Watch Charlie's Angels

Charlie’s Angels is a 2019 action-comedy directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska as the iconic trio of skilled detectives working for the enigmatic Charles Townsend. The film follows the Angels as they embark on a dangerous mission to recover a powerful weapon known as Calisto, which has the potential to cause widespread devastation if it falls into the wrong hands.

The movie begins by introducing us to the Angels, who are shown to be highly skilled and intelligent women working under the guidance of the mysterious Charlie, a voice that can only be heard through a speakerphone. In the opening scene, we witness Sabina Wilson (Kristen Stewart), posing as a wealthy potential buyer, carrying out a covert mission in Rio de Janeiro. Through various action sequences, the audience is introduced to Sabina’s fighting and infiltration skills.

Soon, Sabina is sent to team up with Jane Kano (Ella Balinska), a former MI6 agent, to capture a rogue engineer associated with the development of Calisto. They are successful, but when the engineer is killed by a hired assassin, they will have to fight to protect the information they have obtained. Here, Banks establishes that the Angels must use more than their physical skills to overcome the hazards of their profession; they must also rely on their mental ingenuity.

The story’s major plot point is introduced when systems engineer Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) contacts the agency to report a flaw in Calisto, her employer’s new energy source, that could turn the device into a weapon of mass destruction. This is the beginning of the Angels’ most significant mission to date. They must first protect Elena, then they must retrieve Calisto before it is too late. To do so, they must follow a dangerous trail, which takes them from Istanbul to Hamburg and later to a private chateau in France.

Throughout the movie, we see the Angels employing their special abilities to solve problems and navigate danger. Their unique approach to problem-solving using their teamwork and quick thinking, rather than the use of brute force, pushes the boundaries of what they can accomplish. They are a diverse team, bringing different sets of skills that complement each other seamlessly. Sabina is a charismatic wild child, while Jane is direct and focused, and Elena often has the technological edge.

At several key moments, the movie stops to delve into the character arcs of each of these women. We’re given a glimpse into Sabina’s inability to open up emotionally, Jane’s past trauma, and Elena’s struggles with self-doubt, even though she’s technically the most essential member of the team. These character moments are essential to the movie’s coherent narrative, and they give the audience an insight into the strength and resilience of the Angels.

The villain of the story, an evil tycoon named Alexander Brok (Sam Claflin), is compelling in his treacherous ways. He makes you feel like there is no limit to how ruthless he can be, and he is always one step ahead of the Angels. His right-hand woman is played by Jonathan Tucker, who is equally menacing in his portrayal. There’s a particular scene where the Angels face off against a group of enemies that attacked them in their compound, and Banks makes great use of the soundtrack to build the tension, making this an action piece that stands out.

The diverse cast does an excellent job of bringing their respective characters to life. Kristen Stewart subverts the expectations that came with her previous work, doing a marvelous job of transforming into the free-spirited Sabina. Ella Balinska exhibits a commanding screen presence as Jane, with skillful action scenes and sharp humor, and Naomi Scott provides a strong emotional core to the story. As a team, they have an undeniable synergy, and they work extremely well together.

The movie features fantastic production design, with each of the various locales having a unique look and feel, which complements the action of the scene. From the bright colors of Rio to the sleek interiors of a futuristic corporate office, we are taken on an adrenaline-fueled ride through a visually stunning world.

The film’s score, composed by Brian Tyler, effectively sets the mood to accompany the action. The addition of classic and contemporary songs, including songs performed by the cast themselves like “Don’t Call Me Angel” by Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and Lana Del Rey, fits the movie’s hip and cool aesthetic.

Overall, Charlie’s Angels is a fun and action-packed reimagining of the classic franchise. Elizabeth Banks delivers an exciting film that features a well-rounded and diverse cast, and stunning visuals. The movie has a subtly feminist message, highlights the importance of women standing up for one another and choosing their own paths in life. However, it’s not overly preachy, making it a well-executed action-comedy that’s an enjoyable watch for all audiences.

Charlie's Angels is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0 and a MetaScore of 52.