MPAA upholds R-rating for 'This Means War' starring Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy

Studio's bid to downgrade forthcoming action-comedy to a PG-13 proves unsuccessful

By Chris Eggertsen Friday, Jan 27, 2012 12:30 AM

Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon in "This Means War".

Credit: 20th Century Fox

20th Century Fox has lost its bid to have "This Means War" downgraded to a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, with the MPAA Ratings Appeals Board today upholding the "R" (for "some sexual content") originally assigned to the forthcoming action/comedy. The decision will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the film's box-office, given that no one under the age of 17 will be admitted without an adult accompanying them. How much of an effect, of course, is another question entirely.

Starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Chelsea Handler, "This Means War" centers on two CIA operatives (Pine and Hardy) who go to battle over a woman they've both fallen for (Witherspoon). Directed by McG ("Charlie's Angels", "We Are Marshall"), the film is slated for release on February 14th.

What are your thoughts on the MPAA's decision? Will the more restrictive rating have a significant impact on the film's commercial performance?

You can check out the film's official trailer below:

Chris Eggertsen
Producer

A former contributor to sites including Bloody-Disgusting and AfterElton, Eggertsen enjoys rock music, rainy days and smelling the pages of old books. You should read all of his articles and follow him on Twitter because it's the right thing to do.

Related Searches: This Means War, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, McG, MPAA, Chelsea Handler

Next Article - Watch: Guy Pearce warms up for 'Prometheus' in trailer for new action/sci-fi 'Lock-Out'
Previous Article - Sundance: Joel Edgerton thriller 'Wish You Were Here' gets distributor

Trending Now on HitFix Boards

Topic	Started By	Latest Post	Replies
Female Directors	sandylewis90	2 months ago	1
Do we really want to look "Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III" ?	sandylewis90	3 months ago	1
Discuss Movies General on HitFix Message Boards »

Crow3711

I really don't think a lot of people over 17 are very interested in seeing a Spy Rom Com starring witherspoon. I think this will be incredibly negative for this movie
January 27, 2012 at 10:57AM EST Reply to Comment
DougMac

This is actually the first rom-com I've wanted to see in a long time.
January 27, 2012 at 4:14PM EST Reply to Comment
Jezzer

A lot of adults want to see movies without a theater full of teenagers giggling, talking, and texting. Considering that women age 20-35 are the target demographic for romcoms, it can't hurt that badly. "Bridesmaids" proved that female-oriented R-Rated comedies can be successful. Well, if they're any good. The "McG" attached to this doesn't fill me with confidence.
January 28, 2012 at 10:48AM EST Reply to Comment
zoay

I was really hoping to see this movie, and i know quite a few of my frineds were too, but were not old enough to get in without an adult. I think it might have a big effect on how popular the movie is, since not many adults are interested in Rom coms...
February 18, 2012 at 3:43PM EST Reply to Comment

News From Our Partners

Follow HitFix:

Follow @HitFix

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

HitFix.com

Event Calendar

Movies

TV

Music

Videos

Photos

Awards

Riot

In Theaters

New to DVD

On Demand

New Music

MPAA upholds R-rating for 'This Means War' starring Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy

Studio's bid to downgrade forthcoming action-comedy to a PG-13 proves unsuccessful