Unlike many other Marvel Cinematic Universe films, there was not a large amount of buzz surrounding its latest feature, Ant-Man.
Contributing to this pre-release lack of enthusiasm was a sense by some moviegoers was that this film was going to be a disaster. This character was not particularly popular with avid readers of comic books, plus the production process for this film was rocky. Edward Wright pulled out of directing this movie midway during filming (replaced by Peyton Reed), and the script underwent some major re-writes by Adam McKay, with some help from the film’s star Paul Rudd.
The final product of this turbulent journey is far from a disaster. This film is a humorous, thrilling, and at times wondrous movie-going experience.
Rudd is charismatic and sympathetic as Scott Lang, a world-class burglar who decides to don the Ant-Man costume to earn redemption and a place in his daughter Cassie’s (Abby Ryder Fortson) life. Rudd has been involved in big-screen comedy for over two decades now. His great comedic-timing generates laughs out of small moments.
Also providing huge laughs is Michael Pena’s Luis, a scatterbrained and motormouthed friend of Lang’s that once shared a cell with him in jail.
It is Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas providing gravitas) that requests Lang to be the Ant-Man in order to complete a heist that will keep the Earth from falling into chaos. The doctor’s former protégé Darren Cross (superbly played by Corey Stoll) is close to replicating Pym’s Ant-Man formula. Believing that this particle substance being available on the open market to be dangerous, Pym is looking for the Ant-Man to steal Cross’s Yellowjacket and destroys all data connected with this project.
Providing support to Lang in his quest is Pym’s daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly). There is a frosty relationship between father and daughter throughout the film. While there are some nice moments between Douglas and Lilly on their journey of reconciliation, some of these emotional moments are too forced and momentum quashing.
There are also some moments in the film where the comedy falls flat as well. Unlike some of the greatest works from Marvel, Ant-Man does hit some wrong notes, particularly during the first half of the film.
It is in the second half of the film, when Lang begins his training to be Ant-Man, where this flick achieves lift-off. Contributing to this is this Ant-Man’s strong and creative action scenes. These fights are marvelous due to them having a look unlike any other action film. I was on the edge of my seat during the entirety of the final showdown between Ant-Man and Yellowjacket. Ant-Man also generates its biggest laughs during the climax.
I recommend you stick around after the film for the post-credit scenes. Unlike other films where these moments are meaningless, these “easter egg” scenes provide us with clues as to what the future holds for Ant-Man.
I am giving Ant-Man four popcorn buckets out of five
