While the show that inspired this feature film never became a part of my “TV on DVD” library, the trailers for the big-screen update do make one curious, so with hopes to enjoy a night of laughter, I did rent this one. Basically it’s worth it. the a-team
The A-Team (2010) Film Review
Rangers in the U.S. Army share a kind of “brotherhood.” This is what Col. John “Hannibal” Smith (Liam Neeson) counts on when, unbeknownst to him, he hijacks another ranger’s van in order to save his comrade. Having just escaped custody of his captors, Hannibal isn’t happy by the idea that he now must run headfirst into danger, again. But that is exactly what he and his new recruit (Quinton Jackson) do.
Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck (Bradley Cooper) finds he too is in a bit of a bind when he’s caught in a, let’s say, compromising position. In a desperate attempt to dodge the men hot on their trail, the three pick up a psyche ward patient, Murdock (Sharlto Copley) who’s their ticket to freedom. And with that, the elite “A-Team” forms.
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Months later the men of The A-Team hear of a mission that at all costs needs to be stopped, in spite of their CO (Gerald McRaney) asking them to sit this mission out. Regardless, they make preparations with no “plan b” and set out to accomplish it. When it goes horribly wrong, the Iraqi war vets are accused of crimes they were set up for. Adding into the mix is Face’s ex-girlfriend, Lt. Charissa Sosa (Jessica Biel), and a high-ranking CSI agent (Patrick Wilson).
A way to “kill” a couple hours never looks so fun as it does in this blockbuster. This happens to be one of the most entertaining popcorn flicks; with so many details to the plot, there isn’t a dull moment. If there is one thing that that is a flaw, it’s how each of the four or five main characters receive an introduction. It’s harried without explanation. Perhaps this can be tied to being unfamiliar with the original show. Still, considering the sort of movie this turns out to be, somehow, we forget.
The plot is actually clever enough to hold interest without being an insult to anyone’s intelligence. Often times, the action sequences do tend to overwhelm, and sometimes, the film looses its footing because chaos rules the better parts of the plot. Most the time, the stunts and/or schemes characters concoct are so unrealistic that they could only come from the streets of Hollywood, but it doesn’t matter because they are ingenious (in a cinematic-blow-your-mind kind of way), and we have too much fun to care.
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Though a little hard to get into, it’s the entertaining shenanigans that make the story so likable; mishaps, shouting, and hilarity always ensues. They go from breaking out of prison (in a tanning machine, no less) to using a tanker to fly! Because of all of the “loudness,” the dialogue tends to muffled, which proves annoying when we have to strain to hear conversations. For the first ten to fifteen minutes the dialogue also translates to screen in subtitles because it’s Spanish.
I’d recommend this, so long as you’re a fan of the genre. Like I said, the show is not a part of the equation but I read that it pays homage to its eighties counterpart. Physically, the cast suits their predecessors well, and if you let the credits play, there is a fun cameo. The humor is what makes the majority of the script so hilarious, and memorable. Setting itself up nicely for a sequel should it ever come about, but things end with enough closure to be satisfactory. No matter what, this is one entertaining flick that earns a re-watch now and then.
There are dozens of gunfights or hand-to-hand combat scenes; characters receive threats, gunshot wounds and other violent acts during them. There are two explosions. Machine weapons are pulled out without thought, planes explode in the air. S**t, d**m and numerous other profanities are exclaimed; even two near uses of “mother f…” is used. Some mild sexual innuendo plays into the script. [Face has a fling with a married woman.] Also there are two crude “finger” gestures. The film is PG13.
I watched a lot of the TV show way before the movie, so I was familiar with the plot and characters when I watched the film. I was actually disappointed in this one. They didn't really stay entirely true to the TV show and their discrepancies turned me off.
I'm glad you liked it though! The movie did have its moments of humor.
Really!? That's neat, Rosie! My family watches several of the old classic shows but this isn't one of them.
Sorry you didn't love the film but I know EXACTLY where you are coming from. It can be hard when you have come to love one version of something and then see it done a different way. :)
I enjoyed this one quite a bit when I watched it a month or two ago! I especially liked Liam Neeson…he has the most amazing voice. I love how he does Aslan in Narnia! And…this is semi-unrelated…but I think he should have been the dragon in the Merlin TV show. Have you seen that? I've been watching it lately. It's free on Hulu. I'm just on Season 1, but enjoying it so much! :)
Liam Neeson is FANTASTIC, Charity! Have you seen many of his other movies? He commands the role of Aslan because of that distinct voice – and you make an excellent suggestion: He should have been the dragon! Merlin is one of my fave BBC shows. Sadly it is now coming to an end but am glad to hear you are enjoying it also – there's some good stuff coming up for you yet. And that you liked 'A-Team.' The humor is great. :)
Just realized I want to reply to this. ;) Nope, hadn't seen Liam Neeson in anything else, though I hear "Taken" is good? Someday. And I have the Les Mis now that he stars in, hopefully will be watching in a week or two. Excited about that!
Omw, I was/am so in love with Merlin. The show. I ended up watching all four seasons on Hulu, but they don't have #5 yet…so I'm eagerly waiting.
Have you seen the old A-Team TV show from the 80s? Hulu has something like 90 episodes of it for free, so I've started watching those. The clothes and hair and vehicles…all hilarious! I was born in the 90s, so all this 80s stuff is a little before my time…I have a great time laughing and groaning over it. But I do enjoy the action! And the music. And of course… "I love it when a plan comes together." I say that all the time now. Hannibal is awesome!
Okay, off to do school. Again, review! :) So glad we connected, Rissi. I do enjoy your blog muchly! :)
Oh, goodness, Taken is wonderfully good, Charity. The sequel is also good but the first is the best since it's such a lovely father-daughter relationship – something you might not expect from an action thriller. Enjoy Les Mis – that one is the bestest IMO. :)
Don't think S5 of Merlin is quite out yet. Just around the corner though. :) It's sad that it ends as it does. I'll survive though.
No, this is one of those 80's shows I've not gotten started on. However I did watch a couple of random episodes. They were bonus episodes on Magnum P.I.. They were fun and made me laugh. I get a kick out of all these oldie shows because they are so far removed from today's technology. In so many years, the movies we think are cool now will be… well, no longer "cool." ;)
Aw! Thank you, Charity – me too! Love these great chats and my visits to your fab blog. :) Happy school and reviewing. :)
yay, action movies! hehe, I've been on an action movie binge for a bit now . . . and I think this one is on my list now–I nearly forgot about it! You're right, it's worth a re-watch :)
Action movies. Suspense movies. Thrillers. You name it, I love this type of genre, Jess-Rose. Hope you see this one again and enjoy it. The confusing set-up deserves a second watch all on its own. :)
I REALLY want to see it — and after reading your review, I may just do that tonight! :)
Hope you enjoy this one, Micah! It's one of my very fave action/adventure flicks. Did you see it?