It takes almost a whole movie for the newCharlies Angelsto get going, so thats one obvious issue.
Balinska is Jane, a former MI6 operative with sniper skills.
The Angels plan requires stealth and subterfuge, tussles and righteous speeches.
NADJA KLIER/Sony
The first thing Jane and Sabina do, though, is hit the dance floor.
All the extras start choreographing alongside them, drunk on star power.
Everything before is questionable, unfortunately, balancing good intentions with mapless action meandering.
Stewarts having a blast, taking a blockbuster break from arthouse excursions.
She looks like someone who just got back from a semester abroad with smuggled absinthe to share with everyone.
One of the first shots holds a close-up on her saying, I think women can do anything.
Shes talking to a mark named Johnny (Chris Pang), a wealthy crime bro.
Hes hypnotized by her, and thats the point: She captures him by literally wrapping herself around him.
Or maybe the self-awareness is the con?
Those two movies were directed by McG, who could turn anything into a snarky erotic car commercial.
But Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz had a light touch with goofball material.
The vibe wasAustin Powers-y when it wasnt just luscious trash.
Everything was kind of a joke back then.
The Townsend Agency has become a very well-funded non-governmental NGO.
Previously in the canon, Bosley was one guy who helped the central trio.
Now Bosley is, like, a state of mind.
There are multiple Bosleys, one played byPatrick Stewart, another played by Banks herself.
This universe has gotten bigger without much imagination.
Bosley 342, open Safehouse 6, the Bosley who is Banks intones.
you might tell Banks is wedging in something personal here, reclaimingCharlies for the Angels.
Theyre an international sorority, even a whisper connection.
Theyre also, when Sabina is around, a good hang.
This is Banks first time directing an action movie.
Theres a heist that runs like whatever clockwork isnt, and the fight scenes are edited to pieces.
Much of the film takes place in Hamburg, where everyone is an American working for someone British.
AndCharlies Angelsturns looser as it trends wilder, tossing in a few lunatic twists.
Kristen Stewart sounds unleashed with every line reading, teasing the whole movie toward throwaway charm.
There was a gunfight at my wedding, she says.
Wait, her friends ask, shes married?
No, I was the better shot.
Andthat, my friends, is how you do backstory!
Its about to get very crush-y in here!
she yells, sounding more intrigued than scared.
Balinska and Scott are a bit too dutiful, which youd expect from big-breaking up-and-comers.
Banks turns Bosley into a co-lead, cutting into valuable friendship-forming time for the central trio.
Great job, all you Stewarts!
The ending advertises a more expansive, kookier sequel.
Did I mention the exploding gummy bears?
