Charlie’s Angels parents guide

Charlie’s Angels Parent Guide

Overall C

The 1970s TV series Charlie's Angles gets a big screen makeover in 2000. The three new angels, Natalie (Cameron Diaz), Dylan (Drew Barrymore) and Alex (Lucy Liu), working under the watchful eye of Bosley (Bill Murray). He takes his orders from the unseen Charlie (voice of John Forsythe), who wants the detectives to find a kidnapped computer software creator (Sam Rockwell).

Release date November 3, 2000

Violence C-
Sexual Content C-
Profanity B+
Substance Use C-

Why is Charlie’s Angels rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Charlie’s Angels PG-13 for action violence, innuendo and some sensuality / nudity.

Run Time: 98 minutes

Parent Movie Review

In the days when speakerphones were cool and Farrah Fawcett’s hair was fresh, Charlie’s Angels ruled the prime-time kingdom. With Hollywood ‘s recent penchant for turning mediocre television shows into less than mediocre movies, Charlie’s Angels is now larger than life on the big screen—or maybe I was just sitting too close.

Charlie's Angels - Official site The three new angels—Natalie (Cameron Diaz), Dylan (Drew Barrymore) and Alex (Lucy Liu)—working under the watchful eye of Bosley (Bill Murray), have just barely wrapped up their last effort when Charlie calls to inform them of their next job. Someone has kidnapped Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell), a computer firm founder who has developed software capable of identifying anyone by the sound of their voice. In the wrong hands, this technology could mean the end of privacy.

A little investigative work reveals the most likely suspect: Knox’s rival Roger Corwin (Tim Curry). Working into Corwin’s circle of friends, the Angels appear to have the case well in hand when fate turns against them, putting their lives and the mysterious Charlie, in danger.

Charlie's Angels - Official site Expecting to see another cinematic episode in a dynasty of terrible television takeoffs, this clever script mixes the present-day with a quirky seventies style and soundtrack, managing to walk the fine line between spoof and serious action /adventure. Instead of being the model material showcased in the ‘70’s, these modern angels have individual personality flaws, making them more plausible and humorous.

Or perhaps I was just blinded by their womanly wiles, because the movie snatches every opportunity it can to show off the girls’ breast side. Going undercover (just barely) as geishas, belly dancers, and racecar drivers (one even does a nude death-defying fall), these Angels redefine the phrase “busting open the case.”

Charlie's Angels - Official site The amazingly choreographed martial arts moves and exciting stunts featured in this film may make a strong female empowerment statement. But even if the young women don’t pack pistols, the action is still violent. Parents will likely find their sexually active lifestyles concerning too, making these angels more fit for a devilish dish than a heavenly host.

Directed by McG. Starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu. Running time: 98 minutes. Theatrical release November 3, 2000. Updated

Charlie’s Angels Parents' Guide

Do you think this movie is more appealing to girls or boys? What aspects would each gender enjoy the most? How has this movie been carefully crafted to appeal to both genders? What are the advantages of making a movie that appeals to a wide variety of people?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Charlie’s Angels movie is August 3, 2010. Here are some details…

DVD Release Date: 27 March 2001

Charlie’s Angels releases on DVD with these bonus features:

- Director and Cinematographer Commentary

- Featurettes: Fashion, Set Design, Martial Arts and Stunts,  Special Effects, Director McG and Wired Angels - Special Effects Deconstruction.

- Deleted and Extended Scenes

- Outtakes and Bloopers

- Music Videos by Destiny’s Child and Apollo Four Forty

Blu-ray Release Date: 3 August 2010

Charlie’s Angels releases on Blu-ray with the following extras:

- movieIQ+sync

- Commentary with Director McG and Cinematographer Russell Carpenter

- Featurettes: Getting G’d Up, The Master and the Angels, Welcome to Angel World, Angelic Attire: Dressing Cameron, Drew and Lucy and Angelic Effects.

- Scene Deconstruction: Wired Angels.

- Deleted Scenes

- Blooper Reel

- Music Videos: Independent Women Part 1 (by Destiny’s Child) and Charlie’s Angels 2000 (by Apollo Four Forty).

- Two Easter Eggs

Related home video titles:

Another movie that is an all-out spoof of a television classic (but done very well) is Galaxy Quest . Hop on board with Tim Allen and the gang as they pay homage to Star Trek.