When I first saw the trailer for The A-Team, a man behind me in the audience said to his companion “This is Charlie’s Angels for guys.” And he hit the nail right on the head.

Like the first Charlie’s Angels film, The A-Team turns a campy, beloved TV series into a big-screen summer popcorn extravaganza full of cartoonish action, complete with equal helpings of laughs and thrills.

And just as Charlie’s Angels offered men in the audience the mesmerizing sight of Cameron Diaz’s swinging panty-clad rear end, The A-Team saved money in the costume budget by having Bradley Cooper go shirtless 75% of the time. Based on my wife’s reaction, this decision is popular with the ladies.

It’s weird for me to see Bradley Cooper as a hunky big-screen heartthrob, having discovered him as Sydney Bristow’s earnest, lovesick friend Will Tippin on J.J. Abrams’ Alias years ago. Despite his second banana status, he was one of Alias‘ vital ingredients and the show never quite recovered from his departure.

In addition to his chest and abs, Cooper’s charm is on full display as The A-Team‘s Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck. Face is the suave ladies man of the group. The leader is, of course, Col. John “Hannibal” Smith (played by Liam Neeson). Rounding out the gang are strongman B.A. Baracus (UFC fighter Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson takes on the role that made Mr. T famous) and ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock (played with twisted joy by District 9‘s Sharlto Copley).

I won’t waste anybody’s time with plot details. This movie isn’t about plot. It’s about watching this gang of misfit soldiers for hire coming up with elaborate schemes that always leave them one step ahead of the bad guys, able to say — through a chomped cigar — “I love it when a plan comes together.”

Those scenes of carefully orchestrated mayhem are great fun, as is Patrick Wilson’s turn as a CIA heavy. He does way more than expected with the stock part and practically steals the movie.

If you watched the TV show, you’ll certainly enjoy the movie. If you didn’t, you’ll probably still enjoy the movie.

And if you’re a woman or gay man (or a straight man… fine, I’ll admit it), you’ll enjoy Bradley Cooper’s chest.