“Charlie’s Angels” (2019) is a reboot of the iconic action-comedy franchise, directed by Elizabeth Banks, who also stars in the film as one of its key characters. The film is a continuation of the previous “Charlie’s Angels” movies, though it introduces a fresh take on the franchise, with a new cast and a modern twist. The movie is inspired by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts‘s original 1970s television series, as well as the previous feature films starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu.
Plot Summary
In this iteration of Charlie’s Angels, the narrative focuses on a new generation of Angels working for the mysterious and powerful Charles Townsend Agency. These Angels, as usual, are elite women trained in a variety of skills, including espionage, combat, and intelligence gathering. They work for the enigmatic Charlie, whose identity remains hidden, communicating with them through a voice on a speaker. The film introduces three main Angels: Sabina Wilson (played by Kristen Stewart), Jane Kano (played by Ella Balinska), and Elena Houghlin (played by Naomi Scott).
Elena, a scientist, inadvertently finds herself caught in a global conspiracy involving a groundbreaking energy technology called Calisto. This device has the potential to cause massive harm if it falls into the wrong hands, as it is capable of powering virtually anything from drones to advanced weapons systems. After Elena realizes the dangers of this technology, she is recruited by the Angels to help protect it from being stolen or misused. The Angels must fight against a host of dangerous adversaries, including a shadowy organization intent on taking control of Calisto, while navigating the complexities of trust, deception, and power.
The plot sees Elena go from an unsure and overworked scientist to a powerful and confident member of the team. Alongside Sabina and Jane, Elena faces various high-risk situations, showcasing the team’s ability to outwit and outfight their enemies.
Themes
- Empowerment of Women: One of the core themes of the 2019 “Charlie’s Angels” film is female empowerment. The Angels are portrayed as strong, independent women who are skilled in combat, intelligence, and leadership. The film explores how women can take charge of their own destinies, lead organizations, and protect the world from danger, all while dealing with societal expectations and challenges.
- Teamwork and Sisterhood: The movie emphasizes the importance of teamwork and solidarity, especially among women. While the Angels come from different backgrounds and personalities, their collaboration and trust in one another are key to their success. The film reinforces the idea that working together, regardless of differences, can lead to success.
- Technology and Responsibility: The central plot device, Calisto, represents the power and danger of advanced technology. The movie addresses the ethical responsibility that comes with technological innovation and the potential consequences when powerful inventions are misused or fall into the wrong hands.
- Deception and Trust: Throughout the movie, the characters are forced to deal with deception, betrayal, and the challenge of trusting people who may not have their best interests at heart. This theme highlights the need for strong intuition and loyalty, both within the team of Angels and between the Angels and those they protect.
Characters and Cast
- Kristen Stewart as Sabina Wilson: A fun-loving and free-spirited Angel with a sharp sense of humor and impressive combat skills. Sabina is energetic, outgoing, and has a unique way of approaching problems, often using unconventional methods to get things done. Stewart brings a fresh take to the character, which was previously portrayed as a more serious figure in past films.
- Naomi Scott as Elena Houghlin: Elena is a tech-savvy scientist who becomes the newest member of the Angels team. She is initially unsure and overwhelmed by the dangers of espionage, but she grows into a strong and resourceful character throughout the film. Scott’s character adds a layer of intelligence and vulnerability to the group.
- Ella Balinska as Jane Kano: A highly skilled and serious member of the Angels team. Jane is a former MI6 agent who brings tactical expertise and physical strength to the team. She is tough but loyal, and she plays a key role in protecting Elena and uncovering the conspiracy around the Calisto device.
- Elizabeth Banks as Bosley: Elizabeth Banks, who also directed the film, plays Bosley, a mentor to the Angels. In this version of the franchise, the role of Bosley is gender-neutral, with multiple people taking on the title. Bosley guides the Angels on their missions and helps them navigate the dangers they face.
- Sam Claflin as Alexander Brok: A businessman who appears to be involved in the plot surrounding Calisto. He becomes a key figure in the investigation and a potential antagonist.
- Patrick Stewart as John Bosley: A former CIA operative who works alongside the Angels to help them defeat their enemies. Patrick Stewart’s character brings an experienced and wise perspective to the team.
Reception
The 2019 “Charlie’s Angels” movie had a mixed reception. While it was praised for its female empowerment message, energetic action sequences, and Kristen Stewart’s performance, it was criticized for its lack of depth in character development and for not fully capitalizing on the potential of its premise.
Critics appreciated the film’s attempt to modernize the Angels franchise by introducing a new team of women who could fight their own battles and take on powerful adversaries. However, the movie was also seen as lacking the charm and appeal of the earlier films, and its box office performance underperformed expectations, grossing $73 million worldwide against a production budget of $48 million.
Despite this, the film has gained a cult following, particularly for its themes of female empowerment and the chemistry between the leading actresses. Kristen Stewart’s performance, in particular, received praise for its comedic timing and her ability to bring a unique energy to Sabina.
Style and Tone
“Charlie’s Angels” (2019) embraces a fast-paced, action-packed style, featuring elaborate fight sequences, daring stunts, and a playful tone. The action is sleek and modern, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The film incorporates colorful visuals, high-energy music, and a light-hearted yet action-driven atmosphere, balancing humor with moments of tension.
While it has its fair share of action scenes, the film also includes a significant amount of humor and lighter moments, especially through Kristen Stewart’s character, Sabina. The Angels’ camaraderie is a central element, and their interactions often provide the film with its most fun and engaging moments.
Conclusion
“Charlie’s Angels” (2019) is an action-packed, fun-filled reboot of the beloved franchise. The film puts a new spin on the iconic Angels, focusing on a younger, diverse cast and exploring contemporary themes of empowerment, trust, and technology. Despite its mixed critical reception, the movie succeeds in showcasing strong, capable female characters who work together to overcome challenges and fight for what’s right. With its modern take and high-octane action, it remains an entertaining and stylish addition to the Charlie’s Angels legacy.
