This summer saw a full length feature version of the cult classic TV series The A-Team come to every screen in tune with Hollywood. With such a following of those who have watched and grown up watching, it was hard to imagine how director Joe Carnahan ( ‘Smokin’ Aces’) could do fans the justice they deserved. Fortunately, due to an amazing cast of leading actors, no-one will feel they’ve been robbed by ticket prices.
BY LAURA SHEARER
The typical corporate Mexicans and suave American stereotypes aside, it definitely connects with the original political impulses of the TV series, naturally where else could it have gone in retrospect? The punchy and charismatic introductions for each of the famed team-members relates to that striking credit style of the cult hit, but also functions comfortably as a decent start to an action flick. Getting all the familiarities in quickly and out of the way so that the outrageous explosions can take centre stage seems to overthrow what could have been a much more narrative driven first few sequences.
Surprisingly the camera work is up close and confrontational, ensuring that you will always be right in the middle of the tension, comedy and shark kicks of adrenaline. The structure of the feature manages to retain a lovely sectionalised sensation which is much like watching a back to back TV marathon. The darker and slightly heavier gravity to the performances and the weight of the action scenes is surprising because it somehow has developed a great adaption of the TV classic.
Touching at an already weak spot in politics, the modern narrative is set in Bagdad. The main mission is to stop the illegal printing of US dollars, so it’s pretty basic and nothing that’ll make your head hurt. The strategic planning of their mission demonstrates some admirable knowledge and, of course being completely kitted out ,it’s ensured that you back the rebellious team with their honourable reasons. Strangely, even though we aren’t given a narrative alternative, it doesn’t feel overly forced siding with the team, but that’s what makes it feel natural and a real pleasure to watch.
Never mind that Mr T doesn’t star, Liam Nelson provides a good helping of cheese with his scripted catch phrase. The A-Team is everyone’s favourite do-good renegades, but with a difference. Yet the enlightened way each actor brings our heroes to the big screen is amazingly familiar to who and what we have grown to love over many an hour in front of the small screen.