Film shows modern origins for the soldiers of fortune

A group of Iraq War veterans were accused of a crime they didn’t commit. Now, they have resurfaced as a summer blockbuster. If you want a good time and can find a theater, then you can watch “The A-Team”.

“The A-Team” is a remake of the 1980s TV series. This generation’s A-Team is written/directed by Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) and features some newcomers and rising stars: Liam Neeson (Taken), Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Sharlto Copley (District 9) and UFC fighter
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson.

This film is more like a modern origins story for the A-Team. The film begins with the four meeting each other and ends with them as “soldiers of fortune” just like the TV series. The plot is about an elite unit of Army Rangers led by Col. ‘Hannibal’ Smith (Neeson) that specializes
in crazy missions. While Hannibal is the brains of the outfit, the rest of the A-Team is made up of Face (Cooper) the good looking smooth operator, B.A. Baracus (Jackson) the muscle of the group and Murdock (Copley) the loony helicopter pilot.

They go on an unofficial black op to recover counterfeit money and the printing plates from Baghdad. After the mission, a private military unit sets them up and Hannibal’s men are sent to prison. After six months, they break out of jail thanks to a CIA spook named Lynch (Patrick Wilson from Watchmen), the man that gave them the black op. In order the clear their names, they must find the plates and the men who set them up.

One of the most refreshing things about the film is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously; the humor is over the top thanks to the key characters. Neeson is relishing in his post-“Taken” awesomeness and Cooper plays his trademark good-looking troublemaker routine.

However, the star of the show is Copley. His Murdock steals the show every time he is on screen with is nonsense one-liners and crazy shenanigans. This marks Copley’s second feature film and I can’t wait for his next film.

The only weak link in the cast comes from Jackson as B.A., the role made famous by Mr. T. 

Jackson’s portrayal is solid and respectful of the foundation Mr. T set but there are moments that Jackson’s inexperience at acting shows.

As for the action, it is ridiculous but a lot of fun to watch. The action set pieces are loud and feature a lot of bullets and explosions. As long as you walk in with the mindset of “this is over-the-top on purpose,” then you will really enjoy it.

Where this film succeeds where other summer blockbusters fail is in balance. The film balances
action, humor, solid acting and a serviceable plot to create one of the most entertaining over-the-top action movies in recent years.

4/5 Stars