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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The A-Team



Let it be noted that anybody walking into "The A-Team" without their brain switched off is bound to detest the 2 very loud hours they have ahead of them. It is dumb, shallow and very far fetched at times. It also is the most out and out 'fun' movie I've seen so far this Summer. Languishing in development hell for years, credit must go to Director Carnahan, for rescuing and giving the script the polish I'm sure it deserved. As far as translations of old TV shows to the screen goes, this film is certainly one of the better ones. In keeping within the original show's giddy and frivolous mood, it is suitably OTT. However most of the films success is down to its cast. It is the one thing that separates it from the other action films. Its leading cast members look as if they are having fun. Their sense of mischief and camaraderie is evident and can be equated in the same way a fit of giggles can spread throughout a group of people. It is quite enjoyable and easy to surrender your charms to this group. If the cast were not as good and did not look as though they weren't enjoying themselves so much, then it would not nearly be as enjoyable as a film this bombastic and overblown has any right to be.

The plot follows the same route as the original TV show. In keeping with its new time setting, the action is switched from the originals Vietnam to the Middle East. After a lengthy pre credits action scene bringing the four together, we are thrust forward to '8 years and 80 missions later'. Events take a turn when the gang are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit and sent to prison. Can they break out and gain vengeance on those responsible, while still clearing their names? As you may or may not have guessed, the plot is almost of no importance other than to string together the many set pieces the film has. If you find yourself paying too much attention you will see huge plot holes, some lackluster villains and non-sensical character arcs. Liam Neeson as the teams leader 'Hannibal Smith' is as level headed and stern as the character calls for. 'Rampage' Jackson takes over the now iconic part of 'BA Baracus' however leaves something to be desired. While perfectly suitable looks wise, he doesn't quite manage to bring enough charisma and personality to the role, on at least not the same level Mr T did, back in the 80's. The two standouts are Bradley Cooper as 'Face' and Sharlto Copley as 'Mad Murdock'. Both have great fun with their characters and could not be a better fit to their 80's counterparts. Cooper elicits easy fun and laughs as the womanising number 2, without making him sleazy or unlikeable. Copley showing again that he is going to be a great success after his breakout in "District 9" last Summer, gains the films most laughs. His insanity and penchant for using fake accents and languages provides some of the films stand out moments. In fact one of the films main problems is that it is almost too eager to get to each beat of action. Scenes of interlinking dialogue and plot cohesion seems like an afterthought, which is a shame, as I would have liked to spend some more time just hanging out with our leads. Jokes come thick and fast and while most are instantly forgettable and hardly belly aching, they add to the films charms.

Director Carnahan knows exactly what the film is and does not try to make it anything that it isn't. The film is very loud and sometimes very clunky, but are you really looking for anything other than a rollicking time when you pay your money over to a film with this title? It strives for fun and for the most part achieves it. Action scenes carry the quick ADD editing that more and more action films seem to be favouring. While there to add to the adrenaline and excitement, most of the time they elicit more of 'what just happened there?' reaction. For the most part the set pieces are fun and offer plenty of explosions for the 13 year old boy inside of you. With this years other 'ensemble team' action films "The Losers" and the forthcoming "The Expendables", the film had a surprising amount of competition on its hands. As one of the better blockbusters this Summer, it won't be memorable or achieve immense runaway critical or commercial success but if a film in which our heroes fly a tank appeals to you, then I certainly recommend checking out this team.

Verdict: 60%
A fun frothy night at the movies which is all its director and cast ever set out for it to be. Incredibly hyperactive and over the top, but its cast gain plenty of charm and provide most of the reasons to the films success.

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