The A-Team Mini Review

Once again, planned to do a full review of this, but things are hectic here, so a mini review will have to do.

More or less, you get what you want her from an A-Team movie. There's a lot of big, dumb action sequences, a plot that sounds complex but makes less sense the more you think about it, and four likable actors in the middle of it all who make it all worth watching. A military team comprised of team leader Hannibal (Liam Neeson), ladies man Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck (Bradley Cooper), tough talking B.A. Baracus (Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, who does his best here, even if there's no way he could ever live up to the immortal Mr. T from the original TV show), and certifiably insane pilot Murdock (Sharlto Copley, showing a lot of range from his breakthrough role in last year's District 9, and making a great comic relief here) are framed for a crime by their own superiors, and go on a personal war against those who wronged them.

Co-writer and director Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces) has basically given us a prequel to the original TV series, and a feature length version of the 15 second opening narration that would open every episode. Most importantly, however, he remembers what made The A-Team fun in the first place - It never takes itself seriously for a second. All of the main actors get plenty of one liners and chances to kick a lot of butt in the process. The action sequences are big, loud, implausible, and kind of fun. (I love the sequence where the guys parachute a tank from an exploding airplane.) That being said, I wish there was more actual stunt work, and less glaringly obvious CG during some of the more elaborate sequences.

This is a fun "check your brain at the door" kind of movie that delivers on plenty of over the top fights and throw away gags that don't always hit, but when they do, they hit pretty well. This isn't great filmmaking, but what do you expect, it's The A-Team! Fans will get what they want, and even those who don't hold a lot of nostalgia of the show might find themselves having fun. A special note for fans - Sit through the end credits for one more sequence with some surprise cameos.

See the movie times in your area or buy the DVD at Amazon.com!

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