Joining ‘Sex and the City’s’ move to the big screen is one of this reviewer’s TV favorites, 'The A-Team’. The basic theme of the original TV series (1983-1987) featured four highly trained Vietnam veterans who were framed for a crime they didn't commit, and help the innocent as ‘soldiers of fortune’ as they seek to clear their names while on the run from military investigators. The characters return with new actors reprising the roles.

In this evolution to the big screen, the setting is moved to the present and the A-Team (short for ‘Alpha Team’) are four ‘black ops’ specialists and Iraq War veterans, who become the ‘fall guys’ when U.S. currency printing plates become the main objective of possession by an ‘ominous and powerful force’ high up in government.

In an effort to clear their names with the U.S. military, who now suspect the four men of committing the crime of the missing currency plates for printing 100 dollars bills for which they are framed, they go ‘rogue’ to recover the plates, and expose the covert plan along with those involved. Leading the military pursuit is Captain Charisa Sosa (Jessica Biel), who just so happens to be an old flame of one of the Alpha Team members!

Meet Alpha Team. The leader is Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith (Liam Neeson), whose plans tend to be just a bit unorthodox but highly effective when the expertise of the team is applied. He coined the team’s signature quote, ‘I love it when a plan comes together’, which always garners unison looks of ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ from the team each time he quotes’ it!

Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck (Bradley Cooper), usually referred to simply as "Face", is a smooth-talking ‘grifter’ type who serves as the team's appropriator of vehicles, special equipment, and any other items the plans call for. And ‘Face’ always makes time for a bit of romance on the side as the team carries out the plans.

The team's strong man, mechanic, master builder, and weapons specialist is Sergeant Bosco Albert B.A. "Bad Attitude" Baracus (Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson). Dream it up, and he can mechanically build it. His pride and joy is a black ‘tricked out’ SUV with enough extras that would make even James Bond envious. With all his strengths, which are quite formidable, BA has one flaw, the fear of flying. And team member Murdock resorts to all kinds of ways to get B.A. aboard any aircraft to or from their missions. There’s nothing out of bounds for Murdock, from tranquilizing him to deception, to get B.A. on board an aircraft!

And there’s the team's expert pilot and driver, in short, anything that moves, he can drive, is Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (Sharlto Copley) who has been declared insane and feels right at home hiding out in psychiatric wards while on the run or to elude the military investigators! Although the relationship between B.A. and Murdock may seem to be tenuous and adversarial on the surface, their bond is deep with the knowledge that Murdock will take care of him while they’re in the air although he may not be conscience at the time!

This big screen version captures the spirit and outrageous physicality of the original TV series. With Stephen J. Cannell who created and produced the original TV series (1983-1987) on board as a producer, along with producer Ridley Scott whose known for his expertise in delivering highly innovative action sequences while maintaining story continuity and integrity, present an energized and entertaining big screen debut.

In the original series I was drawn to Hannibal Smith because of his calm demeanor. In this big screen debut, I found Murdock to be my appealing character portrayed by Sharito Copley who got my firm attention in the award winning ‘District 9’ (2009). And yes, the stage is set for the next installment. When this story comes to its end with recovery of the plates, the A-Team members are reminded that, its a federal crime to break out of a federal penal institution, and so I’m guessing the adventure will continue as they are determined to stay out of the reach of their military pursuers!

Produced by action producer/director Ridley Scott, along with the original series producer Stephen J. Cannell on board as a producer, this big screen version captures the feel and action intrigue of the TV series!

Starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Biel, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Sharlto Copley, Patrick Wilson, Gerald McRaney, Henry Czerny, Yul Vazquez, Brian Bloom, and Maury Sterling.

Directed by Joe Carnahan. Written by Joe Carnahan and Brian Bloom. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation release. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence throughout, language and smoking.

To watch the trailers and info! ~ To find a theater near you!