Well, it's 2010 and we have to work with what we've got. Let me tell you something, this is the most fun I've had at the movies since the FIRST Iron Man, I'm not kidding! The movie is a ton of fun, and I can't wait to talk about it with FattMatt.
Let me refresh everyone on our reviews, opinion, not plot. I go over my "likes" and "dislikes", let's dive in!
What I liked about the movie:
The Casting
Wow, the chemistry amongst the four primary actors is awesome! Hannibal, played by Liam Neeson. Face played by Bradley Cooper. B.A. Baracus played by Quiton Jackson. And last, but certainly not least, Murdock played by Sharlto Copley. I have never, EVER given a casting director a shout out... but here goes the first! Deborah Aquila, thank you!
Neeson is just bad ass as the leader of the group. I knew he had the action chops after Taken, this movie further proved the obvious. Cooper played the arrogant, good looking guy perfectly. Just the right mix of charm, humor and attitude so we loved him, not hated him. I have to say, when I first heard about Jackson being cast in the movie, I was not OK with it. But I stand corrected. Jackson brings the physical presence needed for the role; plus there's an emotional side that was very well written for the Baracus character.
The man who steals the show.... drum roll please... Sharlto Copley as Murdock. I can't explain enough how good Copley is in this movie. After District 9 everyone knew Copley could play a corky type of character, but this is beyond that. Murdock is a brilliant pilot that is literally insane... literally, he's in a mental hospital. The comedy Copley brought to the role is awesome. He alone is reason enough to see the movie.
The Action
Unbelievable, memorable, stunts! Usually action movies have 3 separate action sequences. One is usually in the beginning, the next is the middle and the third is the climax of the film. The A-Team has 5 lengthy action sequences, FIVE! All of which are creative, inventive ways to show action we haven't seen before. The beginning of the movie jumps right in with a great escape scene. There are planes, cars, helicopters, boats and motorcycles that develop into an awesome spectacle. Thumbs up to Joe Carnahan, director of the film for the action.
The Director
Carnahan can do it all in my opinion. Narc was a suspense thriller that was a critical success and had a decent sized following. He directed Smokin' Aces which was also a fun ride. He knows how to do action, he can direct big name actors, The A-Team was no different. The pacing, the tone, the comedic timing and the score, all of them worked. People criticize his editing choices, but I love it. It's fast, and it's representative of the action.
Side-Note: watch the Narc DVD special features for an explanation from Carnahan about his editing.
What I didn't like about the movie:
Simple
I think Hollywood takes us fans as really simple people. I touched on this a little bit in my 'Prince of Persia' review; the plots to movies these days are so simple. Don't misunderstand me, I liked the plot to The A-Team, it's just so simple. It's also a story I've read or saw in film a dozen times; as recently as this Summer's The Losers. It's OK studio executives, we can handle a complex story! I know the studios play it safe with simple stories like these, but come on, give us more!
Miss Jessica Claire Biel
I'm sorry to all of our male, testosterone driven readers, miss Biel just doesn't do it for me. And I'm speaking from both a physical and acting level. I will say this though, the character is essential to the story, I'm just not a fan of Biel. She has to play this really tough Captain in the military, yet she's got a ton of make up on. Not saying attractive women wouldn't be in a position of power in the military; I just don't see them caring more for their hair products than they do for the safety of the country.
The things I didn't like are really quite minor in comparison to the positives in the movie. It was so much fun, I actually laughed and clapped at a movie! Other than Toy Story 3, this is the only other highlight to an otherwise abysmal Summer at the movies. I haven't seen The Karate Kid yet; but I'm going to say this will easily end up in my top 3 movies of the Summer this year.
The A-Team did the TV series justice and improved on it in my opinion. The characters felt a bit more real than the TV show. The acting and directing were top notch as well. Go see it and tell everyone about it! There's no reason this film shouldn't be doing better numbers at the box office. And hopefully, HOPEFULLY they make a sequel to this awesome action flick!
