You might say audiences are suffering from a bit of remake exhaustion. It seems like every new movie these days is a remake of something. And typically, they’re not good. Thankfully, Elizabeth Banks’ “Charlie’s Angels” is a welcome addition to the rank of recent remakes.
When engineer Elena (Naomi Scott) blows the whistle on a piece of technology she’s working on with deadly potential, the ladies of the Townsend Agency are forced to step in. The highly lethal rule-follower Jane (Ella Balinska) and the chaotic Sabina (a shockingly funny Kristen Stewart) step in to protect Elena, under the supervision of Bosley (Elizabeth Banks). Their mission takes them around the world and exposes potential threats within the Townsend Agency itself.
The film truly feels like an ode to the original series, that ran from 1976-1981. Exotic locations, elaborate disguises, and over-the-top hijinks feel very true to its original source material. There’s even something in the way the film is cut that feels like a callback to that era. A welcome update to the franchise though, is the women casted as its leads.
With someone like Elizabeth Banks, who is an ardent and vocal supporter of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, it’s no surprise that she cast three diverse women as her leads. It’s a refreshing change to see two non-white women as Angels. Now I was not alive when the original series aired, but I can’t imagine that happened much on the show.
Perhaps the film’s biggest surprise, in many ways, is Kristen Stewart. While Charlie’s Angels has always featured smart, strong, and kick-ass women, they have historically always tended to be very feminine. Stewart doesn’t quite fall under the label of traditional Hollywood feminism. But Banks stated that she casted Stewart because she believes she is the definition of a modern woman. And Stewart brings her fluid sexuality to the screen in this role.
Stewart feels so relaxed and open in this role. She radiates a fun energy on screen and is a genuine joy to watch. Stewart was even encouraged to ad lib dialogue, and she did so frequently. Who would’ve thought Bella Swan was capable of a little improvisation? Balinska, Scott, and Banks all give fine performances, but they pale in comparison to Stewart.
The biggest downfall of “Charlie’s Angels,” however, is its take on feminism is a little too on the nose. The film opens with Sabina undercover, trying to convince her male mark that women can do anything. And it ends with a very “girl power” moment. Now feminism is a cornerstone of the “Charlie’s Angels” franchise. But the movie could have benefitted a little more from a “show, don’t tell” take on feminism.
“Charlie’s Angels” is by no means a perfect movie. But it’s an undeniable fun time at the movies. If anything, see it for Stewart’s surprising turn in a scene-stealing performance.
