Today’s quick review: Charlie’s Angels. Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) is the lead developer for a clean energy device with a flaw that makes it the perfect tool for assassinations. The Townsend Agency, a private intelligence group, sends in Sabina (Kristen Stewart) and Jane (Ella Balinska) to take care of the situation. Led by Bosley (Elizabeth Banks), the trio races to recover the prototype devices before they can be sold on the black market.
Charlie’s Angels is a spy action adventure based on the television series of the same name. Charlie’s Angels introduces the latest iteration of the Angels, a team of multi-talented female operatives who fight crime around the world. The movie aims to be a fun romp fueled by glamor and adrenaline. In this it is only partially successful. Charlie’s Angels goes through the motions well enough but never finds the spark it’s looking for.
Charlie’s Angels never makes a real impact. The stunts are enjoyable in the moment, but there are no memorable set pieces to latch onto. The dialogue fares similarly, with jokes that earn a smile or two but fade away quickly. The plot is formulaic and predictable. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be a problem for an action movie, but Charlie’s Angels doesn’t put in the effort to make the formula work, offering up weak twists that lack emotional impact.
The end result is a passable popcorn watch for a receptive audience, but one that won’t impress critical viewers. Charlie’s Angels makes a fair pass at the basics of the action genre, but it never puts its own stamp on the genre’s conventions, and the few places where it tries to make a statement go poorly for it. Those looking for a dash of action may want to give it a shot. Those looking for originality, spectacle, or heart should steer clear.
For a less consistent but more spirited take on the same premise, try the version of Charlie’s Angels starring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. For a higher-octane spy adventure, try the Mission: Impossible series. For a heist comedy with a female crew, try Ocean’s Eight. For a much more graphic spy-flavored action movie, try Kingsman: The Secret Service.
3.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for mixed execution of a generic formula.