December 15, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 23 ‘The A-Team’ features action all the way by Dennis Seuling “The A-Team” (20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment) is a wham-bam action flick about four Rangers stripped of their military rank and drummed out of the service because they messed up a mission in Iraq. The movie is based on a TV action series of the same name that ran from 1983 to 1987. George Peppard was the leading man, but Mr. T, with his scowl and mohawk hairdo, became the show’s breakout star. Most of each episode was devoted to blowing things up, and the show was a huge hit. In the big-screen adaptation, Capt. Hannibal Smith (Liam Neeson) is the group’s leader, tough B.A. Baracus (Quinton “Rampage” Jackson) quotes Ghandi when he’s not firing huge weapons, “Howling Man” Murdock (Sharlto Copley, “District 9”) is the pilot with more than a few screws missing from his fuselage, and Face (Bradley Cooper) is the one who won’t let a dangerous mission get in the way of his romantic escapades. Director Joe Camahan dispatches characterization early and quickly, moving at breakneck speed to the film’s pyrotechnics. Copley has the juiciest role, since his character is extremely eccentric, if not outright loony. “Howling Man” Murdock is reckless and gets his teammates into scrapes, but just as adroitly saves them with his piloting skills and invulnerability to fear. He is completely outrageous and unbelievable as a real character, but is the most enjoyable to watch, since no one ever knows what he will do or say. As Baracus, Jackson never conveys the intimidation that Mr. T did on the TV show, nor does he have the twinkle in his eye that tells the audience he’s in on the joke. His performance is too heavy for the movie’s style. “The A-Team” is available in two Bluray editions, the theatrical version, and the three-disc “Explosive Extended Edition,” containing several additional scenes, a gag reel, a behind-the-scenes look the film’s visual effects, and the featurette, “Inside the Action with the Director.” “The A-Team” is also available on standard DVD. “Space: 1999: The Complete Season One” (A&E Home Entertainment) is producer Gerry Anderson’s TV series that attempted to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the “Star Trek” franchise. An explosion at a lunar nuclear waste dump blasts the moon out of Earth’s orbit, carrying the men and women of Moonbase Alpha on a perilous journey across the universe. With no way home, the Moonbase residents, led by Commander John Koening (Martin Landau) and Dr. Helena Russell (Barbara Bain), are forced to embark (continued on Crossword page) Bradley Cooper (left) and Liam Neeson star in ‘The A-Team.’ Santa Visits Blue Moon! Sunday, Dec. 19 •11:30am-1:30pm Have your picture taken with Santa while enjoying a great meal! Reservations Suggested ������� ������������� ������� ������ It’s Now The Best Time to Give the Gift of the Moon for the Holidays Purchase $50 in Gift Cards and receive a $10 Gift Card Free! Purchase $100 in Gift Cards and receive a $20 Gift Card Free! Please present this ad before 12/17 to receive this limited time offer. ��������������������������������������������� 327 Franklin Ave • Wyckoff • Boulder Run Shopping Center • 201-891-1331 Blue Moon Gift Cards make great gifts for teachers, mail carriers, dog walkers, nannies, friends, neighbors & family! Join us for �������������� ��������� ��������� ��������� Open Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. Special Christmas dinner served 4-9pm. Call for reservations. ���������� www.BlueMoonMexicanCafe.com �������������������������������� Sunday & Monday NFL Ticket on Direct TV Football Menu & Bar Specials Regular Menu also available ���������� ������������������������ HAPPY HOUR �������������������� NOW OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION Right Across the Street! 96 W. ALLENDALE AVE, ALLENDALE Newly Remodeled. Beautiful Decor. Same Owners. Same Great Menu! COMPLETE LUNCH $9.95 Bistro Ristorante Reserve NOW for Christmas Eve Dinner at Our New Location Seatings at 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30 ������������������ �������������� ���������� ������������� �������� ������ �������������� ��������� ������� ������������������� �������������� � �� Book Your Holiday Party NOW at Our Original Location: 97 W. ALLENDALE AVE, ALLENDALE Private Party Room Open Daily ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������� ���������������������� Weddings, Baby Showers, Anniversary Parties, Holiday Celebrations... Lunch Party Packages starting at $13.95 Tel: 201-327-6556 Fax: 201-327-6679 www.mezzalunanj.com