Ant-Man is the twelfth offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and, like Guardians of the Galaxy, it caused a lot of skepticism but also anticipation for the arrival of Earth’s tiniest hero. Despite fans scratching their heads upon the release of this film, it has definitely been the most surprising. Ant-Man is one of Marvel’s best standalone films. It was such an unexpected success. This is both action-packed and funny and director Peyton Reed done a great job bringing a tone that feels like an exciting heist film.
Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang, an ex-con who wants to reform his ways and re-establish his relationship with his daughter. He’s recruited by the original Ant- Man, scientist Hank Pym, played by the brilliant Michael Douglas, to succeed him in the suit which has the ability, as hinted, to shrink to ant size. Along with his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly), he wants prevent his former protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) from using his secretive shrinking technology as an instrument of war.
One of the reasons why this film worked is its spot-on casting. Paul Rudd is great as Scott Lang; naturally likable and has great comedic delivery, he gives it his all to his performance. Michael Douglas brings seriousness to the film but also there’s hints of playfulness to his character. You believe his motives and how he really cares for his daughter, Hope. Evangeline Lilly brings the emotions to the film as Hank’s daughter. T.I and Michael Peña are Lang’s criminal companions and are brilliant comic relief. Especially Michael Peña, as Luis, who shined in this film. He was terrific – everything he said had great timing and was funny, especially the scenes with Peña’s “he said, she said” monologues which were particularly memorable.
However there were flaws in this film, the beginning felt slightly rushed and the villain which was the main flaw. Corey Stoll is a talented actor, as seen House of Cards, and he does a solid job playing Darren Cross/Yellowjacket. It’s been the same with other Marvel films; the villain always lacks in character development. But Cross’ alter-ego Yellowjacket gave exciting action sequences which were one of the highlights of the film, the action was very creative; transitioning from ant size to human size and from humour to tension.
Visually, the film is stunning to look at. The CGI effects were executed well in giving a fun visual treatment and it’s one of the few films that’s satisfying in 3D.
This is the funniest film Marvel has produced, it was hardly ever thought that a film about a man shrinking to ant size would be made, insane as it sounds, and the film poked fun at that which was brilliant, it’s difficult to respect its subject matter and make fun of it and it was done really well. Due to a great cast, in-tune director and an enjoyable plot, Ant-Man succeeds just like Guardians of the Galaxy did and brilliantly so. The tie-ins to the MCU were enough to keep it cohesive and didn’t rely on them too much to keep the story going. Despite its bumpy opening and not so memorable villain, Ant-Man was a great, entertaining, standalone Marvel film with strong performances, thrilling action scenes, a well-told story and was just genuinely funny.
The Scene 