Movie Reviews: “This Means War” and “The Vow”
by February 18, 2012 1:55 pm 120 views
On Friday’s KARZ-TV morning show, I reviewed “This Means War” and “The Vow.” Both films fit the classic “date movie” mold, although one of the films you should skip and save your money.
“The Vow” stars Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum as a happily married couple whose lives are torn apart after they’re in a car accident that causes McAdams to lose all memory of her life with Tatum. McAdams remembers everything in her life up until the point she first meets Tatum’s character, which puts obvious strains on their relationship. Tatum must find a way to make his wife fall in love with him again, even though he is now a stranger to her.
Inspired by a true story, this was an enjoyable, albeit slight, film. I enjoyed the unique storyline, which made it less predictable that many romantic movies (see all Katherine Heigl films for predictability). McAdams as always does an impressive job in her role as the woman struggling to find her identity, but Channing Tatum is not much of an actor and his lack of acting skills are even more evident when he shares screen time with co-stars Sam Neill and Jessica Lange.
“The Vow” is an average, but enjoyable, film that makes for nice date night movie diviersion if you’re in the mood for some light fare.
“This Means War” stars Reece Witherspoon, Thomas Hardy and Chris Pine in a film directed by consistently mediocre director McG. Hardy and Pine play best friends and CIA agents who inadvertently end up dating the same woman, Witherspoon.
Hardy and Pine spy on each other during their respective dates with Witherspoon, while she has no idea that the two men she is dating know each other. This film is a hot mess, with a story that jumps between romantic comedy to sinister spy flick and doing neither one well.
Do not waste your money or time on “This Means War.” If it happens to come on cable while you’re cleaning your home some Saturday afternoon, maybe turn it on for background noise.
Click on the image below to watch my full review of both movies.
