With jump cuts, slow motion sequences and freeze frames, CHARLIE'S ANGELS:
FULL THROTTLE is a fun bit of fluff that is non-stop outrageous silliness.
The over-the-top film, again helmed by music video director McG, looks less
like a motion picture than a music video cross of "Baywatch" with THE MATRIX
but without any of THE MATRIX's seriousness. With pure over-the-top
panache, the movie provides amusement park thrills. But therein lies the
movie's downfall. At almost two hours, the film eventually wears you out.
Basically a plot-free experience, this thrill ride of a picture just grows
tiresomely repetitive after the first hour. When you find yourself checking
your watch, as you will in this sequel, you realize that you are ready to
get off of the ride.
The angels, played again by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, have
as much kick-ass fun as they did before. In fact, they are probably the
only ones who appear to be having even more enjoyment this time. Along the
way, they meet Demi Moore who plays an ex-angel who brags, "Why be an angel
when I can be God?"
The movie, which wants to be more fun than a slumber party, features a never
ending list of cameos, from Bruce Willis to Jaclyn Smith. You'll want to
take along a pad and compare notes later with your friends to see whom you
spotted. I thought I noticed Owen Wilson in disguise, and my family said
that the Olsen twins made an appearance.
The plot, to the extent that the movie has one, concerns a pair of rings
that reveal the identity of everyone in the government's witness protection
program. Don't bother paying any attention to the plot since the director
doesn't. The whole movie is one long series of action set pieces, involving
everything from dirt bikes to fast food. None of it makes much sense, but
it isn't supposed to. It's all about hot looking women showing off their
bodies while kicking guys' butts. It's a high spirited ride that just goes
on too long.
CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE runs 1:51. It is rated PG-13 for "action
violence, sensuality and language/innuendo" and would be acceptable for kids
around 9 and up.
My son Jeffrey, age 14, gave it ***. He thought the first film was fresher,
but this one had more action.
Copyright © 2003 Steve Rhodes
out of 4
