Charlie’s Angels (2019) is a film about an angel in training who with the help of several other angels, earns her wings in efforts to become part of the world’s most top secret agencies. Elizabeth Banks strikes gold with Charlie’s newest generation of angels. Sony’s now third installment of the Charlie’s Angels franchise is what I believe to be the perfect finale to one of television’s most iconic female lead shows. The original angels (Farrah Fawsett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith) became cultural and feminist icons for the ages inspiring and representing the ‘badass’ in women everywhere.
While is hasn’t been discussed as to whether a sequel will follow, I believe it’s third revival is the icing on the cake to a spectacular venture. Although the five year lived television series and the following early 2000s films represent women in leading roles, they still presented a few issues that Hollywood during its time didn’t quite nail. However, the Elizabeth Banks installment is what I consider to be everything the legend of Charlie’s Angels wanted to and should be.
Created in an era of male lead shows like CHiPs, Starsky & Hutch and The Rookies, American television in the 1970s was saturated by the idea that women stood as merely supporting acts or required a male counterpart to save them. Police Woman is a prime example of how a female lead show (played by Angie Dickinson) would require a male counterpart that would swoop in to save the day. The ladies of Charlie’s Angels required no such thing, a breakthrough for American television at the time.
Some of most refreshing aspects of the new Charlie’s Angels film is the evolution of women in film/television, a more ethnically diverse cast and the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. I was so excited to see how progressive the narrative and each of the female characters are (both leading and supporting) and how each of their personalities relied solely on their intelectual and physical skill sets (ex. Self defense/science and technology); something I did’t feel was too apparent in the 2000 film directed by Mc G.
Hollywood during the 1970s and in the early 2000s appeared to focus on how “sexy” a woman looked rather than displaying intelligence and morality as the basis of sexiness. I found the 2019 Charlie’s Angels film to focus on what the ladies had to offer more so than their physical “assets”. While the women in the new film looked undeniably beautiful, they didn’t have to wear skimpy clothing; steering clear of the deemed “jiggle TV” that plagued the 1970s show. Jiggle TV was a term coined by television executives of the time, criticizing shows like Charlie’s Angels (1970s) for featuring many of their leading actresses in overly revealing or loose clothing. (Today)
This idea of jiggle TV was the final nail in the coffin for nuclear family sitcoms that popularized in the 1950s such as Leave It To Beaver, Father Knows Best and The Donna Reed Show. 1970s America was fed up with family sitcoms and yearned for something a little more on the edge. (Thus catapolting Hollywood into the era of gritty cop/detective shows) However, in the 2010s, the ideaology of women in the industry began to change drastically (and in my opinion, for the better). One of my criticisms of the 2000/2003 films directed by McG is that it was often overtly exploitative. (As a female myself, I found scenes to be uncomfortable to watch at times.) The 2019 Charlie’s Angels steers clear and doesn’t use exploitation as basis for a good film. Again, the new film focuses on the different character personalities, skill sets and screenwriting to do the heavy lifting. (An A+ from me!) A round of applause for Elizabeth Banks!
So what did I think of the new Charlie’s Angels film? I loved it! I thought it had a solid screenplay and the casting was perfect. Each of the angels did a fantastic job and Elizabeth Banks really flexes not only her acting chops but takes home writing and directing credits. A huge inspiration for female filmmakers everywhere! Kristen Stewart really shines in the film and I was impressed by her comedic delivery and theatrical growth. Upcoming actresses Ella Balinska and Naomi Scott (famous for her portrayal of Princess Jasmine in the live action Aladdin film) were fantastic as well. Ella Balinska was a natural with all of her stunt scenes and was the true leader of the pact. I believe all three leading ladies complimented each other perfectly.
Lastly, one of the aspects of the film I couldn’t get over is the production design! Production Designer, Aaron Haye took the set design of the Angels headquarters to the next level and looking at his resume, it’s no surprise why he was chosen. Some of Haye’s work includes Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Star Trek (2009), and A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001).
There were several memorable moments in the film that made me laugh and gleam with happiness at just how far women in film and television have come. These ladies were collectively beautiful, strong and the best role models you could ask for. I hope many go out to watch the film and it is truly a treat for its action packed narrative, comedic value and outstanding leading ladies. (Also, this may be a spoiler to those who haven’t watched the film yet but, I was so excited to see the special cameos made by original angel, Jaclyn Smith among others) There’s another pretty significant reveal at the end of the film but, I’ll let you watch to find out! (You won’t want to miss it!)
The soundtrack was also spectacular and helped set the tone of each scene. It’s a proud time to be a woman in the industry and I hope to see more women making their debut in the entertainment industry. The sky is truly the limit! Charlie’s Angels (2019) is a true testament that women are brave, powerful and can achieve anything they put their minds to.
Want a sneak peek? Below is the trailer for the new Charlie’s Angels film!
Below are the three generations of angels! (1970s/2000s/2010s)
That’s A Wrap: Film Reviews 