I loved the first two Ant-Man films.
They exist more as comedies in the MCU, and were a bit more slight than the usual comic book blockbusters. That all changes with the newest installment of the franchise.
Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has to fight for the universe and all reality here, and it is his biggest battle yet. Scott is less of a clown here and more of a superhero than we have seen in past films. This is both really great and a bit depressing at the same time.
The movie starts off with Scott settling into life on earth after the blip. He is pretty happy and has a a new book about his adventures in stores.
He’s also developing his relationship further with his post-blip teenage daughter Cassie (played this time by Kathryn Newton).
Much like her father was before being acquiring the Ant-Man costume, Cassie has been getting into trouble with the police,
Cassie also has been spending time with her “pseudo” grandparents, the orignal Ant-Man and Wasp, Dr. Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, played by Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeifer.
Together, they create a device that takes them all to the Quantum Realm. That’s when all hell breaks loose. They find out that the quantum realm is inhabited by intelligent life forms.
Even worse, there is a dictator ruling everyone and everything named Kang The Conqueror.
Kang is played by Jonathon Majors, who steals the show completely. He’s so good as Kang that he overpowers the entire film. Kang wants to get out of the quantum realm so he can enjoy being a villain again. Needless to say, Scott and his family need to stop Kang from getting what he wants.
It’s all just silly fun for the most part. If you’ve ever read the Incal by Jodorowsky and Moebius, you’ll dig it for sure. It feels like something from that universe.
Director Peyton Reed tries his hardest to be one or both of the Russo brothers but comes up short. The script by Jeff Loveness is totally nuts and that’s okay by me. I mean, a poorly CGI-M.O.D.O.K. shows up for no reason as does Bill Murray (he looks like he wandered on set). Ah, well. So be it!
The performers are all decent. Michael Douglas becomes more of furry Hobbit with each passing film. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a strong performance as does Rudd for the most part. I loved the ending though.
The last ten minutes are certainly great, and the film gives us an ending that just made me cackle with delight. It’s worth seeing.
The heck with the other critics. You certainly don’t have to rush out and see it, but you certainly don’t have to avoid it either.
RATING: B
* * * * *
Produced by Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard
Written by Jeff Loveness
Based on Marvel Comics
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors,
Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, Katy O’Brian, William Jackson Harper,
Bill Murray, Michelle Pfeiffer, Corey Stoll, Michael Douglas
