A-Team

What child of the 80s is unfamiliar with the A-Team? Not a one, I hope. Mr. T was an ever-present character throughout my childhood what with cartoons, toys, movie appearances, tv shows, etc… When I first heard of an A-Team movie I was skeptical. Would they try to make it a serious movie (that didn’t work for Miami Vice) or go over-the-top with campiness (like, say, Starsky and Hutch). The entire fate of this film rested with that small decision. Thankfully the writers found some middle ground that made the movie entertaining and enjoyable. The nostalgia factor didn’t hurt either.

First thing people will notice is the cast. Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper are two big names in movies. Neeson is always a draw and (I believe) can nail any performance. Cooper is more of a draw now they he was probably five years ago (thank you Hangover). These two carry the movie.

Supporting them is Sharlto Copley (District 9) as Howling Mad Murdoch, and Quinton Jackson as B.A. Murdoch is utterly insane and adds enough levity to the movie to keep people in stitches. Jackson (in my not-so-humble opinion) was dead on as B.A., Mohawk and all.

Like any remake the writers updated the story to today’s world and political climate. Instead of Vietnam, the war is in Iraq. The story is pretty much the back story of how this team of war heroes were disgraced, discharged, framed, and arrested. While those of us who watched the show remember them being a “guns for hire” team that helped people, there is none of that in the movie. Instead it focuses on Hannibal’s plans to clear their names and get reinstated in the army.

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I’ll stop now. One cool thing they did was end the movie with the opening sequence and voice over from the original show. Do they plan a sequel? I hope so!

Don’t expect a great movie that will leave your brain hurting, this isn’t Inception. A-Team is just a good bit of mindless fun full of explosions and plot twists. Give it a chance, you might be surprised.



---
Last Quote: Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Today's Quote: "I believe that no matter how random things may appear, there's still a plan. "