“The A-Team”
a review by Darby O’Gill
When you have a problem and no one else can help… Well, I guess you’ll just have to wait for the sequel, because The A-Team movie is just about how they get there. This is an origin story, with a modern update. When I first heard about them wanting to bring The A-Team to the big screen, almost 15 years ago, I thought what a huge mistake. But, when I saw the final choices for the cast, I was more than convinced a feature film version just might work. And, I’m very glad to report that I was absolutely right.
In this modern re-launch of The A-Team, we see the team meet for the first time and ultimately get framed for the crime they didn’t commit. Let’s just take a moment to talk about this A-List cast. First, we’ve got the man with the plan, Col. John ‘Hannibal’ Smith, played Liam Neeson. I think he was the hardest to see in the role, but once I saw a production still I was totally sold. Up next, is a team member with one real bad attitude, Sgt. B.A. Baracus, played by former UFC fighter, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Without a doubt the hardest shoes to fill in the movie, but Jackson is perfect! Much like Mr. T, Rampage embodies a little of B.A. himself honestly, and doesn’t have to force a performance, which is great! Because the worst thing that could have happened to this movie is if someone like Taye Diggs was cast in the roll and did a cheesy job of trying to play Mr. T. Dare I say, “I would pity the fool that fucked up this role.” And what would a yin be without its yang? That brings us to the sanest crazy person that can fly anything, Capt. H.M. ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock, played by District 9’s very own Sharlto Copley. Easily the second biggest pair of shoes to fill on The A-Team, it’s very hard to play crazy, but Copley masterfully knocks it out of the park. Last but by no means least, we come to the pretty boy of the group. No lady can resist his charm, and there’s nothing he can’t get. Of course we’re talking about Lt. Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck, who’s perfectly played by The Hangover’s Bradley Cooper. Like I said, this is truly an A-List cast for the best possible A-Team movie. Well done, Hollywood… for once.
Over the last few months, I’ve started watching some old episodes of The A-Team again, getting myself that much more syked for the new movie. It was then that I realized just how much the old show still holds up to my wonderful childhood memories. If I had just one complaint about the new movie, it would be that they don’t help anyone other than themselves. Wait! Don’t start writing your comments yet. I know that this is the origin story, and they’re not in that business yet. It’s just that helping the town that’s being terrorized by the big bad biker gang, was such a huge part of the old show and I really missed it. The good news is that the sequel will be even better, and this one was pretty damn good. I’m also looking forward to the introduction of the fifth member of The A-Team in the sequel, that of reporter Amy Allen. And, if I could be so bold, I’d like to offer my suggestion for the best actress for the role, Evangeline Lilly. Oh, man! I’m so screwed. The A-Team hasn’t even had its opening weekend yet, and I’ve already got “The Jazz” for the sequel. I guess I’m just going to have to see this one a few more times then. Oh, and be sure to stick around after the credits, to see a few cameos.
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13 comments
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June 11, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Ralph-
I already started writing my review for the film and haven’t seen the movie yet. I too started rewatching the show and the plots are lame but the characters are brilliant. Can’t wait to see the movie. I hope it ends with the classic show opening!!!
June 11, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Darby O'Gill
I have a feeling you’ll be very happy.
June 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm
casinoskunk
I had a feeling, based on the track list from Alan Silvestri’s score. I AM SO AMPED FOR THIS MOVIE!!
The theme has been stuck in my head all day. Does Face’s vette show up?
June 11, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Darby O'Gill
Sadly, no. But like I said, I think they’re saving that sort of stuff for the sequel. The vette wouldn’t really fit in this one. I AM SO AMPED FOR THE NEXT ONE!! I’ve got the Jazz, Ralph. I’ve got the Jazz real bad.
June 11, 2010 at 1:04 pm
casinoskunk
Dammit. You can’t win them all.
June 11, 2010 at 10:20 pm
casinoskunk
I loved that movie!
June 12, 2010 at 11:04 am
Josh Peters
I go tonight. Glad you liked it. I heard about the cameos. I hope they aren’t “dads”.
June 14, 2010 at 3:48 am
Josh Peters
Well, it opened at number 2 racking in only half of the Karate Kid’s intake. From what I’ve read, I don’t think we’ll be getting a sequel to this one.
June 14, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Darby O'Gill
Screw the ‘Kung Fu’ Kid! That’s not a remake, it’s a ripe-off! And, if “Crap of the Titans” can get a sequel, there’s absolutely no reason not to make an The A-Team sequel! I’m hoping that really good word of mouth will make The A-Team more money in the long run, and if any of you reading this feel the same way, be sure and tell everyone you can to go see The A-Team right away!
June 15, 2010 at 9:24 pm
casinoskunk
nobody listens to me. but i have tried and will continue to try.
June 16, 2010 at 12:04 am
Darby O'Gill
You’re a good man, Ralph. If we don’t get a sequel, God forbid. I would at least like a video game. I don’t know about you, but I want to build blowtorches and piece together armored plating in a barn, while helping people in need. Let’s get on that EA!
June 21, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Josh Peters
I need a sequel! Everyone I tell about it kind of blows me off. It’s sad.
June 21, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Darby O'Gill
I know, it’s not look good. If we don’t get a sequel, I’m truly going to be heartbroken. There has been a bunch of people that I’ve talked to, which we normally have the same opinion in movies, that say they hated it. I don’t get it.