Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle Review
by Steve Rhodes (Steve DOT Rhodes AT InternetReviews DOT com)July 15th, 2003
CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2003 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2
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.
The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the Silicon Valley, it is showing at the AMC and the Century theaters.
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