Let me start off saying that I did not want to see this movie, primarily because I can't tolerate anything with Drew Barrymore in it. However, Jericho put it on regardless of my objections, begging me to 'Give it a chance'. I am glad that I did. This by no means was a riveting action film, nor was there a gripping story line, but it was still funny entertainment. The problem with remakes is that everyone is expecting it to equal, if not surpass and all the while remaining true to the original. Well that is rarely the case and this version of Charlie's Angels is no exception. Despite starring Drew Barrymore (who co-produced it), the movie itself is well done with good special effects and frequent injections of comedy. Essentially the movie consists of a string of gratuitous action scenes. Every few minutes the Angels are running, bouncing, or leaping towards the screen before something blows up or getting into these "Matrix"-styled fights. Of course these gals can do it all; swim, shoot, martial arts, skydive, and don't even break a nail, much less muss their hair or smear their mascara. Now, if you can tolerate the flavorless scenario that is the film or you just wanna oogle Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu then this may be your cup of tea.
Cameron Diaz is Natalie, the blonde ditzy Angel. Lucy Liu is Alex, the brunette computer skillz Angel. Drew Barrymore is Dylan, the redhead feisty Angel. All have full lives that they drop at the ring of their cell phones to become an elite secret crime fighting force. If you ever watched the original series, or even if you didn't, the storyline is familiar and predictable. Three hot ladies are undercover detectives for Charlie Townsend (John Forsythe) who speaks only through telephone and his acne-scarred visaged front man Bosley (Bill Murray). The firm is hired by Vivian Wood (Kelly Lynch) to investigate the kidnapping of millionaire technologist Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell) whose pioneering software could shake up the satellite communications industry. The prime suspect is chief competitor Roger Corwin (Tim Curry) who Wood believes has also stolen the software developed by Knox's company. The Angels are tasked to recover both Knox and his technology. Of course the run up against several obstacles, one of them being the 'Creepy Thin Man' (Crispin Glover) who gets some great action scenes and is always dressed quite dapper. He gives the most noteworthy performance of the entire film. He is truly weird in his role, which he acts without uttering a single word. His demeanor and appearance is particularly dark and threatening.
If you looking for a deep, meaningful, life-affirming film, go rent The Shawshank Redemption. If you are looking for mindless entertainment, this is the movie to see. How ever, if you are the logical and analytical type then you will notice all the gaping flaws in the movie's screenplay, but don't worry, it just adds to the amusement. Get the DVD that has some deleted scenes and behind the scene footage as well as a few music videos that complement the groovy soundtrack of this movie.
