The A-Team: Problem Solved

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.

Kissin!

I find it fascinating how our lives have phases; and how, through those phases, our opinions change with the times, depending on what part of our life we're in. When I was four, my only interest was having toy cars and my own space on the carpet to play with them. As I grew older, my interest in toy cars didn't change, instead I just was interested in more things: Games; marbles; sports. But Not girls. When I was 8 or 9, I hated girls. And every time Dad kissed Mom hello, or goodnight or just for the fun of it, I remember being so upset about the whole thing. The thought of it gave me a SIS! feeling and I am sure I complained to no end - all to their amusement. Nothing changed from their side, it's not like Dad said, 'Hey let's not kiss in front of him anymore' - Nope. They just kept on kissin!

That phase of my life didn't last long. A few months later, I too started to wonder about kissing girls. And so the story continued.

Many years later, I find myself in something of a different phase of life: Married! - to an amazing woman who I will kiss in front of anyone and everyone, including my parents. I get it now! Unlike when I was 8 years old. I get that kissin is just one of the great ways we can show affection and love. No matter what time of day, there's nothing that beats a good ol' smooch on my wife's lips.

Today however, the 5th July 2010, my parents celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. For all 28 years of my life, I am stunned by the sheer brilliance of their marriage. It has moulded and positively changed the lives of so many people. They have inspired and counselled other great marriages and all too often, I have heard very young people commenting on how they want to have a marriage like my folks.

I feel very blessed and priveleged to have grown up in a home with them. I know that many people have not experienced a fairy tale such as this but my parents example is hard to argue with. I have seen it, felt it, grown from it and been greatly inspired by it.

35 years later, I still smile at the fact that they still behave as if they were in their first year of marriage. They are still playful; jovial and amused by one another. They still show affection and consideration for each other. They still go on holiday together(they refer to these as honeymoons:)) and come back having had a great time with each other. And most important to me, they still do a lot Kissin! In front of anyone and everyone.

If I could leave married couples with one bit of advice that I have learned from my folks, it would be this. Don't Stop the Kissin!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!!

Much Love

God Bless!