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There’s something about the first few minutes of a film. It sets the mood for the rest of the movie, gets you in the right frame of mind for what lies ahead. You can tell a lot about a film from the opening scene or pre-title sequence. For example, Casino Royale; dark and gritty, Quantum of Solace; lots of action and not a huge amount in the way of storyline.
This rule (let’s call it Harvey’s Law, just for the sake of argument!) looked set to claim another victim when the lights first went down on director McG’s latest offering, This Means War. Usually seen producing American TV in recent years, its good to see him back in the director’s chair for the first time since Terminator Salvation hit our screens back in the wilds of 2009. Having said that, with Charlie’s Angels also on McG’s list of directorial accomplishments, this could have gone either way.
The story centres around two top CIA operatives, FDR and Tuck (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy), who, after realising they are both dating the same woman (Reese Witherspoon), begin an all out covert war against each other, spy drones and all!
But back to Harvey’s Law.
The film opens with our two agents attempting to bring down a pair of bad guys (we never really find out why they’re bad… they just look a bit dodgy!), in a stealthy, subtle and covert operation! But things go a bit wrong, and a few impossible from-the-hip gun shots and some rather unconvincing blue-screen work later, and the scene is apparently set!
Grounded from active duty for their ‘covert’ operation, the pair set about working from the office, and being monumentally bored in the process. But things soon pick up when Tuck, pining for some intimacy, signs up for a dating site where he finds the lovely Lauren. Only problem is, FDR also meets her, 2 minutes later, just round the corner. Cue rivalry and spy drones!
There’s no arguing with the cast on this one, Chris Pine takes a break from captaining the Enterprise and settles into the character of ladies man FDR very well, a role which almost has echoes of young Kirk about it anyway. And Tom Hardy manages to give a great performance as the slightly steadier Tuck, not an easy role considering his recent CV (Inception, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Dark Knight Rises, all of which have or are set to clean up at the box office)!
The third side to this triangle comes from Reese Witherspoon’s Lauren and associated friend Trish, who provide the comic relief. To be honest the female characters are a little clichéd, but in the context of the film, they work brilliantly.
Following the slightly shaky start, the film soon settles into its own rhythm. Wariness gives way to enjoyment as the aim of the film becomes clear. Somehow it manages to bridge the gap between all out action and slightly soppy rom-com in a way that few films have managed. Think Bridget Jones with CIA agents and a few more explosions and you’re on the right sort of lines.
Now the plot itself is far from convincingly watertight; predictability and a peppering of action could have been the films downfall. But the comedy highlights of the self-aware cliché ensure that the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. So suspend belief for a couple of hours and you have a great piece of entertainment for men or women (although some of the language and a few raunchy scenes make it unsuitable for younger viewers).
My only gripe with the film is the climax of the storyline. So much of the movie was taken up with the development of this love triangle that the final showdown ended up being a major let down. One car chase later and its all over. I would have preferred more of a face off with the dodgy looking baddie, and at only 98 minutes, I’m sure there would have been time!
But overall? A brilliant, exciting film with plenty of laughs and enough eye candy for both sexes to enjoy. Realism be damned, this film aims to have fun!
Looks like Harvey’s Law might have to be re-thought…
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