Additional Coverage:
- Liam Neeson’s ‘unrealistic’ action film becomes a surprise Netflix hit after 15 years (irishstar.com)
Liam Neeson’s “A-Team” Finds Unexpected Redemption on Netflix
In a surprising turn of events, the 2010 action film “The A-Team,” starring Liam Neeson, has become a runaway hit among Netflix subscribers, defying its initial critical reception and disappointing box office performance.
The movie, a big-screen adaptation of the iconic 1980s television series, features Neeson alongside Bradley Cooper, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Sharlto Copley. It follows a Special Forces team on the run after being wrongly imprisoned, as they work to clear their names.
Despite being widely panned by critics upon its release, “The A-Team” has surged into Netflix’s Top 10 since its addition last month. Fans are showering the film with praise, offering rave reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.
Viewers have expressed their delight with the movie, with one fan posting, “Before watching, I was sayin ‘This better be good’ I was highly impressed!” Another added, “Great Movie for a man watching the A-Team religiously as a kid…
Did it have a lot action scenes they were definitely unrealistic, Yes but not too extreme. But this aint mission impossible doing real stunts without stuntmen & CGI…”
The film’s entertainment value appears to be its strongest suit, with another viewer sharing, “Is it the best film ever made? No.
Is it a fun ride? You’re damn right.”
This sentiment was echoed by others who prioritize enjoyment over critical acclaim. One viewer stated, “Entertainment for me is based only on how happy I was that spent 1.5 to 3 hours watching the TV or monitor.
The A-Team is great entertainment.”
Sharlto Copley’s portrayal of the “somewhat mental pilot” has been singled out for particular praise, with one viewer noting, “I was thoroughly surprised by The A-Team. The action gets cartoonish in the middle, but overall this is an entertaining film. In particular, Sharlto Copley’s off-kilter performance… is a standout.”
Even those who admit the film is “stupid” agree on its entertainment factor. One fan confessed, “Fun as hell?
Absolutely YES!! You’re supposed to have fun watching a movie, If it accomplishes that then nothing else matters.
This movie was fun as hell-Mission Accomplished!”
The film’s initial financial performance told a different story. Produced with an estimated budget of $110 million, “The A-Team” only grossed $77 million domestically, according to The Numbers. This, coupled with negative critical reviews, effectively scuttled any immediate plans for a sequel.
Director Joe Carnahan, along with stars Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, confirmed in subsequent interviews that the film’s box office numbers were insufficient to warrant a follow-up. Cooper reiterated this in 2023, stating, “I loved it too. But unfortunately outside of you, a few of your friends, and myself, there just wasn’t enough revenue to supply a second installment of that franchise.”
Beyond a sequel, discussions for a new “A-Team” TV series, with “Fast & Furious” franchise writer Chris Morgan reportedly attached, also failed to materialize after the movie’s release.
Despite its past struggles, “The A-Team” has found a new lease on life with streaming audiences, proving that sometimes, all a movie needs is a second chance to connect with viewers.