DURING one of the key set-pieces in the movie update of the 80s action TV show, there is a scenario in which, through an increasingly ridiculous chain of events, a tank complete with parachutes crashes through the sky towards Earth, machine guns rattling and rocket launcher booming as they fire against an enemy plane.

"Are they trying to shoot down the other drone?", asks one character.

"No, they're trying to fly that tank," comes the reply.

If you think that sounds intensely silly, then you would most probably be right. If you think that sounds rubbish, then you're probably better off leaving The A-Team unwatched and going and seeing Inception again.

While the characters, the theme tune and the catch-phrases are all undoubtedly iconic, I'm too young to remember the original show. As a result, I can't conclude if this is any better or worse, a disappointment or a pleasant surprise.

From the outset, it's clear The A-Team is designed to entertain. To make you grin, laugh, and wonder if it will get any more outlandish. As Bradley Cooper's Faceman says to his leader: "This is beyond nuts, boss!"

"It gets better", responds Liam Neeson's Hannibal.

The camaraderie and snappy back-and-forth remarks between the characters are both fun and witty, each personality played well and knowingly by the cast.

When it comes to the action, though, which is suitably over the top, there is much less of a tongue-in-cheek vibe. This is a legitimate action film, and is often genuinely exciting, just set in a world where nothing is seen as being "too ridiculous".

The script retains the character identities of the original team, such as BA's fear of flying, Face's womanising ways and Hannibal's pride in his men. Sharlto Copley in particular, fantastic in last summer's brilliant District 9, is great fun as Howlin' Mad Murdock.

Quinton Jackson's BA retains the character's catch phrases and character traits but sadly isn't given much to do or much time to develop, though Bradley Cooper is obviously having a ball and Neeson admirably enters into the spirit of the whole thing.

While it's all thoroughly enjoyable and ridiculous, the movie isn't without its problems. For such a simple film, the plot is needlessly convoluted and it can be hard to keep up with who is betraying who. These betrayals are never big twists, begging the question as to why they're there at all.

The A-Team is at its most enjoyable in its opening hour, when it's most straightforward, particularly a great pre-credits sequence.

Another problem is the CGI. Special effects are ever-improving, with most of Avatar being almost photo-realistic, but lots of its usage in The A-Team is obvious and sometimes takes you out of the moment when you should be just sitting and enjoying the carnage.

It also means that at times, there's little tension. If the audience doesn't believe that actions on screen are actually happening, it's easy to find yourself thinking that the characters are never really in any danger.

This shouldn't stop you going to see it. Yes, it's ridiculous and over the top – and makes no apologies for either – but it's also enjoyable.

As Hannibal says: "Overkill is under-rated."

Disengage your brain and you'll have a good time. Anyone going along to The A-Team expecting substance – I pity the fool.