The A-Team

From the first to the last minute, it's ruggedly honest, exhilaratingly blockbuster-like, and unfortunately also scriptwise bite-sized. However, as a whole, A-Team surprisingly holds together despite the patched-together individual missions, problems, and locations. Some things are so exaggerated that even the least perceptive smile feels ashamed (tank), while other times it goes full throttle, taking your breath away (imaginative chemistry in the photobooth, rappelling from a skyscraper, or every scene with Bradley Cooper, who effortlessly steals the whole film and doesn't even break a sweat). I didn't believe in this return to the past at all, but now I can be even more satisfied. (2010-07-30)

I sniff nostalgically. I grew up on it and Carnahan et comp. were able to modernize it very solidly without creating digital none-sense for young people. On the contrary, it may in fact be too nostalgic and laughs at the current mass conceptualization of blockbusters. I had a great time, if it wasn't for a few "over the line" attempts at making it more serious, it would be an almost perfect relaxing snort of amusement. Hats off to the wonderful chemistry in the central quartet and also to Carnahan, who managed to direct the action scenes with the sophistication of a gambler. Definitely the best blockbuster of the cucumber season; I'm just sorry that it won't continue... (2010-06-14)

The ultimate rattle that catches the momentum and doesn't let go until the end. Carnahan, under the production whip of the Scott brothers, throws in one "over the top" scene after another, but in the action inferno, he still manages to shoot deadly catchphrases at you with incredible cadence. The central quartet plays the most searing instrumental in years, and the result is a pure 1980s flick that the twenty-first-century coat fits like a glove. Sure, it's blatant none-sense, but I was still vibrating from it the next day. I'll forgive the digital silliness at the end and I’m giving it full stars. I don't think the film will get less stars from me upon a second viewing. Edit: Indeed, it did not. Even for the second (third, fourth,...) time, this is one of the most entertaining action movies in recent years. (2010-06-19)

To my great surprise, this is a good and hugely entertaining action ride. The trailers where underwhelming, but these four cool guys ended up winning me over. The action scenes are so over the top that it’s impossible not to smile. The climax on the other hand, maybe is a bit too over the top, there were moments when I didn’t know what was going on and why, so the impression went a bit down, but I still think it’s an 80% film. (2010-07-18)

I’m giving the fifth star because I blissfully roared with laughter the whole movie. A superb cast, top-notch action and mainly hundreds of cool lines backfilling the viewer with the cadence of a machine gun throughout the whole movie. Liam Neeson gained my definite status of total boss who is obviously enjoying the role of Hannibal like nothing he’s played in a long time. Sharlto Copley’s Murdock is the glue of the whole gang and his escapades made me smile with amazing regularity. Rampage is a worthy replacement for Mr. T and Cooper is fine too. Patrick Wilson is a pleasant surprise and Jessica Biel didn’t represent a disturbing element as some seem to be implying, I would even say that this was one of her best ever performances and she looks pretty damn good too. And the cameos are just delightful, even Jon Hamm’s. ;) There's a plan in everything, kid and I love it when a plan comes together. (2010-06-22)