**1/2 – As far as loud and dumb action yarns go, this retelling of the classic 80s TV series that starred Mr. T, George Pappard and the guy who was Barclay in “Star Trek The Next Generation” is pretty entertaining. I can’t really argue with the casting or the script or the story. What I can argue with is the rah-rah Army machismo crap that is omnipresent in the film. The biggest affront to decency in this vein occurs after B.A. Barracus (the character made famous by Mr. T) converts to a non-violent pacifist lifestyle while in prison and allows his trademark Mohawk to be replaced by a more traditional hairstyle. That’s not the bad part, bear with me. He then goes on one final mission with the rest of the gang and shows the renunciation of his pacifist ways by slamming a guy to the ground and shattering his upper vertebral column (killing him instantly) and removing his wool cap to reveal the return of the Mohawk, signifying his return to the ‘way of the warrior’. Then there’s a little triumphant musical flourish like we’re supposed to cheer at the point that he just murdered someone. That is very much in character with the rest of the movie, as it is a highly violent, macho, Army Ranger-worshipping, military brotherhood-honoring sort of deal. I really hate that sort of thing, especially the obsession with being a Ranger this movie has. Rangers are insane, brainwashed (albeit highly trained and competent) killers. That is not something to be revered. It’s an OK movie, though.
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