Rating (1 to 10) : 4
Summary: The three Angels are back, working on trying to retrieve two rings that contain sensitive data for the Federal Witness Protection Program.
The first Charlie’s Angel movie grossed over $125M so it’s not surprising that a sequel has been made. This time, the three Angels (played by Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore respectively) are trying to retrieve two rings called HALO (Hidden Alias List Operation). The names and new identities of all people in the Federal Witness Protection Program are stored on these two rings but to access the information, both rings are needed. Someone obtained both rings by kidnapping or killing the two government agents entrusted with wearing the rings and is now trying to sell the information to powerful criminal organizations around the world.
Like its predecessor, the movie has enough action scenes to keep most of the viewers entertained. The director used a lot of slow-motion sequencing, freeze-framing, and 360-viewpoint filming to give it a Matrix-like feel. The problem isn’t the cinematography, which keeps the viewer at least visually preoccupied.
The first “Charlie’s Angels” was reduced to being facetious and frivolous but there was a bit of suspense and a few surprises. This one is pure folly, an inane movie punctuated by action scenes that can best be described as cartoonish even with its good cinematography. Like with other fatuous movies, you need to turn your brain off to enjoy it because there are so many scenes that are downright ridiculous and insult one’s intelligence, even those with below-average intelligence. And to think that the original “Charlie’s Angels” TV series was a serious but lighthearted crime drama. After watching this movie, if I were a screenwriter, actor, or actress who had anything to do with the TV series, I would be somewhat offended by what the screenwriters and director have done with this movie.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so harsh. After all, the action scenes are amusing in a silly way and the movie has enough sexual content to keep most men interested (wow, Demi Moore still has a tight body at 40). It won’t bore you so watching this piddling film might not be a total waste of time. But be forewarned - this movie is a cinematic equivalent of eating Cheetos.
Why you should or should not see this movie:
You should see this movie if:
a) you want to see Demi Moore in titillating scenes;
b) you want an action movie that’s not very substantive and is pure eye candy;
c) you are easily amused
Otherwise, you will be disappointed.
Copyright by the Doomster 2004