“A WACKY FUN RIDE”
Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.
Genre: Action/Adventure and Comedy
Run Time: 1 hr. 57 min
Release date: June 11th, 2010
Studio: 20th Century Fox
What would you expect from the director of Smokin’ Aces? Another big action thriller and director Joe Carnahan comes through. The fun ride starts with action and ends with a big bang. The comedic timing, wild stunts, great CGI/special effects and wacko storyline make The A-Team a big winner. If you are an action junkie, lover of the television series or just wanting to escape from a hectic day then this barnburner should do the trick.
The story opens with an introduction to the team that’s made up of former special forces combat soldiers while trying to rescue one of their members, Faceman (Cooper), from certain death. It then jumps to 8 years later where we find the A-Team assigned to a covert operation to seek out and return United States currency printing plates. When the team ends up in a seemingly hopeless situation, there’s no way out (or is there).
Carnahan takes the popular television show of the 80’s and adds his own brand of action making the fun adventure a winner. Sometimes serious, most often illogical, Carnahan takes the team to new and exciting heights in this adventure thriller. His fine pacing of the movie mixed with smart comedy and explosive action keeps the film lively with never a dull moment.
The stellar cast features Liam Neeson as the courageous team leader Colonel John ‘Hannibal’ Smith who has it all figured out. What makes his character exceptional
comes with his ability to never let you actually know what the plan of the team’s mission is until it finally happens.
The A-Team never stops providing big laughs even in the face of danger. While I will call them the support cast, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson really share the lead with Neeson. Without each of the fine acting parts there wouldn’t be an A-Team. Cooper takes on the role of the narcissistic Faceman who tries to take credit even if it isn’t due. His hilarious comments are part of the fun. Adding a powerhouse to the team Jackson plays the tough B.A. Baracus a killing machine with an attitude. That is until he finds the teachings of Ghandi, then peace gets the best of him. Copley takes on the character of ‘Howling Mad’ Murdoch and makes him live up to his name. The wild and crazy pilot almost never looses his cool, except in a few untimely situations.
The film crew of The A-Team should be applauded for their excellent making of the film. Kudos to the exceptional stunt team, post CGI, and special effects masters that provided all the explosions, stealthy attacks, daredevil airplane maneuvers and the many action sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Action lovers here’s a chance for an adrenaline hit. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)