CHARLIE’S ANGELS

US, 2019, 118 minutes, Colour.
Kristin Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Patrick Stewart, Sam Claflin, Jonathan Tucker, Chris Pang, Djimon Hounsou.
Directed by Elizabeth Banks.

More Charlie’s Angels!

They made quite a television hit in the 1970s, female agents, comparisons with male agents, the different gender perspectives. And the hair and the glamour of the times. They made another reappearance with some films at the beginning of the 21st-century, much the same plots, but a much more sharpened and assertive female perspective while still an emphasis on glamour.

So, it is a surprise to find yet another reboot. It is the work of Elizabeth Banks, significant actor for many years and moving into direction with some of the Pitch Perfect films. She has written the screenplay here. She is also the director. She is also one of the central characters – a former Angel become Bosley. And, this time there is a proliferation of Bosleys all around the world (men and women), seen at an early sequence where the veteran Bosley, a smiling (smilingly sinister) Patrick Stewart being retired and celebrated at a farewell party.

There is a prologue situation in Brazil introducing the new set of angels. Then we move to Hamburg and a familiar situation where scientific developments, able to control energy throughout the world, but being subverted into weapon power, the subject of stealth, blackmail, black market sales. We see quite a bit of Hamburg, especially during one of those spectacular car chases with both cars having machine gun power and beyond!

But, while we have met Sabina in Brazil, we now meet Jane and are introduced to Elena (Naomi Scott who was the charming Jasmine in Aladdin) who is a top scientist at the project. When she is the target in that car chase, the angels and their organisation take over the investigation and the retrieval of the energy source.

Sabina is Kristin Stewart, a rather brittle kind of character, physical prowess, able to perform seductively but, as she says, lacking that filter which gives her empathy. Much more empathetic is Jane, British, formerly employed by MI6. She is played with quite some energy by Ella Balinska. While Elena helps in the adventures, she begins timid, gains in strength, is abducted and held to ransom – but, of course, is invited to become an Angel herself.

The main action takes place in Istanbul – also picture perfect with some sinister venues.

So, it is certainly no life-changing entertainment but it seems very James Bond dish, very Man from Uncle-ish -but, really, when you think of it, it is very Charlie’s Angel-ish.

1. The popularity of the television series? The significance of women agents? The atmosphere of the 1970s and secret agent shows? The reboot in 2000? The 21st-century interpretation of the role of women, law and order, crime-fighting? A reboot almost 2 decades later?

2. The role of the director, female perspective, the writing the screenplay, her performance and presence throughout the film, enthusiasm?

3. The cast, the three young women, Sabina as a brittle character, able to perform in her role, but lacking the filter of empathy? Jane, MI6 and the background? Elena, intelligent, her working in the company, timid, becoming more involved, becoming an angel?

4. The setting, Brazil, the setup with Jonny (Chris Pang), flirtation, the bodyguards, the confrontations, the escape? The introduction to each of the characters? Sabina, physical prowess, seductive acting? Creating the atmosphere?

5. Bosley, the farewell, the gathering, the speeches, the toasts, the International Bosleys? His 40 years in the organisation? His expectations? His retirement? Audience surprise that he turned out to be the villain, his ambitions, ruthlessness, know-how? Intervention at the end, his domination of Brock, wanting the power, his agents, wrote back and his ruthlessness? The women defeating him? His comeuppance?

6. The basic situation, scientific background, the means of energy control, Elena and her work, her boss and his wanting to deceive the owner, his absconding, going to Istanbul, setting up the deal, his being killed?

7. The Hamburg sequences, the laboratories, the offices, Helena and her work, her workmate? Security? Her informing the authorities? Bosley and her taking charge, knowing all the background, access? Elena being followed, the target, Rodak and his brutality, the car chase, the firepower, the final confrontation, Jane and Elena going into the River, the rescue? Rodak and his reappearing, hitman for sale, turning against Brock, working for Bosley? The revenge of the angels, the fights, his being impaled?

8. Brock, wealthy, betrayed, his party, weak, collapse?

9. The atmosphere of Istanbul, the scenic aspects? Going to the charity worker, the gifts, Jane reconciled, her help, helping Helena after the ordeal?

10. The races, the surveillance and the various disguises, Sabina on horse, the pursuit, the destination, discovering the assembly? The shootings? The angels and their attack? Bosley leaving, their suspicions, the older Bosley turning up, rescuing Helena, shooting? Suspicions, the revelation of the truth?

11. The party and Switzerland, the angels and entry, dancing, Elena hostage, the confrontations with Bosley? The final fights?

12. Elena, her achievement, being invited to become an Angel, the credits sequences, her training, achievement?

13. The way this film connected with the previous films, the voice of Charlie, the new Charlie and the appearance of Jaclyn Smith? The overview of history – and the photos with Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz…?