The A Team

20th Century Fox

Blu Ray Region A

The Blu Ray release also includes a digital copy of the film.

The A Team was a 1980’s television series known for its larger than life characters and action packed episodes with exaggerated plots. This 2010 adaptation takes the series to even greater heights of insanity with a plot that is truly unbelievable. The DVD includes both the theatrical and extended edition and before the film even begins a long action sequence sets the scene. This is not a film which should be taken seriously, even character is a stereotype and the script is convoluted and rather silly. The special effects are so truly insane you wonder whether you are really seeing what is happening, the plummeting tank comes to mind as well as the exploding cargo liner.

Liam Neeson plays team leader Hannibal Smith with and pro wrestler Quinton Jackson is "B.A." Baracus who is the modern equivalent to Mr.T. Bradley Cooper is the Face and Sharlto Copley plays the rather unstable pilot Murdock. They are pretty good in their roles and while inspired by the series do not religiously try and mimic the original and hence are credible.

The story begins with a double cross in Bagdad. They are sent in by the CIA to retrieve some stolen U.S Treasury plates when things go awry. Their military commander is supposedly killed in an explosion, the printed cash burnt and the plates stole by Pike, a paramilitary black operative. They are blamed for the loss of the plates and sentenced to ten years in jail. The CIA breaks them out to retrieve the plates but, of course, Lynch, their CIA contact may not be all that he seems. There are twists and turns and a surprise revelation about their supposedly trusted (and supposed dead) military commander.

The action is non stop as is the punching, fighting, smart ass dialogue and scenes which defy the laws of physics. None of the contradictions of the plot or the silliness of much of the action really matters as it is just plain good fun. The extended version comes in over two hours is a bit of a stretch, lagging in parts, but it is worth watching for the truly ludicrous L.A. cargo side finale !

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