“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.

Rating:


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