Who doesn't remember the A-Team? With the recent launch of the film in America, the A-Team stories from our childhood have barged into our pubs and braais once again. "Who can do the best theme song mimic?" "Who was your favourite character?" "I wish I could get my hands on that GMC Van!"
The 2010 FIFA World Cup started on the date of international release of the A-Team. With that in mind, it was decided to launch the A-Team in South Africa after the World Cup. Great idea me thinks!
The premiere of the film took place on the 12th August 2010 at the Nu Metro cinema complex at Montecasino, JHB, and courtesy of MTN and Fox, the premiere was attended by two of the A-Team crew: Mad Murdoch played by Sharlto Copley(ala District 9) and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson(ala Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC Title Holder). I had the privelege of doing some interviews with the guys who were staying at the Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino. :)
I didn't know what to expect so I brushed up on my already decent Google knowledge of the film, the series and the cast. I am a sucker for 'winging it' at interviews and I decided that my preparation online would stand me in good stead. After their make up and 'grooming', the two guys arrived together: Sharlto looking very South African sporting his Bafana Bafana jersey and a yello MTN Ayoba scarf. Quinton donned a more subtle, jeans and T-shirt look.
Interviewing Sharlto was more run of the mill. He was relaxed, enjoying the SA sunshine. He spoke on how he tried his best to bring Murdoch to life in a way that was credible and genuine and given that Dwight Schultz was emotional after watching Copley's portrayal of Murdoch, I got the sense that he had done a good job. Enter Rampage Jackson: he looks the part, tattooed and very large! He sat in the interview chair mid-conversation with one of Nu Metro's PR ladies, complaining about how he doesn't care what people think of him. "You think you can put make-up on me cause people care about what I look like? I don't care what people think.....All I care about is.....Who can Kick my Ass!" I didn't put my hand up. This guy will knock me the @#$% out!
Then he smiled, and we did the interview. He loves South Africa and has enjoyed the people he has met, including (wait for it)....the customs officials. I was stunned. Well done ACSA.
That evening saw my wife and I attend the premiere: A real hardcore A-Team theme. I could chat for ages on the set-up and the prizes etc, but I really have something to say about the film: First thing: If you did watch the A-Team when you were much smaller, and you've grown up with the same taste for good kick-ass films/series, then go out and Watch the A-Team. I recommend the Il Grande cinema at Montecasino. It's just so much better and bigger than anything else.
The movie is raw with action and comedy. Each character, Hannibal, Face, BA and Murdoch is played with absolute authenticity. They've thrown in some modern tweaks and the pace is unrelenting, but the humour, the core of the team and the action is non-stop. I must say though, and this is through no patriotic 'he's one of ours' motives, that Sharlto Copley plays Murdoch in the most appealing and affable way. He is just brilliant and watching him made me recount the days of old. Murdoch was not my favourite character o
f the series, but he certainly was my favourite character in this film. Copley's portrayal is testament to the brilliance of his acting.
And that's about all I will give away. The rest of the evening involved an after-party with great food, great people and picture-posing with the two heroes of the evening. Kay and I managed to squeeze in 3 interviews with Supersport, V Entertainment and another programme(name slipped my mind) on what we thought of the film. I even got to do my own rendition of a BA Baracus voice.
So: if YOU have a problem….If no-one else can help….and if you can find them….maybe you can hire – The A-Team!
PROBLEM SOLVED.
