The creators of "Lost" could take a few notes from the writers of "The A-Team" regarding character background and giving the audience what they want. 

"The A-Team" is a wild and entertaining ride from start to finish that sends the audience home happy. Director Joe Carnahan teams up with producers Stephen J. Cannell and Tony and Ridley Scott (yes, that Ridley Scott) to bring an action film (that also has an actual plot) to the big screen. 

The first installment of what is sure to be a long-running series explains how the guys got together, the basis for B.A.'s fear of flying and how the team ran afoul of the law, somehow managing to flawlessly blend all of the background narrative in with the heart-pounding action, without missing a beat.  

The cherry on top is the fact that they do it all in under two hours and the story actually makes sense. 

The opening sequence is one of the best opening scenes in a blockbuster in a long time, breaking from the monotony of the preceding summer epics. Carnahan creatively mixes one part R-rated dark action flick and one part goofy comic book flick, getting the film to hit the ground running. 

In addition to top-notch production value, the casting is spot on, despite appearances to the contrary.  

Against all odds, Liam Neeson is actually one hell of a Hannibal. It becomes apparent that the casting directors wisely eschewed hiring an actor who was going to do his best George Peppard impersonation. Neeson brings his own gravitas and skill and never lets the audience doubt his credentials as Colonel John Smith. 

The same can also be said for the surprising Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Airborne Ranger Bosco "B.A." Baracus.  Except for his sometimes incomprehensible southern drawl, he is an absolutely perfect B.A. Known for being a UFC badass, he brings legitimacy to a group of characters who could otherwise give off the vibe of being soft. He more than holds his own in the acting department as well. 

Speaking of soft, in the hardest role by far to play correctly, Bradley Cooper absolutely nails two-faced Templeton "Faceman" Peck. Cooper easily bounces back and forth between stone killer and lady killer all while giving the ladies a good reason to quietly let their man pick the movie this week. 

And last, but certainly not least, is Sharlto Copley's magnificent portrayal of Captain H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock. With all do respect to the terrible (yet innovative) "District 9," Copley is a new player on the big screen scene and is a true revelation. He steals the show and absolutely brings down the house with his wild antics, leading many in the audience to openly clap in the middle of the film, a great rarity these days. 

Even more rare is the summer blockbuster with something for everyone, and "The A-Team" is most certainly that.