The A-Team

The A-Team movie (now available on DVD and Blu-Ray) is actually a prequel to the 1983 TV series. If you never watched the TV series or don't remember it because it was 28 years ago, you'll be just fine. For those that have seen the series, here is where we see why The A-Team became the fugitives they were in the TV series.  The premise of the movie surrounds a group of Iraq War veterans (obviously updated for modern audiences) wanting to clear their names with the U.S. military, who accuse the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed.

Exciting, slightly suspenseful, humorous, and although peppered with action, there are also agonizingly boring moments which are just a bit too numerous for my taste. I found myself dozing off when the screen wasn't erupting with gun-fire and rumbling inferno-esque explosions.

The chemistry and comraderie between the characters was excellent with all the bantering and arguing you may have come to expect. I attribute this to great casting.  Liam Neeson stars as Col. "Hannibal" Smith, Bradley Cooper as Lt. "Faceman" Peck, Jessica Biel as Charissa Sosa, Sharlto Copley as Captain "Howling Mad" Murdock, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus.

Liam Neeson as Hannibal Smith

Jessica Biel as Charissa Sosa

Walk in stilettos and carry a deadly pistol

It was my fear that the actors would try to portray the actors such as the late George Peppard, Mr. T, etc. who played the original roles, rather than the characters themselves. But I think the actors were able to put their own stamp on the roles. 

The Original A-Team

It was also my fear that UFC Mixed Martial Arts champion "Rampage" Jackson, who had little acting experience, wouldn't be able to pull off the B.A. Baracus role at all. I'm happy to report that all the actors did an outstanding job bringing the A-Team back to life--or to life for the first time-- depending on your perspective. There were fleeting moments when I could close my eyes and believe it really was Mr. T on the screen reprising his role, as long as I ignored that horrible mohawk and the fact that "Rampage" Jackson looks nothing like him.  I couldn't tell if the mohawk on "Rampage" Jackson was real or a strip of rug glued to his head.  Either way, it was an eye-sore. Another area of complaint is the sub-plot with B.A. Baracus becoming impotent after a period of incarceration and swearing off killing and violent behavior.  He even ditched the trademark mohawk in favor of a nappy mini-afro that had to have been a wig. I'm still trying to decide which was worse, the impotence or the bad wig.

"Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Baracus

I Pity The Fool

I wanted to compare this movie to The Losers that featured soldiers in a similar situation, but The A-Team is a lot more light-hearted, familiar and fun.  While boring at points, The A-Team overall was entertaining. Rather than continue where the TV series left off, the film starts over from the beginning which I thought was an excellent idea given the passage of 28 years. The movie ends where the TV series began with the voice-over..."Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire...The A-Team".  I'm giving The A-Team 3 out of 5 fingers.