DVD
Review | Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
Written by: Kage
Alan
Like many other people, I sat down to watch the
first “Charlie’s Angels” fully expecting to hate it. Why bother if I
figured I’d hate it? Easy. I was in a really BAD mood and figured
things couldn’t possibly get any worse. Much to my amazement, that
was the quickest 90 minutes I’d ever spent watching a film with my jaw
dropped wide open. It epitomized the word “fun”! I once again had
faith in Hollywood to provide me with something that wouldn’t enhance
my intelligence any, but would leave me feeling ever so satisfied.
Well, the rule about sequels is that they suck, so I once again sat
down expecting to hate this film too, never for a moment thinking it
was going to top the first one.
After an incredibly daring rescue of a Government
agent, Ray Carter (Robert Patrick, “T2”), in Nepal, the angels, Natalie
(Cameron Diaz), Dylan (Drew Barrymore) and Alex (Lucy Liu), figure their
job is done, only it’s really just beginning. It seems that there are
two rings that, when put together, decode a list of people in the
witness protection program. In the wrong hands, that information could
be worth millions and could cost a huge number of lives. Our angels
can’t have that.
Unfortunately for them, a previous angel, Madison
Lee (Demi Moore), may just be behind the whole thing. That threat
combined with an Irish gangster from Alex’s past, Seamus O’Grady (Justin
Theroux), and the appearance of the Thin Man (Crispin Glover) from the
first film and the girls are to their ears in motorcycle races, tons of
fights, explosions and anything else Director McG could throw at them.
The appearance of a different Bosley (Bernie Mac) is a bit awkward at
first, but becomes part of the fun in no time at all.
Aside from the witty repartee, incredible stunt
work and special effects, I was surprised to see so many cameos in the
film. We’re talking Bruce Willis, Robert Forster, Pink, Carrie Fisher,
a wonderful edition to the angel’s family with John Cleese and a special
angel from the past! It all flies so fast and furious at you that you
barely have time to breathe. If there’s one thing that bothered me
about this sequel, it’s the use of so much CGI. It was…distracting. As
for the DVD being unrated, I couldn’t tell what had been added back in,
though I’m sure it was during the fight sequences. I’m also boggled
that this film didn’t do better at the box office. Must be the
economy. Blame Bush. I do.
Sony has released “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”
in a delicious looking Widescreen transfer. Video quality is top notch
here. For some reason, though, I noticed that the audio went a little
funny at times, like it had some background hiss. It might just be my
system, but be aware that you might hear it as well. As for extras, we
start off with 2 commentaries; the first with McG and the second with
writers John August, Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley. McG is as
entertaining and animated as his film. The man gives wonderful insight
into the film, each scene and all the details, even going so far as to
have the ability to draw circles around sections he wants you to pay
special attention to. The writers offer a different perspective and
it’s difficult not to feel a little sorry for them. So much was changed
from their script to the final product and there was very little
interaction between them and the rest of the crew. It’s unfortunate,
but they don’t really don’t get any respect. Both are commentaries
worth listening to.
Beyond that, we have an “Angel-Vision Trivia Track”
that gives little bits and pieces of information during the film as well
as access to other info when a little voice box appears on the screen,
then we’re on to the featurettes; “Pussycat Dolls” (5 min), “Rolling
With the Punches” (6 min), “XXX-Treme Angels (9min), “Full Throttle” (17
¾ min), “Designing Angels” (7 ½ min), “There’s No Such Thing as a Short
Shot, Only an Overworked Producer” (8 ¾ min), “Angels Makeover: Hansen
Dam” (4 min) and “Dream Duds” (4 ¼ min). There’s also a “Cameo-Graphy”,
“Full Throttle Jukebox” with information about each song used in the
film as well as a film clip, a music video for “Feel Good Time” by Pink
and William Orbit, an exclusive link to the on-line game, a “Shop the
Scene” section, some Filmographies and, finally, trailers.
There was some grumbling going on that Demi Moore
upstaged the three leads in the film and took some of their shine away.
While she certainly adds a powerful dimension to the film as well as
presence, she in no way takes away from the other actors. It’s more fun
to watch them together on screen than to watch Demi by herself. When
all is said and done, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” is a damn fun
ride and one I can’t wait to share with my partner and parents. I’m
looking forward to seeing if a third film is in the works. I can hope…
Film Rating:
A-
DVD Special Features: B+
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