Charlie's Angels (2000) - Columbia/TriStar

Director : Joseph McGinty Nichol (McG)

Starring : Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Bill Murray, Sam Rockwell, Killy Lynch, Sam Rockwell.

Picture 2.35:1 Anamorphic, DD 5.1, Dual-Layer, Keep Case

Running Time : 99 mins

The story:

Get some action!

Barrymore, Diaz and Liu star as the Angels in this remake of the cult TV Show of the same name. With the aid of their martial arts skills and cunning disguises the girls are given dangerous assignments by the mysterious Charles Townsend (Charlie). In their latest job they must rescue Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell) of Knox Technologies who has been kidnapped for his revolutionary satellite tracking software. With the help of Bolsey (Bill Murray) the Angels set out free Knox, but they soon discover a terrible secret..

The summary:

I was never a big fan of the Charlie's Angels TV show but I felt somewhat compelled by the hype to see this big-budget big-screen remake. Thankfully all my thoughts of this being another 'Avengers' were quickly dispelled. Charlie's Angels is rather sophisticated, good-looking action comedy that's only true faults are of it's own making. Yes it's all quite cheesy and laughable but then it wouldn't be true to it's roots if it wasn't. Comparable in stunts and hi-tech gadgetry to James Bond, the trio put their sex-appeal and glossy looking special effects to good use to mask over the flimsy script. In much the same way as 'Austin Powers', this is a film that sets out to have a good laugh at it's own expense. The results wont have you rolling around in laughter but it is very good entertainment. The special effects and stunts are outstanding and the opening sequence rivals anything seen from Neo or Bond.

A good job was made of the casting with one obviously exception. Why the hell is Tom Green in here? He actually distracts from the fast-flow of the film and makes you think 'huh?' Irritating! The girls though all seem to get along happily and make great looking Angels. Their acting skills are never really put to the test but they make the most of what they've got. Bill Murray, as is par for the course, is excellent as Bolsey and neatly fits in around the action scenes to guide the Angels on their mission (note his squirrel reference relating to his role in Caddyshack & Groundhog Day!). This is an impressive film all round and that's a great tribute for a debut directing role for Joseph McGinty Nichol whose previous work consisted of Gap commercials and pop-videos.

With another exceptional transfer from Columbia TriStar, Charlie's Angels is a perfect movie for the DVD format. I've a feeling that many of you that didn't bother to see this on the big-screen will rush out to buy it on DVD. It's a terrific package and is a must for anyone's collection.

Extras:

* Music Videos - 2 great vids - "Independent Woman Part 1" by Destiny's Child plus 'Charlie's Angels 2000' by Apollo Four Forty.

* Deleted & Extended Scenes - Three scenes - 2 deleted and 1 extended. The first deleted scene is the 'Marco Polo' scene. This is just plain daft (even for Charlie's Angels!) and an obvious omission from the final cut. 1 min 20 secs. The second deleted scene ' The Mens Room' is much better and is quite a laugh - 1.30. 'Extra Shake and Bake' is an extended scene that really isn't much different from the one used in the film. Very disappointing. 1 min 30 secs again.

* 'Getting G'd Up' - That's Gee'd Up if you were wondering! Featurette in which the cast and crew give the low-down on Joseph McGinty Nichol (or the absurdly named McG as he likes to be known). Plus some thoughts on his approach to the direction of his first movie from the man himself. Not bad, 6 mins 30 secs.

* 'The Master & the Angels' - The second of the featurettes - this time we learn about the characters in the film and also includes stunt footage with commentary from the cast. Pretty good - 7 mins 30 secs.

* 'Welcome to Angel World '- Now we learn about the locations and sets used for the filming. Another piece in the jigsaw that makes up the 'behind-the-scenes'. Wouldn't have looked as impressive as all these separate features though would it? 4 mins 45 secs.

* 'Angelic Attire' - Dressing Cameron, Drew and Lucy. The costume designers discuss the various fashion costumes worn throughout the movie. Drew's mechanics outfit did it for me.. 3 mins 20 secs.

* 'Angelic Effects' - This is a look at the impressive effects and CG including the breathtaking opening sequence. 6 mins 42 secs.

* 'Wired Angels '- The last of the featurettes is a look at the well choreographed alley fight scene and featuring Matrix-style harness martial arts effects. It's just not the same without the finishing touches! 2 mins 30 secs. Whilst these featurettes are all very entertaining, separately they are all on the short side and would have been better put into one 'behind-the-scenes' documentary.

* Directors Commentary - A very 'matter-of-fact' commentary from McG who is obviously brimming with ideas and keen to share all on his first movie.

* Outtakes and Bloopers - This is shown during the closing credits but here's your chance to view it separately. A montage of mildly amusing clips set to 'All the wild things' music. Disappointing. 2 mins 35 secs.

* Talent Files - The standard text based notes for McD, Drew, Cameron, Lucy & Bill. Very sketchy with little detail.

Our Verdict...

Updated remake of the cheesy TV series, this big-budget version is much more sexy and stylish than the original. Take a bit of James Bond, the stunts from Matrix and the humour of Austin Powers and this is what you get! 7.5/10

A topnotch transfer from Columbia/TriStar that looks as good as the Angels! Wonderfully rich and detailed throughout. 10/10

A quality 5.1 mix that makes good use of the whole soundstage. The SFX are topped off with good use of sub and rears and there's a thumping Prodigy-led soundtrack. 9.5/10

There certainly appears to be plenty crammed onto the disc but a closer look reveals a distinct lack of depth. Quantity not quality. 7.5/10

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