A-Team

Let me first start out by saying I was an avid watcher of the 80's sitcom 'The A-Team' (and even watch the reruns now too...lol). So I was a little anxious and nervous at the same time see it come to the big screen. Not every sitcom needs to be remade into a movie (and those culprits know who they are). It's a classic 80's show with a modern twist.

From the very beginning to end you are engaged in the movie whether you are laughing or whether you are getting blown right out of your seat. But when I think about it, I wouldn't expect anything less considering Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces') directed it. There is constant action, loads of humor, and an easy plot to follow.

The A-Team, against all odds, is an extremely entertaining film and perfect for this summer's line-up. It puts pedal to metal about 90 seconds in and never lets up. The reincarnation by the hands of Carnahan however, avoids many of the pitfalls that the outdated format has to offer. For one, the director has brought the well known premise of the series to the present. Vietnam has been replaced by Iraq and the bad attitude of Bosco Baracus is not the only thing that makes the foursome dangerous: the happy-go-lucky stance of a team that rarely asked for enemy casualties has been replaced by an attitude that better suits a group of elite soldiers.

The actors were darn-near perfect in my opinion, one did not really outshine the other, although if I had to pick a fave it would be Murdock (played by Sharlto Copley). I think all the original characters would be proud of this movie, despite the speculation and rumors otherwise. Liam Neeson as 'Hannibal' was ideal, he has the charm, the experience, and charisma to carry this role in perfect fashion. Bradley Cooper as "Face", they could not have gotten a better person. this guy has moved himself up the acting ranks, and with this role he made you fall for him (the ladies that is...). And as mentioned Sharlto Copley as Murdock, well just see the movie and it will speak for itself. Priceless! Now we can't forget  Bosco "B.A." Baracus (played by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson), now no one can replace Mr.T, but a valiant effort was definitely shown.  Each of their performance seemed effortless, it was like the roles came natural to them which is what a viewer wants to see.

Now the plot, pretty much continuously serves up excess action – equally incredible and entertaining – but yields more than a whipped episode of the series stretched to a playing time of two hours. You could say the plot is kind of a cross section of the five years the series ran, if you omit the recurring missions the mercenaries entered into. Put it like this "I love it when a plan comes together"...

The key to making a great remake is still keeping the authenticity, but at the same time giving the audience a little something extra. And that is what this movie did! Without giving away any spoilers, any expectations of details will pretty much be revealed, you will not be disappointed!

It's hard to recreate a classic, but they did a darn good job. Invite your friends! The show was done justice, and it will definitely introduce a younger generation to a great show.  I just might go see it again!

Grade: 3 1/2 out of 4 stars