Looking out for the little guy has never been easier.
Paul Rudd returns as the titular Ant-Man, in Marvel Studios’ third outing for the pint-sized hero. Or giant sized depending on course of action. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania fittingly picks up some time after the events of End Game and LOKI, and everything seems fine. Scott has saved the world, Hope (Evangeline Lilly) is running her father’s company and Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) are reacquainting themselves with one another after her return from the Quantum Realm. A realm which contains a convenient amount of plot for our Ant-family to uncover, along with new partner-in-crime Cassie (Kathryn Newton).
After entering this Quantum Realm of promising plot, the world unravels with the revelation Janet’s time in a space lacking both of these rules has happened upon a new traveler and threat. A multiversal being known as Kang the Conqueror, played exceptionally well by Jonathan Majors.
The Ant-family then go off and do Ant-things within the confines of their Marvel cinematic feature, and it’s fun. And BIG. Which somehow feels ironic considering their powerset. The adventure feels similar to a Star Wars, brimming with gorgeous locales and stunning alien creatures. Running between other-worldly villages and secret speakeasies, it could be the most Star Wars we’ve had since the originals (outside of the excellent TV shows).
That’s not to say it’s without flaw. While it’s the best Ant-Man we’ve had, finally giving the little guy their big adventure, it’s also a lot. This is due to the Marvel effect. As the need for connective tissue grows, it continues to add to the muchness. And this muchness also goes hand-in-hand with the visual effects. While it is a beautiful film, it also screams out at how great practical effects are and how they add to immersion.
Newton is a fine enough addition to the team, but it’s Majors who stands out as Kang. After their introduction in LOKI as a variant, their role will only keep growing as the saga continues. And I can only hope they bring the same menacing presence they had in future.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is fun.
It’s the first Marvel feature in almost 2 years which felt like we’re heading somewhere new. While it can’t escape a steady build-up of heaviness from so much Marvel, it may be the film which puts it back on track.
I like Ant-Man films. I think they're such a dumb character, and casting the charismatic and hilarious Paul Rudd as Scott Lang was inspired. While no stronger than their previous outings, it's still a fun film which may find itself quintessential to the next phase of Marvel. Especially as one more Young Avenger is ticked off the list. And with Kang's presence now fully settling its roots within the MCU, it's time for their dynasty to reign.
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Star Wars-iness
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Crazy Locales
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Big Size
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Small Size
