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On general release on Wednesday July 28th is the BIG movie of the summer we have all been waiting for…The A Team. Previous 80’s TV gems that have been adapted for the big screen haven’t faired so well, think Miami Vice, Dukes of Hazard and Starsky and Hutch, but you get the feeling that The A Team is going to be good and it’s going to be big.
Firstly there has been some genius casting in the shape of Liam Neeson as Hannibal, give him grey hair and a Yankee accent and he is instantly Hannibal – a man with a plan who relishes the danger of the situation.
Templeton "Faceman" Peck in the version of Bradley Cooper enjoys the swindling of both women and all sorts of tools even more than his predecessor Dirk Benedict.
BA played by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has a philosophical depth to his distinctive character . You may question the acting skills of the professional wrestler, but then again you never questioned Mr. T. who’s own skills were debatable!
As in the original, the biggest fun, however, comes from Howling Mad Murdock in the interpretation of 'District 9'-phenomenon Sharlto Copley, who occupies the crazy pilot with both a zest for life and an absolute fearlessness of death – cue the suicidal midair antics. His inimitable flying skills, Murdockian features (sock puppets and his interaction with BA for example) and especially his imitation of Mel Gibson in 'Braveheart' - including stick horse - make him the movies' main asset.
The film opens with a spectacular introduction of the four veterans some years ago - only Hannibal and Face are trusted comrades, BA and Murdock have still to cross their paths - setting up the Alpha team that started it all. Included of course, is a supporting role for the famous black GMC Van.
Cut to eight years and eighty successful missions later, to the operation that sees the team become the proverbial scapegoat the series theme credits were based on – something to do with a crime they didn't commit. The bank robbery in Hanoi has been replaced by the hijacking of a truckload of counterfeit money in Baghdad, commanding General Morrison is still here.
The CIA is present as well, in a possible set-up for a sequel in which Hannibal's outfit will be contracted by the organization in a reference to Stockwell (Robert Vaughn) of the fifth season of the series. The plot is driven by the aftermath of the robbery, offering supporting roles for Captain Charisa Sosa (Jessica Biel) and CIA man Lynch (Patrick Wilson, 'Watchmen'), but it's all a mere hook for ridiculous set pieces and extravagant action to be towed on.
Hannibal's crack commando unit must pull out all the stops in order to clear its name, in an adventure that at times offers absolute top entertainment. That is, if you're willing to believe that a parachute suspended tank (as seen in the trailer), wherein the fearless foursome escape from an exploding plane, can be easily maneuvered in midair using the inboard cannon, simultaneously discarding enemy aircraft like it's a game of Duck Hunt.
'The A-Team' is simply a masterful popcorn spectacle par excellence, offering high-level action entertainment. The cast has great fun working with the pleasantly unlikely adventures and the story is – in good tradition - full of references to the 80's hit series it is based on. I love it when a plan comes together!