Hmmmm, well the first “Charlie’s Angels” movie pretty much did what a lot of ‘films based on old TV shows’ do. It took the original idea, and as opposed to expanding on or legitimizing it, attempted to re-invent it to the point of campy parody. The only problem was, it wasn’t funny enough to be campy or clever enough to be parody. What it tried to rely on to sell it was the name, and the ‘sex appeal’ of its stars. In terms of filmmaking the fans of the series weren’t buying, and the sex appeal was questionable. Where it succeeded was marketing. The first film did well enough with sales catered to prepubescent teenage males and over the hill office clerks to warrant an even bigger, splashier sequel. “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” hit theatres running and once again marketed itself to the same target audience, while adding to its list… women. That’s right… women. Somehow the film’s publicists conned women into thinking it promoted woman power and that its lead characters were good role models for younger girls.

I saw the film and thought to myself that was the biggest load of malarkey to come down from the pike in ages. If these ‘Angels’ were good role models then I’m the Pope.

In spite of how ill conceived the marketing of this sequel was, it worked. It did its job. “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” did fairly good box office, and I have no doubt that DVD sales will hit the roof.

As for whether or not the film itself is any good, I can only say it is what it is. From a technical standpoint, it’s beautifully shot and the special effects are top notch (the most notable special effect being that of making Cameron Diaz actually look attractive, which she hasn’t since “The Mask”). The cinematography is lush and colorful; while the plot pretty much appears to be from a script thrown away by the original series’ writers.

The DVD makes up for the film’s lack of substance with a ton of extra features, each one focusing on a different aspect of the production. This does add a somewhat impressive air to the film by seeing how difficult some of the shots were to get. The two commentaries are fairly interesting, with the one by director McG livened up by utilizing the same type of technology that allows John Madden to draw football plays on a screen. They’ve even included an onscreen trivia track, which is becoming quite popular lately. On films that offer interesting trivia this is a great feature.

Love it or hate it, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” delivers exactly what it’s supposed to, to exactly the right audience. In the end it’s up to you as to whether or not you need something more than three beautiful(?) women shimmying around on screen to make a movie worth your while. Of course, looking to the future I can see it now. Is “Charlie’s Angels 3-DD” on the way? (Of course considering the stars ‘assets’ lots of special effects would be in order…)

Directed by: McG
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Bernie Mac, Crispin Glover, Justin Theroux, Robert Patrick, Demi Moore
Extras: Featurettes – Turning Angels into Pussycat Dolls, Rolling with the Punches, XXX-treme Angels, Full Throttle Jukebox. Telestrator Commentary with Director McG, Angel-Vision Trivia Track, Writers Commentary, Full Throttle: The Cars of Charlie’s Angels, Dream Duds: Costuming an Angel, Angels Makeover: Hansen Dam, Designing Angels: The Look of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Learn why: There’s no such thing as a “Short Shot“ only an overworked producer, Music Video: Pink featuring William Orbit “Feel Good Time”, Cameo-graphy
Specifications: Widescreen (1.40:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 10/21/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: Unrated
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We'll give Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle a C.