THE A-TEAM

30 years after it made its TV debut The A-Team finally makes its big screen debut. The story is still the same only this time it is Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face), Sharlto Copley (Murdock) and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson (B.A. Baracus) as the Army Rangers framed for crimes they didn’t commit and forced to take down those responsible. Also along for the ride is Patrick Wilson as snaky Agent Lynch and Jessica Biel as the sexy (if uptight) Charisa Sosa.

I have very faint memories of the A-Team TV show – and most of those just involve Mr T. saying ‘I pity the fool’ – but even I enjoyed this big screen remake. It’s light action fluff with some laughs and some so obvious you-see-them-coming-miles-away double crosses. The intercutting between the gang planning their missions and carrying them out is a great way to keep the action coming thick and fast; however the climax stretches the boundaries of logic and CGI believability.

Believability aside it has a great cast. Neeson lends a grizzled air to boss man Hannibal and Cooper is suitably charismatic as Face but it is Copley and Jackson who steal the show as an unlikely comic duo; with Jackson ably filling Mr T’s massive shoes (with nary a gold chain in sight). I wouldn’t mind another outing with this crew, but could we plase get a Mr T cameo next time?

All in all a solid action romp; just switch the brain off and enjoy.

3 of 5 Stars