Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Elizabeth Banks, Columbia and Sony Pictures, M 118 Minutes.
It has been 16 years since the successful TV series of the 70’s was adapted to the big screen – but this time it is being directed by popular ‘Hunger Games’ actress Elizabeth Banks following her ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ hit.
Reprising the roles of Charlie’s Angels – portrayed previously by Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu in the 2000 movie and its sequel in 2003 – are Sabina (Kristen Stewart of the ‘Twilight’ franchise), Jane (Ella Balinska of ‘Hunted’) and the newly recruited Angel Elena (Naomi Scott of ‘Aladdin’).
With the retirement of John Bosley (Patrick Stewart of ‘Logan’), long-standing head of the world-wide organisation, the baton is now passed to another Bosley (Banks) who assigns Sabina and Jane to protect Elena in her attempts to prevent a technological disaster.
While employed as a corporate systems engineer, Elena discovers the dangerous effects of a newly-developed power that leads to her being hunted by hitman Hodak (Jonathan Tucker of ‘Sweet Virginia’).
After Jane’s Bosley (Djimon Hounsou of ‘Captain Marvel’) is killed by Hodak, both she and Sabina swing into action, causing considerable havoc as they try to stop wealthy inventor Alexander Brock (Sam Claflin of ‘Adrift’) selling his devious plan.
It later turns out that the Charles Townsend Agency – aimed at recruiting Angels throughout the world – also has a person willing to betray Charlie’s Angels by backing Brock’s plan.
But the Angels are up to the task and are ably assisted by Elena (together with their own Bosley) as they confront Fleming, Hodak and Jonny Smith (Aussie actor, Chris Pang of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’) during their black market negotiations.
Banks’ daring direction refreshes her thrilling reboot of the franchise – there’s some great action scenes coupled with beautiful settings in Germany and Turkey.
Despite the inclusion of too many Bosleys, there is no denying the enjoyable portrayals from Balinska, Scott and Stewart as the new generation of Angels, along with Banks herself, and the performance of legendary actor Patrick Stewart
Vic’s Verdict: 3 Stars
