REVIEW: ANT-MAN

 

 

Over the years, comic book publisher Marvel Comics has established itself as one of the powerhouse companies in the motion picture industry. It is quite unusual to see a company succeed financially in areas other than their core business. Under the company’s motion picture division Marvel Studios, they have produced several films based on their huge stable of comic book characters. These films has gone on to become financially successful and some even have received critical acclaim. In order to ensure continuity of interesting storylines and repeat business in ticket sales, they created the Marvel Cinematic Universe where every Marvel content is inter-related to one another. Marvel had great success in bringing both their popular and lesser-known comic book characters to the big screen. In 2015, Marvel is releasing two films; Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 2015) and Ant-Man, which is the movie I will be reviewing.

 Ant-Man is helmed by director Peyton Reed. The film stars Paul Rudd as the title superhero character. He is supported by Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Bobby Canavale, Anthony Mackie, rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, Judy Greer, and veteran actor Michael Douglas. Ant-Man is co-written by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd. As with all Marvel’s feature films, Kevin Feige is the producer. Ant-Man is based on characters created by Stan Lee, Larry Leiber, and Jack Kirby.

 

Will Ant-Man be as heroically awesome as the rest of Marvel’s superheroes? Do read on…

Paul Rudd as Scott Lang checking out his Ant-Man suit

SYNOPSIS:
Back in the 1980s, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) is an inventor working for the government protection agency S.H.I.E.L.D. who gets upset when his superiors intend to replicate a technology he developed. The technology Pym conceived, gives the ability for a human being to shrink down from a grown person to the size of an insect and vice versa in a specifically design suit. Pym, knowing that his superiors would use his technology to cause damage, is furious with S.H.I.E.L.D. that he refuses to give up the secret formula of his technology and resigns from the agency. Fast forward to the present time, petty burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is released from prison and rejoins his old crew to score a new burglary job. However, the job was a set-up by Pym who intends to find someone worthy enough to wear his shrinking technology for the good. After choosing Lang to wear the suit as Ant-Man, Pym and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), set out to stop Pym’s former assistant Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who has managed to replicate the shrinking technology and intends to use it for evil purposes.

Paul Rudd having a discussion with Michael Douglas who plays Hank Pym

SCRIPT:
Light-hearted and well structured. As far back as the 1960s, Ant-Man is and always has been part of the stable of Marvel comic book superheroes. Therefore, it is no surprise that Marvel has been trying to make a film adaptation for the past few decades. The storyline and plots were well written. Despite all the tech jargon associated with the Ant-Man suit, the dialogue was easy to understand and the audience did not lose interest. Good characterization for all the main characters. Not too much of character backstories but it is kept minimal enough that it doesn’t become too boring. Great mix of comedy amidst all the action. I like the fact that the film is centered around a heist operation when the lead character is a burglar. Smart move. 

(L-R): Hope Van Dyne(Evangeline Lilly), Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hank Pym(Michael Douglas)

ACTING:
A very solid performance from Paul Rudd and I feel it was the perfect casting by Marvel. His performance borderlines charm, wit, and heroism. It is very hard not to like him in this film. Rudd fits the part. Evangeline Lilly and Corey Stoll managed to hold their own with okay performances. I loved the inclusion of Michael Douglas playing Hank Pym. Pym has been an integral part in the Marvel comics and his casting is the most perfect.

Hank Pym (Douglas) faces up to villain Darren Cross (Corey Stoll)

FILMING: 
It was widely publicized last year that writer Edgar Wright was supposed to direct the film. However, he left the project due to creative differences. Peyton Reed did well by stepping into the hot seat. He managed to carve an interesting story which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Cinematography was alright. Editing was not too sappy but just enough to feel all the drama and excitement. The high points of the film are the visual effects which were really awesome. One can only imagine how cool the visual effects are since the lead character is able to shrink down to the size of an insect. Kudos to industry giants Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

On set with Paul Rudd and director Peyton Reed

PACING:
Moderate pace. Not too slow, not too draggy, and not too fast either. Just nice to enjoy the movie.

 
DOWNSIDE:
Could be a little difficult to understand if you do not know about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

UPSIDE:

For comic book fans, and Ant-Man fans in particular, this is a good beginning for the character. Great popcorn film while satisfying all types of fan base for Marvel.

Ant-Man in the shower?

OVERALL: 
Go and watch it!

RATING:
8 out of 10