Rating: 
Summary: Full throttle, yes! But...
Review: Just so you know where I'm coming from, let me explain that I loved the first Charlie's Angels and was really looking forward to the sequal. I was hoping for the same blend of silly fun, girl power, great stunts, and that we-don't-take-any-of-this-too-seriously tone of the first that gelled into high marks on the likeability scale, the only scale that counts for a fluff movie like this one. After all, it's unrealistic to hope for a great plot - this isn't the type of movie that depends on plot. Anyway, the first film gelled and is one I can watch over and over for fun and simple pleasure. For many reasons, the sequal is not a movie I expect to own once it comes out on DVD. The Angels are as great as ever, the action sequences, as promised, are overblown, intense, and highly implausible. The girls prove once again that nothing is beyond their power. They can hop on any machine and excel in any extreme sport. They look like an ad for Sobe drinks. Unfortunately, the action scenes are too implausible to be believed and the wire work is much more obvious this time around. People defy gravity, walk through towering flames shirtless without getting burned, many times I found myself thinking "Oh yeah right!" instead of "Yeah, right on!" Bruce Willis makes a cameo and gets to die on screen for perhaps the first time. Bernie Mac is a wonderful comic but he doesn't seem at ease in this film. He just seems out of place. He doesn't know what function he's supposed to perform for the agency! And when he's called into action he's a nervous wreck. Some people found it funny but I thought it was mean. As befits a sequel we get to see more of how the Angels are faring in their personal lives. Are their romances progressing?
John Cleese makes an appearance as Lucy Liu's father (they show a family picture, only her mother is Asian). It's an obvious attempt to get some humor in the movie but is so tacked-on and unnecessary that it seems more an attempt to get in some cheaper screen filler. Matt Le Blanc reappears as the boyfriend, but isn't given much to do, and their relationship doesn't progress at all. Cameron and her beau move in together, making Dylan feel insecure about the Angels breaking up sooner than expected. To reassure her, Jaclyn Smith makes a nice cameo appearence, looking great with her special brand of soft beauty and poise. Where they really went wrong was with the casting of the bad guys. The Irish mob guy wanting to exact revenge on Dylan (who we find out, has a past that includes the Witness Protection Program) is just plain silly. He's trying to be Colin Farrel but he doesn't have the looks or charisma. When he struts around like a bad [...] you just want to roll your eyes. The actor who played T2000 in T2 is also on board, another rather unexpressionless automaton. The first rule of any thriller is we have to be afraid of the bad guys, we have to respect them as threats to our heroines. The creepy thin guy (professional weirdo Crispin Glover, always a pleasure) also returns but this time as a rather good guy. This is a fun choice but how it all turns out is extremely disappointing, another big mark dragging down the likeability scale. Demi Moore looked way too thin, both physically and emotionally. Her eyes were dead empty (which made sense for the character I guess), it almost seemed like she was characteurizing her ex-hubby's acting style of complete non-reaction as the best response for everything. The only reason she's a threat to the Angels is because she's packing guns, something the first movie did without, a choice I much applauded it for. This movie goes back to using guns and it's just too bad that they did. The opening sequence is so totally perfect, the best representation of why we love the Angels so much because it has the right blend of sillyness with Cameron Diaz playing a Swedish blond bimbo distracting a bunch of hardened soldiers by riding a mechanical bull. Her infectious grin and unique cackle makes this totally plausible. They escape by piloting a falling plane in mid-air, very much like the opening scene from the 007 film, "Goldeneye." Unfortunately, after that the movie's tone becomes either all action or all bad comedy (McG really has to learn how to use different lenses, he tends to only use extreme close-ups as if to say "you should be laughing at Cleese now."). If nothing else, this movie could be a documentary for fads of the new milleneum. In short, while there's great action, a wonderful attitude about girl power, the three stars don't seem as great somehow because the bad guys don't force them to be interesting, they've already been introduced and their personal lives aren't engaging or surprising, the dialogue attempts to be witty through the use of excessive puns, and there's too much angst on the part of Dylan for the girls to keep that happy-go-lucky attitude they had in the first film. You may enjoy it somewhat while you're watching it, but soon you'll be wondering why the use of wires is so obvious, and why the laughs they strive too hard for just don't come. Something's not quite right... So I recommend you only pay matinee prices if you want to see the special effects and great pyrotechnics on the big screen, otherwise wait for it to appear on cable. I'm giving this 4 stars because the Angels are awesome but I really expected better.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Movie
Review: I really enjoyed this movie. I saw it the day it came out. The action was much bigger, the dancing was much cooler, and it was sillier than the first. Bernie Mac and Demi Moore made great additions to the sequel. The whole thing about Dylan's name in the past (Helen Zaas) was very funny. The cameos were cool( the Olsen Twins and Eve). As soon as this movie comes out on DVD, I'm going to go get it. Go see this movie. It's really good and you won't have fun at any other movie.
Rating:
Summary: Super Women!!
Review: Three women detectives with super duper kung fu skills work as a team to counter a former associate and mentor who has gone astray. This movie is funny, action packed with unbelievable stunts, glamour and glitz. The message of the story is, "There is no 'I' in team." The fallen angel, played by Demi Moore (If I do 500 sit ups each day, eat right, and find a good plastic surgeon, I may look half as good as she does for a 40 yr old). She manipulates Charlie, the angels, the government, and criminals (foreign and domestic) to get what she wants. The fallen angel struggles with her desire to prove that she was and will always be the best angel. She wants to be in control. Unfortunately, she ends up a bitter loner who gets her a** kicked in the end. She was really a tough byatch. It took three angels to take her out. Bernie Mac, the replacement Bosley added a colorful dimension to the movie. He played the substitute role well. It was through his character that the angels discover that their client was the bad guy. The movie explores the personal relationships of the angels. What if an angel decides to marry? How long will the team be together? Why is Drew Barrymore's character attracted to evil men? Should their true profession be kept secret from their families? What if a parent is mistakenly lead to believe that his daughter is a prostitute? These questions are answered in the movie. It is an entertaining feature of action and adventure. There is eye candy for males and females. Humor is interjected throughout. It's amazing how the angels escape death time after time to glamorously defeat the ultimate foe. That's the magic this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: A Full-On Blast of Adrenaline and Pecorino Romano
Review: From the reviews to its box office receipts, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle is not getting much love these days. It's a shame especially since no one is really getting the joke. Or maybe I'm just a step behind the zeitgeist, and everyone gets the punch line, but nobody really cares anymore. But I'll tell you this: I'll take the Angels any day over pap like 2 Fast 2 Furious, or the impending Bad Boys II. Full Throttle is the sequel to the original Charlie's Angels released in 2000, both of which are based on the hit 70's TV movie whose premise is simple enough: three talented women with boundless potential and uncertain career paths are recruited by a wealthy, invisible sugar daddy to help fight crime and save the day. Bernie Mac replaces Bill Murray as Bosley, the liaison between the Angels and their boss Charlie (voiced by John Forsythe). Though casting Bernie Mac for this role was an inspired feat, the script isn't enough to let him shine. He's funny enough, but he's strictly on autopilot. The original triumvirate return to fill their respective archetypal female roles, replete with their post-postmodern trappings. There's Natalie (Cameron Diaz) the shapely, fun-loving blond with an unusual affinity for guano and sex wax, Alex (Lucy Liu) as the shapely, athletic techie, and Drew Barrymore as Dylan, the shapely, plucky tomboy with a yen for bad boys. As guilty pleasures go, Full Throttle doesn't stop for a second. It barrels you with a salvo of cheesecake poses, garishly impossible, but balletic, hypnotizing stunts and fight sequences, campy dialogue and a soup-thin plot that'll make your communion wafer taste like a seven course meal. (For my Jewish pals, it'll make your Matzoh taste like a Hot Pocket.) And you know what? I had fun all the way through. If for one second Full Throttle tried to pass as a serious, suspenseful action flick, I would have despised it for insulting my intelligence. But the movie is well aware of its own cheese factor and it not only invites the audience in on that fact, but demands they revel in it. How much one is willing to sit back and let it happen will determine how much one will enjoy this movie, if at all. The main story revolves around a pair of titanium rings encrypted with the real identity of everyone housed in the federal witness protection program. Someone has swiped the rings and the Angels eventually discover that one of their predecessors, Madison Lee (Demi Moore) is the mastermind who plans to sell the names to various organized crime factions. Moore is at her best when she can portray characters with a diamond hard turpitude, so it comes as no surprise that the film's producers, Barrymore especially, courted her specifically for the role of fallen Angel. Subplots abound, no doubt to compensate for the threadbare storyline. Some are worthwhile such as the return of Crispin Glover as The Thin Man. Watching him rip the hair out of nuns' heads is a gleefully perverse exercise in sadism. There's also Seamus O'Grady, played with a scary, psychotic intensity by Justin Theroux. For the most part, however, the subplots are just an excuse for another costume change or to perpetuate a running joke. Though Director McG leaves little room for characterization, and Barrymore, Liu and Diaz are left less to act than strike a pose, it's testament to the actresses' on-screen chemistry that you can't help but be sucked into this artificial world where sexy babes can rig a jet, go motocrossing, defy death a thousand times over and still make it in time to a movie premiere -- or get a puppy. McG melds the elements of chick bonding with the action movie, hyperbolizes it, then serves it up with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Full Throttle is a parody of all those inane action flicks that parade leggy trollops, eye-rolling plot lines, and ridiculously impossible stunts. It flaunts all those aspects without the effrontery to ask you to believe in any of it. And that's what's smart about it; it never takes itself seriously enough. Time, however, could prove to be the movie's undoing. As new trends and sensibilities emerge, camp and irony slathered on this thick usually doesn't translate well as time passes, and it won't be long before Full Throttle will be seriously dated, I'm afraid. But in the meantime, with its way over the top antics, creative and seamless, albeit implausible action sequences, Full Throttle is just silly enough to be the mindless entertainment needed to forget my worries for 95 minutes.
Rating: 
Summary: Passafist Reviews Charlie's Angels: Full Throtle
Review: Comedy is hard. If there is any film that proves this over and over it's CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE. A film that operates not unlike a home movie: It looks like a lot of fun to shoot, but not worth the time watch for anyone not involved. To its audience it offers a few laughs, some neat action sequences, sexy girls and not much more. `Now wait a minute' you say, `that exactly what a movie like Charlie's Angels is all about.' `You're absolutely correct!' I retort, `But maybe I want more out of my bad movies.' CA:FT has a paper-thin plot. There are these rings and they store a lot of information on them about the witness protection program. Somebody stole them and it's up to Angels, Natalie (Cameron Diaz, The Sweetest Thing), Dylan (Drew Barrymore, Never Been Kissed), and Alex (Lucy Liu, Kill Bill), to find out who. The plot is all set-up for some really neat if over-rated action sequences, that for the most part hold your attention. In fact there is this really cool dirt bike scene. Every action scene is shot with confidence. Director McG (Charlie's Angels) has a really keen eye for what looks good. He could direct those skateboard DVDs that you find all over Best Buy. It's just too bad he can't tell a coherent story. Every scene in CA:FT feels like a short film. A music video if you will, and while McG is okay with action; any attempt at comedy falls like a lead balloon. One or two jokes work only because Bernie Mac (Life) is generally very funny. But without a decent director the Angels themselves just fall flat. Diaz, Barrymore, and Liu are enchanting, apart in other films. Even together they have nice chemistry, but without a director who has firmly marked out each comedic beat, every funny moment between the angels is destroyed. I did like Crispin Glover's small role in the film. He's always been a favorite character actor of mine. You can't help but look at him and feel sorry for him. I wished we had seen more of him, and less some of the other weird cameos and bit parts that clutter this film. Let me just tell you Pink has no career in acting; she may have a great music career ahead of her. But the Camera hates you. Give Up! As for Demi Moore (Passion of Mind) her role is too small and inconsequential to be worth discussing except to say. Wow women you still look pretty fine. I hope she makes another more substantial film cause watching her on screen, I realized how much I missed her. Hey maybe she could star in a romantic comedy with Stallone, revive two careers at once. Hmm.....I've got box office gold. I didn't walk into CA:FT with any high expectations. It's a bad movie, but it's not bad enough to hate. It's not campy, funny, or even silly enough to recommend as a rental for some laughs either. I have incredible apathy for CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE
Rating:
Summary: Good movie-a little confused
Review: I went to see this movie on opening weekend and expected to be packed in with hundreds of other people. When I walked in (during previews) the theater was less than half full. Anyway, about the movie. I must say that the movie was funny. With all of the inside jokes and endless physical humor going on, what else would it be. I must say that casting Demi Moore as the Angel gone bad was a bit of a stretch. I do disagree with one reviewer of this film, who stated that replacing the Bosley character was a mistake. If the Charlie's Angels films stayed with the same format as the television series then the Angels would carry guns, instead of using their intelligence to reason through a situation. In this way, I applaud what Drew Barrymore has tried to do in remaking the "Angels". There are a lot of movies out there which use guns endlessly. I prefer to go to a movie that allows you to watch a hero or heroine reason their way out of a situation, instead of falling back on bang, bang, shoot 'em dead. I am very glad that they brought back Jacqueline Smith in a cameo. This is a great way of continuing the tradition and passing on the wisdom of one Angel to another. I guess you could say that aside from a few points in the movie that didn't quite make sense (i.e. The Thin Man turning good and no explanation why) I enjoyed this movie a great deal and will purchase it when it comes out on videotape.
Rating:
Summary: Non-stop action and a lot of laughs
Review: As with many films of this genre, the viewer is forced to dispense with some sense of reality to really get into the film... this movie ups the ante by having the angels perform stunts that defy the laws of physics and common sense. The sequences are so clever and well choreographed, however, you just find yourself with a smile on your face as your jaw drops just a little - followed by a chuckle as you realize how impossible such a scenario would be. If the angels were pitched against James Bond, 007 would be beaten - badly. These girls kick butt. The film has a lot to offer - men see sexy women wearing revealing clothes, while driving incredible cars and using secret agent gadgets. Women see three best friends who are strong, powerful, multi-talented and intelligent. There is no end to the amount of talent these girls possess. They can ride or drive just about any vehicle ever created, they are fluent in many languages, they are more limber than most house cats, they are fearless and they work great under pressure. Bernie Mac is a welcome addition to the team. He can be funny just by breathing - and he has a few scenes where he is able to showcase his talent. The hype over Demi Moore's appearance in the film isn't very over-rated. She must do Pilates 2 hours a day, every day of her life... she really looks like she was chiseled out of marble. There has been some criticism about her acting, which I think is unfounded. The whole story is very tongue-in-cheek... at no time are you really worried that someone is going to die and at no time is the viewer overly moved by even the tender scenes. Demi Moore's character wasn't fully developed enough for her to really build on. You learn that she is a loner and a troubled soul, but you are never told what exactly made her that way. The strength of this movie is in the non-stop action and the humor and friendship of the 3 angels. The rest of the movie is just fluff. It is obvious that Lucy, Drew and Cameron really are close friends - there is no way to fake that type of rapport. Theater goers should stay through the entire credits to the end to see out-takes and funny moments experienced by the actors. After the action is over and the lights come on, you begin to realize what a stupid premise the entire film revolves around. The situation that begins at the beginning of the film and is (of course) resolved in the end, is just ridiculous - but does anyone go to see a Charlie's Angels movie expecting great intellectual stimulation? Fast cars, explosions, motorcycles, acrobatics and major butt-kicking abound in this film - the opening action scene is like no other action scene anyone has ever seen - perposterous, but inventive enought to make you think, "wow!" In our troubled world, we all need a little escape once in a while and despite the violence (gun play, butt kicking, etc.), a viewer really can escape while watching this film. It's highly enjoyable, but probably not a film most would want to see over and over again.
Rating:
Summary: Noisy trash counts as exciting fun for summer popcorn
Review: Charlie's Angels: Full Trottle (2003) Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore, Bernie Mac, Justin Theroux, Robert Patrick, Luke Wilson, Matt LeBlanc, Crispin Glover, John Cleese, Tommy Flanagan, John Forsythe (voice), Shia LaBeouf, Rodrigo Santoro, D: McG. Second go-round of summer popcorn to the first empty-header has the trio of sexy angels, again, disguising themselves this time, as motor cross bikers from forensic scientists to sailor strippers down to nuns, and square off with their voluptuous and idolized "fallen angel" (Moore). Bill Murray as their operative assistant, Bosley is missing in action, but Mac cleans up the spot nicely as his brother. Still with nothing at its core or even not many brain cells, this is typically noisy, fun eye-candy (and the cast seems to be having fun) that works well to showcase the three-cough-four hot things, with a lot more sexual innuendos mixed in with the one-liners and references to various movies. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Bruce Willis, Pink, Carrie Fisher, Jaclyn Smith, and others give cameos. Barrymore produces again. Running Time: 108 minutes and rated PG-13 for action violence, sensuality, and language/innuendo.
Rating:
Summary: Victoria's Angels
Review: If you are looking for a fun Grrl Power movie, this is NOT it. After listening to Drew's interview on Letterman, I thought that it would be an empowering and fun movie to go see. In Barrymore's interview, she described it as a movie that has something for the girls and the guys. Girls, don't bother. The movie was like soft porn (plotless) or a Mariah Carey music video gone bad (cheesy). Stiletto heels, too many girl on girl innuendo's, and bad lingerie. Think Victoria's Secret Angels that spank each other. It's a men's magazine cover brought to life. I've always been a fan of Drew Barrymore, but she has lost me on this one. It seems wrong to be told that this movie is empowering for women or that this is the James Bond for women. James Bond is not performing stunts half naked and in shoes that make his legs look longer :-) We understand that the movie is a campy play on the original, but don't try and tell us girls that it is anything else.
Rating:
Summary: Unintentional Parody.
Review: Charlie's Angels - Full Throttle is going to be one of those great unintentional parody movies and has cult movie potential. Unlike "Loaded Weapon" or "Naked Gun", "Full Throttle" appears to be attempting serious action sequences and a real story line. The fun part is that the action sequences are so completely over the top that you can't help but laugh and not take the film seriously. This move ends up being pure camp. I'm looking forward to seeing this one again just to take a closer look at the various references like:
- The scene where one of the bad-guys walks straight through/out of a fire just like in the Terminator movies.
- Magical jumping, flying, spinning, marital arts moves ala the Matrix.
- Spiderman style swinging through downtown Hollywood on a string of christmas lights. The other fun element to this movie is the soundtrack and its music video-like application. This movie is absolutely worth seeing. It's a parody with very few truly serious moments.
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