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SpringWidgets Spiritual Insight in Movies All other considerations aside, how spiritual is a movie? The scale rates from profoundly spiritual (5) to not at all spiritual (1). Courtesy of HollywoodJesus.com.
Directed by McG
Writing credits TV series: Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts
Written by Ryan Rowe, Ed Solomon, John August
Cameron
Diaz .... Natalie
Drew Barrymore .... Dylan
Lucy Liu .... Alex
Bill Murray .... Bosley
Tim Curry .... Roger
Kelly Lynch .... Vivian
Sam Rockwell .... Knox
Produced
by Drew Barrymore, Joseph M. Caracciolo (executive), Amanda Goldberg
(associate), Leonard Goldberg, Nancy Juvonen, Aaron Spelling (executive),
Betty Thomas (executive), Jenno Topping (executive)
Original music by Ed Shearmur
Cinematography by Russell Carpenter
Film Editing by Peter Teschner and Wayne Wahrman
Rated
PG-13 for action violence, innuendo and some sensuality/nudity.
98 minutes.
1. Independent
Women Part 1 - Destiny's Child 2. Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel
- Tavares 3. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing - Leo Sayer 4. True -
Spandau Ballet 5. Dot - Destiny's Child 6. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot
7. Angel Eye's - Aerosmith 8. Baracuda - Heart 9. Turning Japanese
- The Vapors 10. Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) - Looking Glass 11.
Got To Give It Up (Part 1) - Marvin Gaye 12. Ya Mama - Fatboy Slim
13. Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite 14. Charlie's Angels 2000
- Apollo Four Forty 15. Tangerine Speedo - Caviar
SYNOPSIS
STUDIO
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the hit 70's TV series. Charlie Townsend is a powerful man
whom none have seen, and not for lack of trying. Thanks to his anonymity,
he's been able to gain much influence and uses it to investigate and
apprehend the criminal elements of our society. But that task has
become to hard for him to maintain, so for some time now he's been
seeking pupils to act on his behalf - a group of investigative, intelligent
and tough investigators fighting the fights, which he can no longer
do without risking exposure. Now he has made his choice - a trio of
young women who have just completed their Police Academy course, and
who are currently assigned to various hazardous duties in the force.
The proposition is made to each of them - come work for him, and they
all accept. These three women must now stop a criminal mastermind
not only intent on stealing millions, but also on assassinating Charlie
as well. Can they protect their boss, even though he has never revealed
what he looks like to any of them?
CHARLIE'S
ANGELS
-A HIGHLY POPULAR AND IMPORTANT MYTH
-Review by David Bruce
HEAVEN
MUST BE MISSING AN ANGEL
The movie Charlie's Angels opens in, well, um, where else, heaven,
of course. I mean that in a symbolic way. Angel Dylan jumps out of
an airplane and "flies" to earth like an angel -with a parachute
as wings. You might think of her as a falling angel.
INDEPENDENT
WOMAN
"Charlie's Angels" is such an important cultural symbol.
It originated during the 1970's feminist movement. These were independent
women capable of out-performing evil men. And yet the story producers
kept all the pinup glamour of pre-feminist era. It was more than transitional,
however. It struck a cultural chord. Actually, no. It defined a cultural
chord and set a standard for the portrayal of the new woman -the new
Eve.
BARACUDA
The new Eve is
independent yet has companions,
strong yet thin,
determined yet carefree,
dominating yet submissive,
a sexy pinup and yet a feminist,
she is the contradiction!
KEEPING
A-BREAST OF WOMANHOOD.
Farrah Fawcett set the glamor standard for women of the 70s and
it was her bra-less poster that became the masturbation dream "girl"
poster for adolescent men. The original Charlie's Angels took the
"burn-the-bra" rebellion of the early 70s feminist movement
and made it a popular fashion statement of the mid 70s. The TV show
was affectionately known as a jiggle show -and it scored huge ratings
-and for that very reason. The bra-less look is used in the 2000
movie -but its significance has been lost in time.
THE
HUGE INFLUENCE ON POP CULTURE.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of the impact the original show had
on pop culture was the sudden and incredible popularity of Farrah's
hair style. It was like one gigantic cultural make over event.
SEXUAL
TEASE AS POWER.
The sexual tension in the original Charlie's Angels was suppressed.
In the current film it is very up front. Sexual tease is featured
as a form of empowerment for women. Nothing new here, even Marilyn
Monroe used tease as a form of empowerment -as have all the glamour
queens.
STRONG
EMPOWERED WOMEN
It matters little if Charlie's Angels are in positions of dominance
(a school teacher in black leather) or portrayed as chained prisoners
-the strength of their character comes through. They
are always portrayed as confident and empowered.
It
should also be noted that the Angels are single working women. The
original show came out when the 50-60s at-home women image was giving
way to a 9 to 5 reality. The image of the working women has always
been with us, but it took on new prominence in the 1970s and 80s.
THE
PLACE OF MEN!
The original Charlie's Angels placed men outside the inner circle.
It may be the first popular TV series to have done this. In this film
Bosley still exists as a helper, a side kick, and comic relief. Men
are subservient -and it works! If there is a "mother" image
in the Angel family group Bosley is it.
THE
MYSTERY OF CHARLIE AND REMOTE FATHERS
Charlie is a remote "father" image. In broken family circles
it is usually the father who is absent. The USA has the highest
divorce rate and the greatest number of single parent families.
Charlie's Angels reflects this sad reality. One of the desired goals
of the Angels is to meet Charlie -they never do -it is somehow sad.
Interestingly, John Forsythe, the voice of Charlie, is otherwise
know for his 1957-62 "Bachelor Father" television series. He
played televisions first "single parent.".
THE
CHARLIE MANSON CONNECTION
There are some interesting connections between Charlie Manson and
his death Angels and TV's Charlie's Angels. There is, however NO
actual or INTENDED connection. In
1969 Mass Murderer Charlie Manson sent his female Angels to out
to carry out his missions, just as the Charlie does in the TV series.
Sharon
Tate, a murder victim, was a glamor queen, much like the TV angels
are.
Hair was an important to the Manson family.
Charlie Manson's angels with long hair. It was the age of Hair in
the dawning of the age of Aquarius.
Charlie Manson's angels without hair. Hair was an important symbol
for the Manson family. It was important for the TV series, too.
CHARLIE
MANSON AS A FALSE CHRIST.
In popular culture, Charlie Manson became a persecuted Christ image.
In fact, he even claimed to be the Jesus Christ of his Helter Skelter
world. Underground newspapers quickly rallied to his defense after
his arrest, proclaiming his innocence. Popular opinion rapidly changed
as confessions of guilt came forward. His long hair Christ image gave
way to a murderous Nazi hate image -symbolized by the twisted cross,
a shaved head and tattoos. As the public perception changed, so did
his appearance. It was remarkable. Manson is a master of the mask.
I
THINK I'M TURNING JAPANESE, I REALLY THINK SO.
One of the characteristics of the Charlie's Angels is the ability
to take on disguise. Charlie's Angels is a way making of lemonade
out of lemons. Western culture has a way of dealing with important
issues and events through masking, myth telling and humor. Myth (story
telling) can even make us smile at the human condition we find ourselves
in and give us a handle to deal with it. Myth is powerful. Charlie's
Angels puts a happy face on serious issues, like: woman's rights,
absentee fathers, search for community, the meaning of family, aggression,
violence etc. It gives us a way of dealing with life with a sense
of humor. It gives us a "lightness of being."
HAPPY
"ANGEL EYES."
Bright and cheery. Following the tragic deaths of President John F.
Kennedy, Robert
Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimmy
Hendrix, and in the midst of the horrific Viet Nam war, not to mention
the Watergate scandals, American 70s culture created the Happy Face,
painted everything yellow and orange
(happy sunshine colors) and dressed Jesus up as a happy clown (Godspell).
We
masked our cultural pain behind bright colors and happy masks. Charlie's
Angels was (and is) a cultural Happy Face mask. We are again in such
a time and the 2000 movie is a major box office hit. The other major
concurrent hit is "Meet The Parents" -another Happy Face
movie. Makes me wonder what is going on under the surface of pop culture
-why are the happy masks back again? Who knows? But, it sure gives
us a great way of dealing with our issues, and it sure beats denial.
YOU
MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING
Dancing is a way of feeling-good. It is celebration. Carmen Diaz does
a fabulous retro disco dance on the set of Soul Train. In the 70s
era we went from the Levi-cotton bare-foot hippie-world of Easy Rider
to the polester-dressed-up look with platform-shoes of Saturday Night
Fever. We went from outdoor realities to artificial indoor escape.
The real world really got to us, and, I believe, dance helped us deal
with it.
THE
MATRIX THUMBPRINT
The film is a reflection of this present era as well. The influence
of Matrix is all over this film, but with
a difference. Matrix had lots of guns. Charlie's Angels does not.
Producer Drew Barrymore made a conscience effort to down play gun
violence.
THEN
AND
NOW
NO
GUNS
The disappearance of gun violence is very apparent in the new logo
design. Drew Barrymore pulls on a strong World War II image of women,
who served the cause of justice with their body strength and abilities
rather than with guns. Kudos to Drew. Note: if you enlarge the picture
on the left you will notice a very powerful non-violent weapon in
Diaz's hand. Can you guess what it is. Click and see.
SHE
TAKES ON FOUR BUFF MEN WITH HER HANDS TIED BEHIND HER.
To really make her point, Drew has a scene where she takes on four
bad guys with her hands tied together. Young women today have so
many images of strength and can-do confidence. It is a new day.
And I welcome this new self assured "We Can Do It" and
"I Will Be A Victim Any More" image for women.
LIFE
VS DEATH
The only use of a "weapon" by an Angel is to connect a cable
to an air craft via a bow and arrow. It is used as a life saving device,
rather than a weapon of violence and death.
MASKED
VIOLENCE.
The cleaned up 70s television gun violence resulted in an increase
of action scenes with high-speed car chases and crashes. The movie
tips its hat to those famous TV car crashes.
WANNA
GO FOR A RIDE?
There is room in their back seat for you. The producers have re-created
a myth for understanding the new image woman. They invite you to join
them. So what do you think? Can you jump in the back seat? Or, are
you like me with a yes and no attitude? Email me.
WHAT
THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT
THE SELF CONFIDENT WOMAN
A
good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
First
thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves,
eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no
hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's
skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's
quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She
doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes
are all mended and ready to wear.
When
she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says
it kindly.
She
keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy
and productive.
Her
children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words
of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed
them all!"
Charm
can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she
deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
--Proverbs
31:10-31 condensed from Message translation.
TWO
THUMBS DOWN
Subject: Charlie's_Angels
Date:
Mon, 19 Mar 2001
From: Sherman
To
quote the Bible and then to protray these three young women as role
models for our children is contradictory. The Bible quote was great...
the idea of protraying your body and sleeping with complete strangers
to gain something is wrong. Have you forgotten the message of "just
say no?" That is not for drugs only... it is also meant for the
health of our daughters and sons. Many sexual diseases still are
destroying our children. Your message to our children should show
the courage and braveness of the modern woman... which it does...
but why is the sex so important...and also one last thing... The
Church and State are separate... The Actors and the State should
not tell me who to vote for.
TWO
THUMBS UP
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001
From: Ralph Reed
I
want to give a "two thumbs up" opinion on Charlie's Angels. In a
country shamed by violence such as evidenced by the high school
and even middle school shootings, people should applaud Drew Barrymore's
refreshing attitude on guns. The Angels don't have to "gun down"
people to fight crime. I would ask for people to think about what
Jesus would be more offended by, a partially-exposed breast, or
Drew gunning down the opposition in cold blood. But I guess people
seem to forget about Jesus' non-violent qualities (such as the instance
of healing the slave's ear and such as his comment about casting
the first stone). I never cease to be amazed by people who blame
their anti-welfare, anti-abortion, anti-woman, pro-gun, and pro-military
political views on my Savior. Can anybody really say with a straight
face that Jesus is a Republican? He and his apostles lived a communist
lifestyle, with each given to according to his own needs. Actually,
I doubt that He supports any particular party. The petty politics
of humankind are probably far-removed from heavenly pursuits. Again,
two "thumbs up" for Charlie's Angels
REVIEW
FOR CHARLIE'S ANGELS
Subject:
Re: G2SR--
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000
From: LizCarr
The
Movie: Charlie's Angels Rated: PG-13
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Bill Murray.
The
Plot: An anonymous millionaire (Charlie) backs a detective agency
with three beautiful lady detectives. They fight an evil plot to
steal a satellite something or other, while never breaking a nail.
This old TV show turned big screen blockbuster keeps us on the edge
of our seats as the "Angels" fight crime.
The
Opinion: Okay, besides the fact that I hate Cameron Diaz, and the
fact that Cameron, lucy, and drew never look not perfect, it was
actually okay... It was a little slow in parts, but the action scenes
and wardrobe made up for it... The angels do run around in designer
clothes and shoes the whole movie... Hey, if you got it, wear it!
Some of the moves were unbelievable... But, they did a great job
of keeping the original TV show's flavor, while adding a great "Millennium"
flair to it... Bill Murray is hilarious! Reasons not to see this
movie: 1. Some of the moves were really fake! (Example: Drew does
a split kick and hits some guys in the face... It looks like something
is pulling her up... Of course, I can't do it either, but they should
have taken it out!) Jackie Chan would not be impressed. 2. There
was a lot of sexuality... Nothing is shown, though, keeping the
PG-13 rating. 3. It is a little long in some places... But not enough
that anyone but me would notice.
Reasons
to see this movie:
1. Good mystery plot that moves....
2. Special effects.. good.
3. Pretty humorous...
Bill murray makes us laugh, Angels kick butt, and Charlie is ever
present with his "Nokia" cell phone, giving helpful advice... Not
to mention, the perfect designer clothes, and other numerous financial
backers; boat brands, car brands, pop brands... You name it! all
in all--- a 6... I wasn't impressed with the karate moves, or the
fact that they always look perfect... Was I supposed to be, being
a young female??? No... Eye candy for the guys!
ALL
THE CRIMINALS HAVE GUNS
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000
From: Joyce
Sorry,
didn't see the movie. When the 3 actresses were on Mtv with their
"We're not voting for the Bush' son" t-shirt on, I couldn't stomach
spending my money on their movie. As usual, Hollywood wants to slander
my political party and then ask me to go and spend my money on their
films. I have limited myself to view Independent Films only where
the "real" creative people are. I have lost any respect that was
still lingering for Hollywood since this election. Their anti-gun
politics is exactly that, POLITICS. Leave POLITICS out of films
please, political correctness has no home in films. Drew said she
was setting examples for our "daughters" w/the non-gun issue, really?
What about the prancing around in the underwear and sleeping with
the enemy whom you just met, yea, real positive role model for our
"daughters". Read the previews, sorry, unrealistic, all the bad
guys had guns, and these little women would be dead in a heart beat
in real life. Which I guess speaks for the angels political affiliation,
ALL THE CRIMINALS HAVE THE GUNS!!!
CHARLIE'S
ANGELS 
Robert
Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimmy
Hendrix, and in the midst of the horrific Viet Nam war, not to mention
the Watergate scandals, American 70s culture created the Happy Face,
painted everything yellow and orange
(happy sunshine colors) and dressed Jesus up as a happy clown (Godspell).
