the viewer. I happen to like what director, McG, does with movies....he has a lot of fun. The Charlie's Angels films he directed were along the same lines as This Means War; there's a little bit of campiness involved. Doubtful it will win any awards but it wins my recommendation.....I really enjoyed the movie.
5
Tom Hardy by hayley88sky
I could look at and listen to Tom Hardy all day. So, if you like Tom Hardy, you will love this movie. Everyone else is just fine but for me, the reason to see this movie was Tom Hardy. I don't care how unbelievable it was, I love watching him, I love listening to him, he makes me laugh, and he he even got me a little choked up too. Enjoy!