Slick. That is the most appropriate word to
describe this big screen update of the popular 1970's television series. Rarely do
you see a film that is both funny and full of action, but Charlie's Angels manages to give
its audience an equal share of both and it does so in a way that makes Mission: Impossible
2 (M:I-2) look totally boring.
In fact, "Angels" could be described as
Mission: Impossible Lite. It matches M:I-2 in the action department (not an easy
thing to do) by consistently delivering scenes that are breathtakingly slick and
heart-pumping. The fight scenes also borrow from The Matrix and they are as well
choreographed as you will see in an non-Asian film.
And while the action comes fast and furious, so do the
jokes. Most of the jokes are extremely "cheesy", but you would have to be
severely lactose intolerant not to crack a smile. The jokes do not seem out of
place, as they do in most action movies, and they help the film to maintain that fun
quality that makes it so enjoyable.
Director McG (yes, that is what he likes to be called)
has made a stylish and incredibly accessible film by combining the campy nature of the
70's T.V show together with some good, old fashion modern-day action. The film
looks sensational and is shot in a wonderfully inventive style.
One minor drawback is that McG seems to be a graduate
of the John Woo school of slow motion shots. The slow motion shot is used pretty
regularly throughout the film and eventually it starts to take a little something away
from the action scenes.
But is only a minor glitch in what is otherwise an
incredible movie that is carried by an incredible cast.
Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and, in particular, Cameron
Diaz seem born to play the parts of the three Angels. Each one plays their role to
perfection and the chemistry between the three is almost tangible. Undoubtedly, they
all had a blast making this film and it shows up in the final product.
Bill Murray is perfectly understated as Bosley, the man
who connects the Angel's to Charlie. Murray is a great comedic actor and he is the
perfect foil to the three strong leading ladies.
It is rare, in fact this may be the first time, that a
movie with three dominant female leads can deliver such a action packed, funny piece of
cinema. Charlie's Angels is a total delight to watch from beginning to end and it is
hard to imagine that anyone will not be won over by its irresistible charm.
With a sequel already in the works, this could be the
start of a long and profitable screen life for the Angels. Let's hope so.
- Adam Matthews
