Sat. July 5, 2003
Los Angeles -
Two years after the first film, the Charlie's Angels franchise returns to the big screen with Full Throttle. In this installment, Dylan [Barrymore], Natalie [Diaz] and Alex [Liu] are back again as the three Angels trying to protect the precious Halo Rings. The rings contain information about people in the Witness Protection Program and that information is worth a lot to the various gangs looking to get even with those that ratted them out. Joining them is a new Bosley [Mac], who is actually related to the previous ones. How they explain that is kind of amusing.
Their investigations lead them to several suspects. Among them, and the hardest to imagine, is Madison Lee [Moore], a former Angel. They also have to contend with the re-appearance of the mysterious Creepy Thin Man [Glover]. Then the investigation turns personal as the Angels discover that someone they love is one of the persons listed on the rings.
We also get deeper glimpses into the Angel's personal lives. Natalie and Pete [Wilson] are moving in together. Alex's father [Cleese] comes into town and learns from her boyfriend, Jason [LeBlanc], that Alex isn't really a neurosurgeon. Though Jason explains it in a way that her father thinks she's a healer of a different kind. And we learn more about how Dylan's penchant for bad boys [Theroux] led her to becoming an Angel.
Ok, so this movie isn't a socio-serious commentary on women's roles in saving the world. It isn't supposed to be. Charlie's Angels is supposed to be a larger-than-life wink at the action genre. These Angels kick ass, charm the enemy and still find time to have personal lives. Yes there are a lot of bikini/lingerie shots of the Angels, but why is it a woman can only be smart or sexy but not both? These Angels are smart AND sexy, and will do whatever they have to in order to nail the bad guy. And like it or not, a woman's sexuality is a very strong weapon, when used properly. Plus if it makes you feel better, there are just as many shots of shirtless men and men in swim shorts.
Did you say you wanted huge action sequences? Full Throttle is loaded with them. Some, like the Mongolian bar fight, are almost unbelievable, but no more so than what you would find in any Bond film. The background music is also a highlight of the film, driving the pacing of many of the hi-energy action scenes.
As producer, as well as star, Barrymore went all out in casting cameos. Everyone from musicians Pink and Eve to Moore's ex-husband Bruce Willis pop up during the movie. I almost didn't recognize Willis, either, as he had a full head of hair.
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle is pure action-packed escapism. It's sexy, sassy and smart with a wicked sense of humor. The perfect summer movie.
9 out of 10
Synopsis: The Angels are back, trying to stop the bad guys from stealing the Halo Rings. The suspects are many-including a former Angel.
Director: McG
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore, Bernie Mac, Justin Theroux, Robert Patrick, Luke Wilson, Matt LeBlanc, Crispin Glover, John Cleese, John Forsythe and Shia LaBeouf
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