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Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
2003 - PG-13 - 100 Mins.
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| Director: McG | | Producer: Leonard J. Goldberg, Drew Barrymore, Leonard Goldberg, Nancy Juvonen | | Written By: John August, Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley | | Starring: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Bernie Mac, Crispin Glover |
| Review by: Greg Ursic |
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The summer movie season runs the gamut of ideas with something for everyone, from insightful dramas, to multimillion dollar CGI showcases, or sequels to the movies that you enjoyed in summers past. But when you’re looking for something that will help you forget the stress of your everyday life there’s nothing better than a brainless popcorn flick with lots of flash (both pyrotechnic and skin).
When two special rings (they hold an important secret) are stolen and about to be auctioned off to the highest bidders, the Angels – Natalie, Dylan and Alex - are called into action. In their mission to recover the rings, they discover that one member of the group has been harboring a hidden secret, and that a former superstar Angel may have played a part in the heist.
The trio of film Angels have returned for the sequel: Cameron Diaz is even ditzier as Natalie the pretty dork, Drew Barrymore’s tough gal Dylan continues her track record of bad choices, and Lucy Liu is back with a passion as gorgeous bombshell Alex. The trio works well together and obviously have fun with the roles as evidenced by their onscreen chemistry and humorous outtakes. Bernie Mac takes over the role of Bosley from Bill Murray and infuses the film with its best humour via a series of solid one liners and visual gages. Supplying the villainy is a collection of ne’er do wells capped by Demi Moore as the deliciously evil Madison, a former Angel with a seriously bad attitude (and damn if she still doesn’t look incredible in a bikini!).
Full Throttle distinguishes itself as the film that takes the concept of over-the-top over-the top: there is nothing subtle about anything in this film – the dialogue sounds like it was spit out by a computer, the plot is predictable, and the jokes are juvenile. It also includes numerous shameless cameos (Eve, Pink, the Olsen twins, and an original Angel to name a few), blatantly steals scenes from the classics, and parodies popular tv shows. And so what? Original doesn’t always mean better.
The soundtrack is loud and all over the musical map showcasing thrash, techno, classic headbanger rock and love ballads which match both the flow and spirit of the film. The insane action sequences border on the surreal - the motocross chase was hands down the best I’ve seen in years and the fight scenes are simply smoother versions of the worst Hong Kong chop sockey movies. And let’s not forget the ladies – the producers pushed the ratings envelope with acres of near nudity, (don’t worry ladies, there’s some buff beefcake for you as well) including some saucy sequences with a touch of light S&M.
Please note: this is not a film you go to see if you want to be enlightened or admire solid moviemaking. But if you’re in the mood for some silly escape, get your Gobstoppers and pull up a chair.
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