Charlie's Angels - Review

Director: Elizabeth Banks
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Patrick Stewart, Sam Claflin, Noah Centino

Scientist and engineer Elena (Scott) has invented a revolutionary sustainable energy source called Calisto. However, when she discovers that Calisto has fallen into the wrong hands and will be transformed into a weapon of mass destruction, Elena turns to the Angels - Sabina (Stewart) and Jane (Balinska) - to retrieve the device and save the world.

"I think women can do anything," purrs Stewart's Sabina at the very beginning of the film as she lures her target into a false sense of security. She, along with a cohort of Angels, then proceed to disarm and successfully combat the target and his henchmen with remarkable skill and power which is followed by the opening credits consisting of stock footage of young girls and women around the world. It's an unsubtle introduction and this high-spirited theme of empowerment is continued throughout the story, but Banks doesn't need to tell us so explicitly that women can do anything - she and the Angels show us in spades.

Banks has rewritten the notion of what it means to be an Angel; gone is the male gaze and the hyper-sexualised depiction of the three ass-kicking women who lead the adventure and the writer-director welcomes a more character-driven focus and emphasis on friendship and solidarity. This endeavour is supported by a talented and game cast who appear to relish every moment. Naomi Scott is the film's heart the wide-eyed and well-meaning Elena who begins her journey as a skittish whistleblower who flourishes under the pressure to become a fully-fledged Angel. Balinska as the rational and headstrong Jane is note-perfect, but it's Kristen Stewart's Sabina that truly steals the show. Venturing into her first comedic role, Stewart rises to the occasion and makes her wildcard character the film's biggest takeaway, delivering every one-liner with a wry manner and a devilish glint.

The story is not the strongest component that Charlie's Angels has to offer, whether it be jokes that fail to stick the landing or a convoluted plot with predictable shock twists and misdirects. However, the film presents us with many well orchestrated and thrilling action sequences whilst framing them all against stunning European locations that it's easy to overlook the not-so seamless story.

Occasionally a little heavy-handed and concerned with surprising its audience at every turn, Charlie's Angels is a refreshing remake bolstered by empowering action and a superb leading trio.

EB