A plan for “The A-Team” movie is coming together. I loved the show as a kid, and even though it was pretty campy, it still has a special place in my heart. The casting of Liam Neeson (“Taken”) and Bradley Cooper (“The Hangover”) is good news, even if they weren’t my first choices (more on that later). The only thing that gives me pause is the group behind the camera. Granted, original series creator Stephen Cannell is on board, but director Joe Carnahan also helmed the violent “Smokin’ Aces.” Writers Michael Brandt and Derek Haas scripted the fantastic remake of “3:10 to Yuma,” as well as “Wanted,” which was even more violent but nowhere near as good. Thing is, even thought the members of the A-Team were soldiers and frequently shot at their enemies, I can’t remember anybody getting hit (on camera at least; one episode opened with B.A. suffering from a gunshot wound). The emphasis wasn’t on violence but action (yes, there is a difference), clever (if implausible) escapes and a dash of humor. I don’t want my A-Team shooting people in the head and killing enemies for the heck of it. There’s plenty of movies out there like that already. But, no use judging the movie before it’s even started filming. Instead, let’s take a look at the cast, which is half the fun of a remake project. • Col. John “Hannibal” Smith TV series: George Peppard. Movie: Liam Neeson. My pick: Tommy Lee Jones. I can’t fault the casting of Neeson, but Jones was always the first one I thought of for this. He can be jovial while remaining tough as nails and in control.
• Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck TV series: Dirk Benedict (He replaced Tim Dunigan after the pilot). Movie: Bradley Cooper. My pick: Ryan Reynolds. This was always the one I had the most trouble with, finally settling on Reynolds because he can do serious and funny and, according to my wife and other women I’ve talked to, he’s not ugly. But it’s hard to argue with Cooper.
• Capt. H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock TV series: Dwight Schultz. Movie rumors: Woody Harrelson, Chris Pine. My pick: Nicholas Brendon. The most obvious choices would be Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler, but Murdock wasn’t usually the featured character. Brendon, who played Xander Harris over seven seasons on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has terrific comic timing and is a fine actor. Also, he’d probably come cheaper than the others.
• Sgt. Bosco “B.A.” Baracus TV series: Mr. T. Movie rumors: Tyrese Gibson, Common. My pick: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. His turn as Mr. Eko on “Lost” shows he’s got the acting chops to pull off anything, even a role as iconic as this. And chances are, he wouldn’t just be doing a Mr. T impersonation. Of course, they could just get Mr. T again.
What’s your “A-Team” dream team?