After seeing G.I.Joe and Transformers in theaters, I figured that was it of the 80’s. After all, the only cartoons left were things like “The Go-Bots”. As for live action TV programs from the 80’s, I figured they were going to be delegated to short-lived updated TV shows (aka “Knight Rider“). So, I was a little surprised when I heard The A-Team was going to be hitting theaters in the summer of 2010.
Sure, “The A-Team” (with Mr. T!) was the coolest thing around back when I was, oh, 10 or so, but would a big-screen adaptation work well 20+ years later? Originally, John Singleton was attached to be director, and that peaked my interest. But now he’s dropped out for some reason, to be replaced by Joe Carnahan, the guy behind so-so films like Narc (2002) and Smokin’ Aces.
Ok, so the director is a little bit of a disappointment. How about the cast? Who would be able to replace icons like Mr. T and George Peppard? On that front, the news is both good and bad. Liam Neeson (Taken (2009)) takes on George Peppard’s role as John “Hannibal” Smith and Bradley Cooper (Hangover (2009)) takes on Dirk Benedict’s role as Templeton “Faceman” Peck – both solid choices.
Newcomer Sharlto Copley takes on “Howling Mad” Murdock, originally portrayed by Dwight Schultz. This could be a problem, but since I haven’t seen District 9 (2009) and have heard nothing but good things about it, I’ll give him a chance.
And as for the most famous team member, B. A. Baracus, originally portrayed by Mr. T? Untested “Ultimate Fighter” Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Um, what? The biggest member of the team (literally), and it’s played by some guy who’s unknown outside his cage (or ring, or whatever they use in “Ultimate Fighter”). Sure, his fighting may be realistic, since he’s had so much practice with the real thing, but can he act?
I know what you’re thinking – would i be thinking differently if a WWE superstar had gotten the role? Yes, and no. Yes, because they are used to the acting part (after all, a lot of wrestling is staged, just like a movie). No, because I wouldn’t want to see them taking on an iconic character like this one and possibly failing miserably. Sure, I like The Rock (excuse me…Dwayne Johnson) and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, but they both had the right idea – start out by playing a character they don’t have to live up to.
Let’s face it. Having seen episodes of “The A-Team” in reruns in recent years, it’s true the show is anything approaching spectacular by today’s standards. But, back when I was growing up, Mr. T was one of the most famous men in America thanks to this show (and Rocky III (1982)), and lots of people will still carry a bit of those hazy, positive memories of the show, and especially Mr. T.
Just look at the new “Knight Rider“. The reason it bombed? People said it didn’t live up to the greatness of the original. Um – has anyone actually watched the original lately? Like “The A-Team”, it definitely hasn’t aged well. But many people still had that hazy glow of happiness about the show from their past and didn’t think the new show could match up.
Will The A-Team turn out the same? While Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson may help viewers connect with these new members, a lot of the success – or failure – of this big-screen adaptation relies on “Rampage” Jackson living up to people’s fond memories of Mr. T. With little to no acting behind him, that’s a lot of responsibility for him to shoulder – and shaky ground on which to build a remake around.
My guess – this one will do great box office it’s first weekend if the trailer turns out to be good, but unless “Rampage” is brining a lot of unrealized acting potential to the table (or the film pushes him into the background only to come into focus for a one-liner or two and a couple of grunts), chances are this one will see a huge drop in numbers going into it’s second weekend. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
I’m hoping this one does good business. After all, if it does, how far behind can a Hardcastle & McCormick or Magnum, P.I. movie be? Woohoo – bring back the 80’s! Heck, I’ll even settle for a Jake & The Fatman!
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