Was the 2000 Charlie's Angels a stylistic triumph or a cinematic debacle?
In short: A high-energy spy comedy that grossed $264.1 million worldwide, the film sparked intense debate. While some critics praised its infectious energy and star power, others dismissed it as a brainless music video. Beyond the glossy action, the production was marked by casting shifts and even ornithological errors.
Directed by McG in his feature-film debut, the 2000 film reimagined the classic television series with a heavy emphasis on comedy. Starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu, the story follows three private investigators working for the unseen millionaire Charlie Townsend. While the film was a commercial success—ranking as the 12th-highest-grossing film of 2000—it split critics down the middle. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 68% positive rating, but Metacritic assigned it a score of 52, indicating mixed or average reception.
The production faced several hurdles during development. In 1999, Drew Barrymore was set to star and produce through her company, Flower Films, followed by Cameron Diaz. Thandiwe Newton was a top contender for the third lead but declined the role of Alex Munday to avoid being objectified or playing racial stereotypes, leading to Lucy Liu's casting. Other actresses considered for the role included Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Aaliyah, and Nia Long.
The film's technical choices also left a lasting impact. Director McG utilized a 'wire fu' fighting style that Guillermo del Toro suggested was almost satirical, noting that such films may have prompted a return to more 'hard-hitting' action in Hollywood. Even the film's details were scrutinized; a scene intended to feature a pygmy nuthatch instead accidentally displayed a Venezuelan troupial, a bird six times larger and not native to California, because the production was late and over-budget.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Charlie's Angels (2000 film)
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