This Means War

This Means War
6/10 Total Votes: 154400
Two top CIA operatives wage an epic battle against one another after they discover they are dating the same woman.

This Means War (2012)

Summary:

This Means War is a 2012 American action romantic comedy film directed by McG and starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. The film blends espionage, comedy, and romance, centering on two best friends who are elite CIA operatives. When both men unknowingly fall in love with the same woman, their friendship turns into a playful yet competitive battle using high-tech surveillance, covert tactics, and spy skills. Known for its lighthearted tone, charismatic performances, and action-comedy mix, the film offers an entertaining take on love and rivalry.

Plot:

Franklin "FDR" Foster and Tuck Hansen are highly skilled CIA agents and lifelong best friends. Their professional partnership is strong, built on trust, loyalty, and years of dangerous missions. After a mission goes wrong, both decide to take a break from high-risk fieldwork and focus on personal lives they have long neglected.

Tuck, recently divorced and emotionally cautious, decides to try online dating. Meanwhile, FDR is confident, charming, and carefree when it comes to relationships. By coincidence, both men meet Lauren Scott, an intelligent and independent woman looking for a meaningful relationship after a painful breakup. Unaware of each other’s involvement, both men begin dating Lauren separately.

The situation becomes complicated when FDR and Tuck discover that they are both seeing the same woman. Instead of confronting Lauren or stepping aside, they secretly agree to compete for her affection — without telling her the truth. Using their CIA resources, they spy on Lauren, manipulate situations, and sabotage each other’s romantic moments while maintaining their cover as friends.

As the competition escalates, their actions grow increasingly extreme, blurring the line between professional tactics and personal jealousy. Despite the chaos, Lauren begins to sense something unusual. She finds herself torn between Tuck’s sincerity and emotional depth, and FDR’s confidence and spontaneity.

Meanwhile, a criminal from their past resurfaces, putting Lauren in real danger. The rivalry between the two agents is put aside when they must work together to protect her. Facing real threats reminds them of the value of their friendship and the consequences of deception.

In the climax, Lauren discovers the truth about their secret competition and feels betrayed. Both men are forced to confront their mistakes and accept responsibility. Ultimately, Lauren chooses honesty and emotional connection over manipulation, while FDR and Tuck repair their friendship.

The film concludes with each character finding personal growth, reinforcing the idea that love built on trust and respect is stronger than rivalry and games.

Cast:

  • Reese Witherspoon as Lauren Scott

  • Chris Pine as FDR Foster

  • Tom Hardy as Tuck Hansen

  • Chelsea Handler as Trish

  • Tilda Swinton as CIA Director Collins

  • Angela Bassett as Agent Collins (senior officer)

  • Til Schweiger as Heinrich

Crew:

  • Director: McG

  • Writers: Timothy Dowling, Simon Kinberg, Marcus Gautesen

  • Producers: James Lassiter, Will Smith, Simon Kinberg

  • Music Composer: Christoph Beck

  • Cinematography: Russell Carpenter

  • Editor: Nicolas De Toth

  • Production Companies: Overbrook Entertainment, Regency Enterprises

Release Info

  • Country: United States

  • Language: English

  • Theatrical Release Date: February 17, 2012

  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance

  • Running Time: 98 minutes

  • Distributor: 20th Century Fox

  • Tone: Lighthearted spy romantic comedy

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