Hank Pym (Michael Douglass) created a super suit that was capable of shrinking a man down to one one-hundredth his size, making so many things possible for mankind, and making him leery about what people may do if they get their hands on his technology. Years later, Pym’s protege, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), finds a way to replicate the suit and the technology, surely meaning destruction for anyone that stands in his way. Pym quickly recruits his daughter, Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), and cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) to help save the day. With the suit now at Lang’s disposal, and the help of former S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist, Pym, he is well on his way to becoming the world’s smallest superhero, Ant-Man.
One of the most compelling aspects of any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film is the way in which viewers are able to connect with the antagonists. Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and Avengers Age of Ultron’s Ultron (James Spader) are just two examples of how well developed some of the baddies are that reside within the MCU, but the development of Cross (aka Yellowjacket) is lacking in Ant-Man. It’s not that Stoll is incapable of portraying this character, but more so that writers Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Rudd didn’t take the time to build a character that resonates with viewers. Cross is simply a bad guy that possesses nothing more than hate and visions of valor, making it difficult for viewers to find pieces of themselves within the character.
Honestly, the failed attempt to appropriately develop the film’s antagonist is really the only thing wrong with Ant-Man. One of the most appealing aspects of the film is Rudd himself. Ant-Man, in many ways, is a simple heist film, but comedy plays a pivotal role in the plot and in the success of director Peyton Reed’s vision. Who better to play the role of a somewhat snide, superiorly sarcastic superhero other than Rudd? To tell the truth, I’m not sure the casting could have been better. Rudd finds immense success in delivering Scott’s dialogue and forcing viewers to laugh. His ability to deliver comedy at such a high rate is comparable to some of the greats. He, furthermore, allows viewers the ability to connect with his character and the film as a whole as he becomes likable and immersive.
Choreography is essential to any superhero film, but it seems that in Ant-Man it may matter more than ever. The constant change in size in the Ant-Man character could potentially pose threats to the team working on Ant-Man, but Marvel never shudders at the thought of a challenge. When an Avenger (who will remain nameless for the purpose of spoilers) fights Scott he’s forced to do so in a number of ways. With Lang regularly changing from big to small, fight choreographer Walter Garcia had to find a way to make everything appear realistic as things changed. As this job began to extend to other hands, including director of photography, Russell Carpenter, stunt doubles, animators, etc., these scenes required a significant amount of love and attention, and they got exactly what they needed. Every single action sequence is done flawlessly, pulling viewers in and refusing to let them go.
Ant-Man has its struggles as Stoll’s Darren Cross is far less relatable than previous villains, but other than that, the film plays out beautifully. It’s the perfect combination of action, intensity, and comedy, giving nearly every viewer a reason to appreciate what the writers and Reed are able to accomplish. Ant-Man continues Marvel’s success and introduces Scott Lang, a superhero of tiny proportions to the MCU. Reed, Rudd, and everyone else involved developed a film that propels the MCU into something even bigger than it already was, and fans couldn’t be more grateful.
Directed by Peyton Reed.
Written by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, & Jack Kirby.
Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglass, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Anthony Mackie, Judy Greer, Abby Ryder Fortson, Michael Peña, David Dastmalchian, T.I., Wood Harris, Hayley Atwell, John Slattery, Martin Donovan, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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