Last Tuesday, Nov. 7, the students of Saint Louis University flocked to see the new and improved “Charlie’s Angels.”
Those who were fortunate enough to grab tickets before they sold out were amazed by the impressive new spin on the `70s action-comedy series.
McG tried his hand at this, his first film, though he is better known for his works in music videos, such as Mase, Barenaked Ladies, Korn, Everclear, Wyclef Jean, Sublime, Smashmouth and Sugar Ray. Drew Barrymore (Dylan), Cameron Diaz (Natalie) and Lucy Liu (Alex) each played “one-third of an elite crime fighting team, backed by an anonymous millionaire.” John Forsythe played the role of Charlie, the millionaire. With his help, the angels began to track the trail leading to the abduction of Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell), the co-founder of Knox Technologies.
But, as soon as the angels complete their mission, they are confronted with a dilemma.
After Dylan finds herself seduced by Eric, she discovers that he is the foe. Sam’s ulterior motive-to kill Charlie to avenge his father’s death-sends the angels into a tangled web of setbacks in order to save their beloved Charlie.
They execute feminine combat tactics, detective work, romance and seduction to charm their way into enemy territory.
Diaz portrays Natalie as a cooky and naive blonde who is talented enough to whip the bad guys with chops and kicks, while talking to her buddies on her trusty cell phone. Further displaying her many talents, she winds up on a date with her soulmate, Pete.
Her fantasies of dancing come to life when she shakes her bon-bon after the two arrive at the Soul Train club.
The second angel, Barrymore, dazzles the crowd by playing the role of Dylan.
As a chameleon, she transforms into various types of angels, either a blonde-bombshell licking a steering wheel or an angel of innocence wrapped in bed sheets suckered into a chance at romance .
Sometimes, she wears nothing at all. Once, she shows up before a couple of adolescent boys (in the house previously seen in her first film, E.T. The Extraterrestrial).
The third angel, Lucy Liu, rounds out the trio, as Alex. Her brilliant mane of hair and her occupation as a professional bikini waxer disguise her unique ability to rewire anything.
Filmed in Southern California, the film boasts some beautiful scenery. At the same time, Dylan, Natalie and Alex add to the sights with a show of skin similar to that of the original angels. The film also possesses some essential elements in both special effects and fiery explosions.
The angels kicked, jumped and karate-chopped in ways that could easily be compared to Reeves’ skills in The Matrix. In contrast to many action the angels used other alternatives to guns and weaponry while slaying their opponents. In the end, the film has several good aspects that combine to create a hit.
