100 movies: This Means War

comments 16
100 movies of 2012

Every year I set myself a target, usually of about 100, of films to watch. These are new films. Not new, new films. But films that are new to me. Any time I’ve seen a new one, I post a bit of a brain dump of my thoughts on the film here. Enjoy!

This Means WarThis Means War (02/03/12)

Two top CIA operatives wage an epic battle against one another after they discover they are dating the same woman.

Hand on heart, this was probably the most fun film I’ve seen this year. Yes, it’s just another McG mindless action film. Yes, the plot’s very simplistic. But you know what? I enjoyed it. Sometimes, I need a bit of mindless fun.

I know a lot of people are asking why on Earth Tom Hardy felt like he had to do this film. I’m glad he did. Yes, he’s an incredibly strong actor with some amazing performances behind and ahead of him. But he got to do something a little light here. For that, I’m grateful. And yes, I might just be a little bit more in love with Tom Hardy now.

I thought the film flipped between your typical romcom to action film fairly well. The action sequences were done well enough. Nothing amazing, but they weren’t botched. Tom Hardy and Chris Pine were great together. Bromance lives!

When the film ended the audience actually applauded. This just doesn’t happen (often). Especially not here in England. We’re just too uptight! And yet, the entire packed cinema were applauding and cheering.
Rating: 4/5

Read on to see all the films watched this year…

13 Films so far this year

  1. The Tourist 1/5 (02/01/12)
  2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 5/5 (03/01/12)
  3. World’s Greatest Dad 2/5 (14/01/12)
  4. Haywire 3/5 (19/01/12)
  5. Dead Snow 3/5 (20/01/12)
  6. The Artist 5/5 (21/01/12)
  7. Priest 2/5 (05/02/12)
  8. The Muppets 5/5 (15/02/12)
  9. Faster 4/5 (19/02/12)
  10. Chronicle 4/5 (22/02/12)
  11. Safe House 4/5 (24/02/12)
  12. Reservoir Dogs 4/5 (25/02/12)
  13. This Means War 4/5 (02/03/12)

16 Comments

  1. Nice review. I’ve heard mixed things about this one, but it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I always wonder in films like this why they take such a traditional view of dating (really, is it so hard to believe that a woman could date two guys at once, and why is this even a problem?), but I’m thinking that the bromance elements you mentioned might be just enough to make this one enjoyable.

    • I had a big problem with that part of the film. And the whole hugely unrealistic first dates that she had. Dating 2 guys at once, especially if you’ve just started dating, isn’t a big thing at all these days! Ahh… you gotta love Hollywood.

  2. I agree with you, this was a fun film for sure. I know I laughed and gave it a good review as well. Although saying “this was probably the most fun film Iโ€™ve seen this year.” doesnt carry all that much weight at the beginning of March, LOL.

    Still, you pegged it. Lightweight fun that’s easy to enjoy. Nicely put J!

    • No… it’s not saying a lot, but 2 and a bit months into the year and you’d think they’d be something fun already!

      There’s nothing wrong with a bit of a fun popcorn fodder film. Sometimes, it’s exactly what we need.

  3. So nice to see someone realising that this film is just a bit of fun. Some of the reviews and comments make it out to be the most heinous film of the year! Some take it far too serious, I read one review that referred to the scene where Hardy is followed by the drone and goes on to compare how many US soldiers have died!

    I adore Tom Hardy and by the time the film was released in UK last Friday, I had already seen it four times. I will see it several times more as I enjoy the fluff and nonsense of it all. Harmless fun that has the most talented actor of his generation appearing in it. How bad can that possibly be! lol

    • You know what? Sometimes I think people take film too seriously. Yes, I love my big dark dramas and sobering films. But sometimes, like you, I like to see some fun up on the big screen. This Means War had it in the bucket load.

      I think this will be great for Hardy – like you said, harmless fun with an enormously talented actor and also Hardy getting his name out there even more. Good for him!

  4. Wow you really liked this! I guess it does look like some decent fluffy fun and it all depends on your predisposition when you watch this. Glad you enjoyed it Jaina, I look forward to renting it ๐Ÿ˜€

    • I really did. I thought I’d enjoy it, but not as much as I did. It’ll make for a good rainy day rental!

  5. Hmm.. maybe I’ll have to check this out after all. I do like Tom Hardy, and sometimes it’s nice to just kick back with a mindless movie. Nice write-up, Jaina!

  6. Wow, applause? I’m surprised! From the trailer, I gathered that it was fluff with cheap thrills and Witherspoon in need of a paycheck. That’s interesting – I will have to rent it now! Glad you enjoyed it. And your love for Tom Hardy is very understandable. He’s very swoon-worthy. And I don’t mind a little Chris Pine too ๐Ÿ™‚

    • I was surprised by the applause too! I think this is one of those crowd pleaser films. Sure, it’s not for the critics, but the general movie going public seemed to love it.

      Tom Hardy AND Chris Pine in the film? OH! I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of them. More than made up for Witherspoon’s blandness. In fact, she just melted into the background.

  7. Clearly my brain is on strike because I’ve known about this film for the last couple of weeks and yet even having seen the poster, I STILL didn’t realise Tom Hardy was in it. DUH. May actually have to see this now ๐Ÿ˜‰

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