Make no mistake about it. Although this is a modern version of the seventies television show, the angels' appearance remains just as important as it ever was. Although the angels now shun guns and weapons, using their own karate skills and Matrix-type moves, how the girls look remains in the forefront of the story. Perhaps the idea that Alex can't cook and bakes muffins that resemble Chinese Stars is supposed to be liberating, but it ends up reinforcing the idea that women can't be successful at home and at work.
Men are powerless against the beautiful angels.
While it is nice to have three actresses in lead roles in a movie, it is disappointing that in the thirty years since the original Charlie's Angels, society has not progressed regarding its beliefs about women. I thought we'd come farther than that. Elizabeth Von Buchler studies film and gender issues at Indiana University, where she received her degree from the School of Education. She teaches high school English and enjoys juxtaposing contemporary issues with literature and film to provoke the minds of her students. Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Eyeore and more.