Review: The A-team

Col. Hannibal Smith and his team of eccentric heroes specialize in off-the-wall and usually non-violent mission strategies. On a very covert mission involving money counterfeiting, they are framed for the death of a superior and the theft of the bill plates. After escaping prison, the four go on a mission to clear their good names and be rightfully reinstated as Army Rangers so they continue to feed their hero-complexes.

Liam Neeson was an odd choice for this kind of flick, but he performed as to be expected, as did Bradley Cooper who was as corny and funny as the original Face. Rampage Jackson left much to be desired. His Mr. T clone brought very little to the table, especially considering his UFC persona is very animated. He did very little to make the role of Baracus his own. Overall, it was Sharlto Copley who stole the show. He was sincerly competent, funny, and quick-witted while staying very crazy and unpredictable. Patrick Wilson and Brian Bloom did there best to keep up with the collective screen presence of the foursome, but only ever scratch the surface if at all. Jessica Biel is competent yet replaceable, but it is Gerald McRaney who rises to the likeability of protagonists.

The script is very funny, charming, and climatic, but constantly has its tongue securely in cheek. This allows for a very over the top and very playful tone, and a rather quick pace. It easily garners the title of "most entertaining summer flick." Even the flying tank scene seems reasonable within the context of the film.

Of course, sometimes its cheesiness is hard to swallow, but the cast does well in lightening the mood. By the climatic finish, the special effects take on a very cheap appearance, and Copley's Murdoch has a very diminsihed role effectively removing the strongest part of the film. This endangers the focus of the audience. The plot tries to be semi-intelligent, but it is onyl ever a vehicle to the next action sequence.

The A-Team has a pretty good cast with a lot of laughs. It never tries to be anything it is not, and with low expectations, it should surprise most viewers.

7/10