Charlie’s Angels
review by Bobby Blakey
Through the years there have been many TV shows that have made the transition into feature films. The 1970’s hit series Charlie’s Angels has been one of those shows with two feature films in 2000 and 2003 as well as a TV series revival in 2013. Now the Angels are returning to the big screen once again starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Patrick Stewart, Djimon Hounsou and Elizabeth Banks who also co-wrote and directs. Could this latest entry do the brand justice for a new generation or is it time for them to be grounded?
Charlie’s Angels follows the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally. With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys taking on the toughest jobs everywhere. I was never a big fan of the original series, but remember still enjoying the episodes I watched with my parents as a kid. When the new movies hit in 2000 it was a fun ridiculous ride that worked well enough, but never stood out much for me there either. I honestly thought this franchise was dead in the water at this point, but found myself a bit interested when they launched the new trailer and direction of it all.
With this new film they have connected all the previous outings together as one big global brand with moments that harken back to everything before it. This makes for an interesting take on the franchise and one that could offer up a lot of future fun as well. To my dismay the rest of the movie didn’t really offer up much to get excited about. The Angel’s themselves have good chemistry together and look to be having a blast which helps the energy of the movie as a whole, but its wrapped in a film that isn’t overly exciting or more than average at best. Of them all I felt Stewart stood out the most and looks like she is all in and having the time of her life.
There is of course a lot of action that works for the most part, but nothing here stands out as overly memorable for me. I was really hoping for a high octane fun popcorn flick and instead it was a pretty generic action film that did little to take the brand to the next level outside of the establishing the main story of the global network. Make no mistake, there are some fun moments and I think the younger crowd will likely have a blast but it limps along in a way that left me disappointed in so many moments that could have been greatness.
In the end I didn’t hate it, but I far from loved it. It just felt like a forgettable action flick that should have slapped the audience in the face with fun and laughs while bringing the female empowerment to the forefront. It kicks things off with a montage sequel and horrible title song that I know was meant to be powerful to young girls, but instead felt really weird and out of place for this movie. I know it will find its audience with the younger audiences though and should it get a sequel I hope these ladies get something bigger and better because it would be a blast to watch.
Stick around because there are some fun during credits sequences that fans old and new will enjoy. In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including a gag reel, deleted scenes, music video and numerous featurettes taking you behind bringing this latest chapter of the franchise to life. Grab your copy of Charlie’s Angels available now on digital, 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD from Sony Home Entertainment.
