Movie Review: Kristen Stewart Is Surprisingly Badass In "Charlie’s Angels"

It’s filled with girl power, yet not entirely memorable.

Just this year, we’ve seen enough reboots and sequels to last a lifetime. Hollywood has continued to revive old movies like The Lion King for a "new generation", and more often than not, the flicks fall short of the originals. So, did the world really need another Charlie’s Angels movie? Probably not.

Yet, Elizabeth Banks' Charlie’s Angels does just enough to feel somewhat fresh and compelling.

I should clarify that this is more of a continuation of the franchise than a reboot. Although there are elements that have been taken from the '70s television series and the 2000s films, times have definitely changed.

Mysterious unseen millionaire Charles Townsend’s organisation has grown, and he now has an international network of Angels to save the world from powerful criminals. While the previous Angels were trained by John Bosley, the surname is now used as a position at the Townsend Agency. These days, there are multiple Bosleys who work with different groups of Angels. As the original John Bosley (Patrick Stewart) retires, Banks’ character steps into the Bosley role, becoming the first female and ex-Angel to do so.

Despite there being Angels all around the world, the story still centres on three leading ladies: Sabina Wilson (Kristen Stewart), Jane Kano (Ella Balinska) and Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott). Elena is a scientist and engineer who helped create Calisto, a sustainable energy device. However, she knows there’s a flaw in the system that could ultimately be used as a deadly weapon. So, when Calisto ends up in the wrong hands, Elena must turn to the Townsend Agency for help.

This plot is entertaining enough to keep audiences invested. On the other hand, the feature is so intent on keeping viewers on their toes by changing antagonists every ten minutes, it fails to create a memorable villain at all. In fact, the consistent backtracking grows so tiresome that it undermines the development of some major characters. While the 2000 picture also contained a multitude of twists, I couldn’t help but feel that time here would have been better spent focusing solely on the Angels.

That is undoubtedly when the movie is at its best. Stewart, Balinska and Houghlin have a natural chemistry, and the comradery between the trio feels completely authentic, despite the girls contrasting heavily. In a world where the three women’s differences could be exploited to have them compete against each other, Charlie’s Angels celebrates them. Each Angel brings an equally important quality to the group. Stewart’s Sabina is light and breezy, while Balinska's Jane is more assertive. Elena is the underdog of the group, played with great optimism by Scott.

The empowering tone of the project is undeniably a result of Banks’ direction. It’s her first screenplay and the second film she’s directed, having also helmed Pitch Perfect 2. Considering the previous Charlie’s Angels movies were directed by McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol), it's refreshing to see the flick shot from the female gaze. Banks is careful not to sexualise the Angels and chooses to explore female friendships rather than romantic interests. It’s very blatantly a girl power movie, and it works on that level.

The action, however, is a little underwhelming. Although the feature doesn’t take itself too seriously, the car chases and fight scenes never quite manage to get your adrenaline pumping. Additionally, Banks' screenplay can feel forced at times. The first line in the opening scene is "I think women can do anything", and it feels like spoon-fed feminism. Fortunately, Kristen Stewart makes up for what the script lacks. She’s the most fascinating presence, consistently elevating the material and showing off her comedic chops. Stewart shares hilarious banter with Chris Pang’s character, and people who are only familiar with her work in Twilight will be surprised by how naturally funny she is. Even though she doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for an Angel, she ends up being the highlight.

While the film won’t be a contender this awards season, it’s certainly an entertaining ride. Whether we needed another Charlie’s Angels or not, it scrapes by as a relevant continuation of a fun story for younger generations. If you’re feeling like watching a trio of badass chicks, you’ll have a good time. But you’ll probably forget it after.

Charlie’s Angels arrives in Australian cinemas 14 November. It’s rated M for action violence.

3/5.