Year: 2015
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, and lots and lots of CGI ants
Tagline: This July, heroes don't come any bigger.
Synopsis: With dangerous technology about to be in the wrong hands, Dr. Hank Pym enlists semi-reformed cat-burglar Scott Lang to become the Ant-Man.
Tagline: This July, heroes don't come any bigger.
Synopsis: With dangerous technology about to be in the wrong hands, Dr. Hank Pym enlists semi-reformed cat-burglar Scott Lang to become the Ant-Man.
Review
If I had to sum Marvel's Ant-Man up in one word, it would be "refreshing." I wasn't particularly excited for this film. And frankly, a bit of superhero ennui has been setting in. Ant-Man was just what the proverbial doctor ordered.
First up, the movie is simply fun. There were plenty of witty moments and chuckle-worthy gags throughout the film. Paul Rudd has great charisma. The whole thing was a joy to watch.
Second, appropriately for a movie about a hero who can shrink to the size of an ant, Ant-Man is a welcome change of scope. Recent films like Age of Ultron or Guardians of the Galaxy have the superheros saving entire cities and worlds. Everything is on a massive scale. Ant-Man features a (terrific) fight in a briefcase that then ends in the suburbs. Yes, the stakes are high. But it manages to be more personal because it is scaled back. We are allowed to feel more invested in Scott's character and his relationship with his daughter (and Hank's relationship with his daughter).
Third, the visuals are fantastic as always. So many of the Marvel heroes either punch or throw things as their skill. Yes, Ant-Man punches, but he does so in a visually new way as he bounces back and forth between normal and ant-sized. It's different. And different is good. Oh, and did I mention he rides on ants, including a flying ant he dubs "Antony"? One of the most visually impressive parts of the film is Ant-Man riding Antony through an exploding server room.
From beginning to end (and post-credits end), Ant-Man makes sure you know this film is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are a few subtle references and some not-so-subtle references. And there are a handful of well-placed cameos as well.
Is Ant-Man brilliant cinema? Well, no. But it is one of the most fun and enjoyable films I've seen this year. It really was refreshing, even more so because it was unexpected. If you haven't taken the time to see it yet, I highly recommend Ant-Man.
First up, the movie is simply fun. There were plenty of witty moments and chuckle-worthy gags throughout the film. Paul Rudd has great charisma. The whole thing was a joy to watch.
Second, appropriately for a movie about a hero who can shrink to the size of an ant, Ant-Man is a welcome change of scope. Recent films like Age of Ultron or Guardians of the Galaxy have the superheros saving entire cities and worlds. Everything is on a massive scale. Ant-Man features a (terrific) fight in a briefcase that then ends in the suburbs. Yes, the stakes are high. But it manages to be more personal because it is scaled back. We are allowed to feel more invested in Scott's character and his relationship with his daughter (and Hank's relationship with his daughter).
Third, the visuals are fantastic as always. So many of the Marvel heroes either punch or throw things as their skill. Yes, Ant-Man punches, but he does so in a visually new way as he bounces back and forth between normal and ant-sized. It's different. And different is good. Oh, and did I mention he rides on ants, including a flying ant he dubs "Antony"? One of the most visually impressive parts of the film is Ant-Man riding Antony through an exploding server room.
From beginning to end (and post-credits end), Ant-Man makes sure you know this film is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are a few subtle references and some not-so-subtle references. And there are a handful of well-placed cameos as well.
Is Ant-Man brilliant cinema? Well, no. But it is one of the most fun and enjoyable films I've seen this year. It really was refreshing, even more so because it was unexpected. If you haven't taken the time to see it yet, I highly recommend Ant-Man.
Quotable Quotes
- "Baskin-Robbins always finds out." -- Baskin-Robbins Manager
- "It's not about saving our world. It's about saving theirs." -- Dr. Hank Pym
- "I just ruined the moment, didn't I?" "Yes, you did." -- Scott Lang and Dr. Hank Pym
- "It's not a keychain." -- Dr. Hank Pym
- "We've got multiple shots fired.... And there's a tank." -- Paxton
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