As most people know, The A-Team was a popular television series that ran for five seasons from 1983 to 1986. Even people that didn’t grow up watching the show are familiar with the catch phrases and characters that followed its aftermath. I’m very surprised that an A-Team feature film hasn’t graced our cinema screens before this summer but it’s here now and it most certainly the epitome of a summer blockbuster.
The television show was loved for its characters and over the top action sequences and I believe that the movie brings those exact qualities to the big screen. With a very lovable cast and some great one liners, there is some great chemistry to enjoy. The A-Team cast consists of Hannibal (Liam Neeson) who loves it when a plan comes together, Face (Bradley Cooper) the irresistible ladies man, B.A. Baracus everyone’s favorite mohawked man (Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson) and Murdock (Sharlto Copley) perhaps the best character of all.
If you’re not familiar with the plot, the director Joe Carnahan who co-wrote the script also, doesn’t stray too far away from the original storyline. There are some time-line changes and a shift of the action from Vietnam to Iraq. After a mission of hijacking of a truckload of counterfeit money in Baghdad, The A-Team find that they have been framed for a crime they did not commit. Dishonorably discharged, these Special Forces officers are sent to prison where of course, they do not stay for long. The storyline takes a back seat with the action doing all the driving in this film. The funny thing is, it doesn’t matter a bit. You get so embraced in the ridiculous nature of it all that it doesn’t even matter what The A-Team are doing anymore. The ending is left wide open for a sequel and with that charismatic cast, I wouldn’t be adverse to the idea at all.
If you’re looking to find faults with this movie, you most certainly will but it doesn’t take itself too seriously so neither should you. Overall, The A-Team is an entertaining adaptation that’s just plain fun to watch.
The A-Team is released this Wednesday, July 28th so get to the cinema if you fancy a popcorn blockbuster.
Rating 6.5/10 If you’re looking forward to an action packed flick with a couple of nods to lovers of the popular television series then you’ll definitely enjoy this experience. If you know nothing about the TV show and like action movies, you’ll probably enjoy it all the more.
Recommended for: Lovers of the TV show, action movie fanatics, popcorn blockbuster seekers.
Not recommended for: People looking for a parallel to ‘The Hurt Locker’, this movie is not supposed to be taken seriously.
Heard this is a load of fun that doesn’t take itself seriously and just plain jane entertains! Nice review
Thanks for the comment Emlyn. It’s very fun alright, and good for a few laughs.
Nice review!
Pretty much sums up my feelings of the film. I was a big fan of the TV show, and this film is a nice summation of the spirit of the show.
One thing I would say is that it moves a wee bit too fast. They fly through the costumes/stealing credentials stuff, which was always a big part of the TV show.
But, all in all, I had fun.