Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.
Directed by Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces, Narc)
Starring Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Sharlto Copley
I love it when a movie comes together.
Like the ‘80s action-adventure show, The A-Team chronicles the exploits of four highly trained Army Rangers who specialize in getting things done in the most ridiculous way possible. (As a character declares, these guys “specialize in the ridiculous.” So true…so true.) When they are framed for a crime they didn’t commit, the men must go on the run to clear their names. But this is the A-team’s origin story (which means I expect to see sequels). As the movie opens, Hannibal (Liam Neeson) is on a mission with his trusted sidekick Faceman (Bradley Cooper) in Mexico. There, they meet the Mohawk-sporting B.A. Baracus (Quinton “Rampage” Jackson) and the appropriately named Howling Mad Murdock (Sharlto Copley); both Rangers.
O.K. first things first, this film is based on one of the cheesiest action shows of the 80’s. So if you have any doubt of the cheese factor in the film…let me be the first to set your mind at ease – it is a cheese-fest. But honestly that’s part of the appeal. I mean who doesn’t like seeing cars exploding for no apparent reason, trucks crashing through walls or a “flying tank” surviving a crash landing? All that and plenty of gun play with very little blood. In fact I think BA’s flesh wound has more blood than all the other shoot-outs combined.
The four actors who play the four main characters are absolutely perfect. I was most worried about Rampage Jackson playing BA. I thought he would be too campy with too many “I pity the fool” lines. But he played it perfectly. The rest of the cast, including Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson, is great too.
This adaptation of The A-Team is big-time fun for those of us who realize that a movie based on an 80’s action-adventure show should not be taken too seriously. And so, when Hannibal’s outrageously complicated plans go down like clockwork, and the bad guys can’t hit the broad side of a barn unless the plot needs them to, you just smile and go with it. And if you do…you will love it! If not…you will spend close to two hours rolling your eyes and complaining about how ridiculous the whole thing is. But really, why punish yourself? Just get the jumbo popcorn and enjoy this “Worth Buying” summer blockbuster…and make sure you stay through the credits for some fun cameos.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are two different times when the F-bomb is almost dropped but both times the person gets cut-off by something exploding. There are a few other swear words throughout the film and plenty of violence (although very little blood). There is no sex or nudity, although Face has a “playboy” reputation that comes up in several conversations.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
