From left, Kristen Stewart, Ella Balinska and Naomi Scott are ready to rumble in “Charlie’s Angels.” (CTMG Inc.)

From left, Kristen Stewart, Ella Balinska and Naomi Scott are ready to rumble in “Charlie’s Angels.” (CTMG Inc.)

‘Charlie’s Angels’ reboot more interested in comedy than action

Like the tacky 1970s TV series and movie versions that preceded it, this one’s breezy fun — even when likable supporting characters bite the dust.

You know how every franchise at some point is reputed to get “dark”? Like the way each Harry Potter or Avengers picture would be promised as the one that, seriously, this time, goes really really dark. Except they rarely actually do.

No one will ever say that about any of the “Charlie’s Angels” incarnations. The 1970s TV show was irredeemably silly and the 2000 movie and its sequel were self-consciously goofy. Now, there’s another reboot.

This one is so not dark, people get killed without anybody taking pause. Seemingly likable supporting characters are offed, and we’re encouraged to laugh along with the characters.

The new “Charlie’s Angels” pays homage to the previous incarnations. Hanging on the walls of the offices of the organization that employs female spies are photographs of various former cast members, from Farrah Fawcett to Drew Barrymore. But not Bill Murray, who must have a strict contract.

It feels absurd to recount the plot of this movie, except to say that Angels played by Kristen Stewart and Ella Balinska get involved in rescuing a tech developer (Naomi Scott, from the live-action “Aladdin”) who wants whistleblower protection.

Joined by their Bosley (played by Elizabeth Banks, who also directs), the team goes hopscotching across Europe. There are many Bosleys, including ones played by Patrick Stewart and Djimon Hounsou.

Among the bad guys are tech giant Sam Claflin, corporate weasel Nat Faxon, and international man of mystery Chris Pang. It’s not an exciting group, but then “Charlie’s Angels” deliberately goes the low-key route; the movie itself seems bored by its chase scenes and shoot-outs, as though including them by contractual obligation.

Even with that, the whole thing goes down fairly breezily. The main appeal is the central trio, led by a punked-out Stewart, who seems relieved to be taking a break from her very serious run of recent roles.

Scott and Balinska are also fun, and the trick of following a new recruit through the paces of Angel-hood is shrewd. Nothing really gets too crazy, which in a way is disappointing.

The expected scenes of women schooling men are in place, with thankfully nothing as cringeworthy and condescending as the sisterhood attack in “Avengers: Endgame.” The more playful tone prevents that.

One thing doesn’t work, though: those likable (or even unlikable) supporting characters whose deaths get laughed off as “collateral damage.” I like black humor, but this is more like floundering around in search of some edginess — or maybe even a stab at getting dark. Nobody’s going to buy that under these flippant circumstances.

“Charlie’s Angels” (2½ stars)

A reboot for the premise about female spies, with veterans Kristen Stewart and Ella Balinska leading new recruit Naomi Scott through the paces. It’s a breezy film more interested in comedy than the rather obligatory action scenes. With Elizabeth Banks (who also directs).

Rating: PG-13, for language, violence

Opening Friday: Alderwood, Alderwood Mall, Everett Stadium, Galaxy Monroe, Marysville, Meridian, Oak Tree, Pacific Place, Thornton Place, Woodinville, Cascade Mall

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Brandon Hailey of Cytrus, center, plays the saxophone during a headlining show at Madam Lou’s on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood-based funk octet Cytrus has the juice

Resilience and brotherhood take center stage with ‘friends-first’ band.

FILE - In this April 11, 2014 file photo, Neko Case performs at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. Fire investigators are looking for the cause of a fire on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, that heavily damaged Case’s 225-year-old Vermont home. There were no injuries, though a barn was destroyed. It took firefighters two hours to extinguish the blaze. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Singer-songwriter Neko Case, an indie music icon from Tacoma, performs Sunday in Edmonds.

The Moonlight Swing Orchestra will play classic sounds of the Big Band Era on April 21 in Everett. (submitted photo)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Relive the Big Band Era at the Port Gardner Music Society’s final concert of the season in Everett.

2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport AWD (Honda)
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport AWD

Honda cedes big boy pickup trucks to the likes of Ford, Dodge… Continue reading

Would you want to give something as elaborate as this a name as mundane as “bread box”? A French Provincial piece practically demands the French name panetiere.
A panetiere isn’t your modern bread box. It’s a treasure of French culture

This elaborately carved French antique may be old, but it’s still capable of keeping its leavened contents perfectly fresh.

(Judy Newton / Great Plant Picks)
Great Plant Pick: Mouse plant

What: Arisarum proboscideum, also known as mouse plant, is an herbaceous woodland… Continue reading

Bright green Japanese maple leaves are illuminated by spring sunlight. (Getty Images)
Confessions of a ‘plantophile’: I’m a bit of a junky for Japanese maples

In fact, my addiction to these glorious, all-season specimens seems to be contagious. Fortunately, there’s no known cure.

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited (Hyundai)
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited

The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited is a sporty, all-electric, all-wheel drive sedan that will quickly win your heart.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T hybrid’s face has the twin red lines signifying the brand’s focus on performance. (Dodge)
2024 Hornet R/T is first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge

The all-new compact SUV travels 32 miles on pure electric power, and up to 360 miles in hybrid mode.

chris elliott.
Vrbo promised to cover her rental bill in Hawaii, so why won’t it?

When Cheryl Mander’s Vrbo rental in Hawaii is uninhabitable, the rental platform agrees to cover her new accommodations. But then it backs out. What happened?

Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Tangier’s market boasts piles of fruits, veggies, and olives, countless varieties of bread, and nonperishables, like clothing and electronics.
Rick Steves on the cultural kaleidoscope of Tangier in Morocco

Walking through the city, I think to myself, “How could anyone be in southern Spain — so close — and not hop over to experience this wonderland?”

Don’t blow a bundle on glass supposedly made by the Henry William Stiegel

Why? Faked signatures, reused molds and imitated styles can make it unclear who actually made any given piece of glass.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.