Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, and Michael Douglas
Not just two months after Avengers: Age of Ultron took the Marvel-loving world by storm, here comes Ant-Man. The actual end to Phase Two, though it almost feels like the beginning of Phase Three in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's in an odd spot in the franchise, but it's an odd film…an odd film that proves to be another strong entry into the Marvel canon.
The film opens on Scott Lang (Rudd), a recently released con-man, trying to do right by his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson). Unable to find steady work, he agrees to pull off another heist with his old partners. Stealing what he believes to be an old motorcycle suit, Scott discovers it's the technical wonder, that we the educated know as the Ant-Man suit.
It is then revealed the heist was all a test, orchestrated by Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas). Pym tells Scott he needs him to pull off a heist unlike any he's pulled before. Pym's former protege, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) has successfully recreated his formula for the Ant-Man suit, and is planning to sell his own version of the suit, the Yellowjacket, to the highest bidder. Armed with the Ant-Man suit, Scott is tasked with breaking into Cross's lab and stealing the Yellowjacket technology, before he can sell it to the wrong people, and unleash utter chaos. With the help of his con buddies, and Pym's daughter Hope (Lily), Scott sets out to save the world, and become the Ant-Man.
Ant-Man is probably one of Marvel's most unique outings, from the zany visuals, to the outrageous humor. It definitely pushes some envelopes that haven't been pushed before by Marvel, from a climatic battle atop a toy Thomas The Tank Engine, to a slightly disturbing scene with a sheep that I'm sure PETA will have something to say about. The film probably also has the most swear words dropped in an MCU film, just a fair warning for people bringing younglings with them.
It also has a bit of "anti-MCU" tone to it, poking fun at other Avengers (One in particular, in probably the best scene of the film) and events in other films. Again, an odd film, but Ant-Man is an odd hero with odd powers, so it all blends together. Somehow Peyton Reed manages to blend his vision for the film, Marvel's vision, and Edgar Wright's vision (This is the one and only time I'll be bringing Edgar Wright up here, got it?) into a balanced, entertaining film.
Paul Rudd is almost playing to type as Scott Lang, but still gives a very engaging performance. Michael Douglas is a great addition to the Marvel universe. I would like to have seen Evangeline Lily's Hope Van Dyne get a bit more depth as a character but she still works the role. Corey Stoll is deliciously smug as Darren Cross, but like some other Marvel villains, doesn't get much development. Michael Pena steals every scene he's in as Scott's partner Luis, and Bobby Canavale gets a few good scenes as Scott's ex-wife's new fiancé Paxton.
If I had to pick one bad thing about the film, I guess I found the first act to be a bit slow. I almost found myself getting bored, and arguing with my subconscious "Is this it? Is this Marvel's first dud?" Thankfully I was proven wrong, because once Scott gets the Ant-Man suit and things start getting weird, that's when the fun begins. I guess you could say Ant-Man falls victim to the tropes of any origin story, but hey if you're gonna tell an origin story…
With the release of both Age of Ultron and Ant-Man this summer, Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has come to a close. Consider this, if Age of Ultron is like a thick, juicy steak with all the trimmings, than Ant-Man is the light but delicious dessert that follows it. Strange, funny, and a feast for the eyes, it's one of the most endearing and unique entries into the franchise.
Now, how many months until Captain America: Civil War? Nine? Shit…
