Written by Emmanuel Gundran
Marvel's latest addition to its growing cinematic universe, Ant-Man (Reed 2015), manages to hold its own as a fun, stand-alone, action adventure. While it may not be the most Oscar-worthy picture of 2015, Ant-Man offers engaging action, great comedy, likable characters, and an exciting addition to the collection of superheroes who will fight together in future Marvel movies.
The story involves Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a thief released from prison for good behavior, discovering a shrinking suit invented by scientist Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Pym, having seen Scott's skills as not only a master thief but also as an engineer, recruits Scott on a mission to steal an invention of Hank's apprentice, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), that could threaten the world if sold to the wrong hands. Meanwhile, Scott wants to be present in the lives of his daughter and ex-wife, who are trying to stay afloat.
Though the story has a very basic framework of a hero being trained by a wise mentor to defeat the villain, it's everything else that makes the formula so watchable in Ant-Man. The action, for example, gives this film a unique feel from the other Marvel movies. Like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Johnston 1989) and its sequels this film's main concept involves shrinking. However, Ant-Man is the first shrinking film to incorporate shrinking into its action. Scott can use his small size to hide from his foes and then use his strength, which is even stronger in his small form, to knock them on their backs or grow back to normal size to give them a swift uppercut as he grows back.
The story involves Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a thief released from prison for good behavior, discovering a shrinking suit invented by scientist Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Pym, having seen Scott's skills as not only a master thief but also as an engineer, recruits Scott on a mission to steal an invention of Hank's apprentice, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), that could threaten the world if sold to the wrong hands. Meanwhile, Scott wants to be present in the lives of his daughter and ex-wife, who are trying to stay afloat.
Though the story has a very basic framework of a hero being trained by a wise mentor to defeat the villain, it's everything else that makes the formula so watchable in Ant-Man. The action, for example, gives this film a unique feel from the other Marvel movies. Like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Johnston 1989) and its sequels this film's main concept involves shrinking. However, Ant-Man is the first shrinking film to incorporate shrinking into its action. Scott can use his small size to hide from his foes and then use his strength, which is even stronger in his small form, to knock them on their backs or grow back to normal size to give them a swift uppercut as he grows back.
Ant-Man (Scott Lang), hurdling the barrel of a gun.
As this is a Marvel film, Ant-Man includes a lot of hilarious dialogue between its characters. Unlike Marvel's last film Avengers: Age of Ultron (Whedon 2014), Ant-Man's overall scale and tone are much lighter, making Marvel's brand of humor more than welcome. One comedic character worth noting is Scott Lang's literal partner-in-crime Luis (Michael Pena). He's the kind of person who, no matter how ridiculous the odds are not in his favor in life, he somehow always comes with a smile and a spring in his step. He could find out that his entire family has disowned him but still tell Scott, "It's a'right man. We still got each other!" His always upbeat demeanor is so hilarious yet so endearing as well.
Luis (Michael Pena) plus two other of his cohorts in crime offering to help Scott on his mission.
As with all of the other Marvel movies, Ant-Man ties into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe that has been established and developed since Iron Man (Favreau 2008). Ant-Man is not only a great time as its own movie, it's also a great time for those following the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans will be pleased to hear that the story of Scott Lang doesn't stop with this movie. Next year's Captain America: Civil War (Russo 2016) will also feature Scott along with other well-known Marvel heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow. Whether one is a long-time Marvel or comic book fan or just a casual fan of good entertainment, Ant-Man is guaranteed a good time for all.
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