Charlie's Angels (film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the original 2000 film. For the 2003 sequel, see Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
Charlie's Angels
Directed by McG
Produced by Drew Barrymore
Leonard Goldberg
Nancy Juvonen
Written by Ryan Rowe
Ed Solomon
John August
Starring Cameron Diaz
Drew Barrymore
Lucy Liu
Bill Murray
Sam Rockwell
Crispin Glover
Tom Green
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date(s) November 3, 2000
Running time 98 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Followed by Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Charlie's Angels is a 2000 American action–comedy film, co-produced by Columbia Pictures, Global Entertainment Productions, Tall Tree Productions and Drew Barrymore's Flower Films and directed by McG. Based on the same-titled television series from the late 1970s, it was adapted by screenwriters Ryan Rowe, Ed Solomon and John August and stars Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu as a three women, working for a private investigation agency.

The film is a reboot of the original series, establishing a new timeline and narrative framework not meant to precede any television episode. John Forsythe from the original series, however, returned as Charlie's off-screen voice. Charlie's Angels was followed with the 2003 sequel, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

Contents

[edit] Plot

The Angels Natalie Cook (Diaz), Dylan Sanders (Barrymore), and Alex Munday (Liu) have been hired by the vice president of Knox Technologies (Lynch) to find her "kidnapped" partner, Eric Knox (Rockwell), and to retrieve his stolen software which his rival (Curry) "stole".

It is revealed, however, that their client is in fact the enemy and is using the Angels to gain access to his rival's system. His father, as it happens, was in the Army Intelligence and served with none other than the Angels' boss, Charles Townsend, and he blames him for his father's death.

He plans to use a combination of his, and his rival's technologies to trace Charlie's location via satellite and then kill him... the Angels, naturally, thwart this plan.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Links to television series

The film pays homage to the television series keeping a very similar credit sequence where the characters are introduced. With the sequence, scenes from the television series are reenacted with the film's leads. The intercom that Charles "Charlie" Townsend uses to hold his conferences is the same one from the television series, even though that particular model was discontinued decades ago. The character of Charlie Townsend is also again voiced by John Forsythe and never seen, consistent with the television series. However, towards the end of the film, the audience can catch a glimpse of Charlie, actually played by Forsythe. Dylan is the only Angel aware of this, and keeps it to herself.

[edit] Soundtrack

[edit] Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a "Certified Fresh" rating of 68%. The movie grossed more than $125 million at the U.S. box office and grossed over $260 million worldwide.

[edit] Casting

One of the most widely reproduced publicity images from Charlie's Angels features (L to R) Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore in defensive posture as they prepare to subdue "Creepy Thin Man."
One of the most widely reproduced publicity images from Charlie's Angels features (L to R) Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore in defensive posture as they prepare to subdue "Creepy Thin Man."

Barrymore, who was also one of the producers, disliked guns, which is why the Angels are martial arts experts in the film. Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu all went through a strenuous training regimen to prepare for their roles, working with Yuen Woo-ping, renowned Hong Kong choreographer.

Barrymore pursued Bill Murray for months to play Bosley (originally played by David Doyle on the TV series) and he consistently declined. During the Saturday Night Live 25th Anniversary Special, he sang TLC's "Waterfalls" to Drew. Eventually he did the film but did not return for the sequel.

Multiple candidates were considered for the role of Alex, including Beyoncé (who was too young), Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Victoria Beckham. Thandie Newton was cast, but subsequently pulled out and the role went to Lucy Liu.

According to Icelandic singer Björk, she was offered a role as a villain but declined.

[edit] Cameos

Alex Trebek appears in the opening sequence, congratulating Natalie on becoming a five-time undefeated Jeopardy! champion.

LL Cool J appears in the opening scene of the movie as an African priest, which turns out to be Dylan in disguise.

Barrymore's then boyfriend (and subsequent husband), Tom Green appears in a cameo as The Chad, the owner of the boat who took the Angels to the hideout.

Barrymore's ex-boyfriend Luke Wilson appears as Pete Komisky, a waiter smitten by Natalie who takes her on a date.

During the party scene in the film, Roger Corwin's (Tim Curry) girlfriend was played by 1998 Playmate of the Year, Karen McDougal.

Early in the film, Dylan is in a wrestling match with then WCW superstar Rey Mysterio.

Matt LeBlanc has the role of Alex's boyfriend actor Jason. His appearance replaced a cameo from Robert Boomfield.

[edit] External links