Legacy is a theme I’ve found myself writing a lot of these days. As I sat down to write my review of Noelle tonight (which will be out in a few days), I reflected deeply on the legacy my father attempted to direct me towards. I often think and question of the legacy I’m leaving for the next generation. If I can be vulnerable for a moment, I sometimes catch myself asking the question – is all of this work, all of these tears and all of this blood actually worth it? How am I leaving or carving out my legacy for the next generation? It’s a hard thing to cope with. Honestly, I hope that I’m not alone in writing this or saying this. Legacy is a thought that dares to keep you awake at night and feed into your anxiety. Again, I hope I’m not alone in my transparency. If I am, at least you can understand the weight of this review a bit more.
Legacy is the bedrock to the Elizabeth Banks written and directed, Charlie’s Angels. In a world of remakes and reboots, Angels dares to do something new. Recently, I read an article how the two previously released Angels films are continuations of the original 1970s television show. Honestly, rewatching the 2000 film in preparation for this film, there is no sense of legacy. It’s not anywhere to be found. That is not the case for the latest incarnation of the winged agents. That’s honestly one of the strongest factors of the film. Truly making the finale of the film even more satisfying that Angels operates more like James Bond rather than Hollywood’s fascination with nostalgia.
Charlie’s Angels brings together Sabina (Kristen Stewart), Elena (Naomi Scott) & Jane (Ella Balinska) as they have to stop the end of the world from coming forth. The plot does feel pretty generic in some instances. The majority of the final act feels like a rehash of its 2000 sister. Its’ predictable, cliché and borderline boring. However, I will give it to Banks. Not only does she lean into the legacy of the past but also dares to constantly keep the audiences guessing. In that, the film is extraordinarily fun. The smooth chemistry between the leading ladies helps solidify that environment all the more.
Its’ interesting to see the dynamic of the film unfolds as well. As every angel is fleshed out with back story and oddly enough, their own protagonist. You think with that many villains it would be overkill. At least with how cinematic history has showed us. *coughs* Batman & Robin. Spider-Man 3. That’s never the case here. The antagonist element flows smoothly throughout the duration of the first two acts. However, once it reaches the third act, that just seems to disappear. Favoring clichés and tropes versus actual threats. There is a very grounded tone that the film carries. Carrying with it a practical sense of realism, even for a spy film. Stewart, Scott & Balinska tremendously help with creating the atmosphere. The three have terrific chemistry, that much like the rest of the movie, unravels beautifully.
Overall, Charlie’s Angels (2019), is a fun film that packs a punch. Creating a film that is funny, yet practical – Angels takes up residency with legacy and a grounded approach to the spy genre. Its leading ladies in Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott & Ella Balinska have terrific chemistry. Each lady brings their own strength to the team and are fleshed out marvelously – thanks largely to the script from writer/director, Elizabeth Banks. The film is entertaining, funny and will keep you guessing. Through that charm and fun seem to be in short supply for the majority of the final act. Trading in charm and action for clichés and tropes with a villainous “twist” that was bathed in predictability. Still, Charlie’s Angels, is well-paced (minus a few dead weight scenes) action-packed ride!
RORSCHACH RATING 3.5 / 5
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