Ant-Man remains the ever-expanding Marvel universe’s most unconventional character. But his smaller scale and generous warmth is exactly the refreshing change of pace superhero movies need. And that’s what Ant-Man and the Wasp delivers in style.
Inside this mixed bag is everything that makes summer action movies great: likeable characters, sharp action sequences, sincere humour and its heart in the right place. So what if it’s the fourth (and last) superhero sequel of the season? After the emotional roller coaster of Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man is just what the doctor ordered.
Picking up after the events of 2015’s Ant-Man, Scott (aka Ant-Man; Paul Rudd) is nearly free from his ordered house arrest. After dreaming of his time in the quantum realm, he’s reunited with associates Hope (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Pym (Michael Douglas.)
Following a series of chases and cavalcades of San Fransisco, the clock begins in two quests. First, outrunning a scientific thief named Ghost (in a breakout performance from Hannah John-Kamen.) And second? Reuniting Hope with her lost mother in space.
Best part by far is Paul Rudd’s performance as Scott Lang. His effortless charm and humanity on screen carries every possible moment from start to finish. And after three appearances in the Marvel universe, he’s clearly found his groove.
The worst, however, is the abundance of scientific jargon and conversations. Scott himself jokes as the several scientist characters are talking, “Do you guys just put the word quantum in front of everything?” Truer words have never been spoken.
Truly, the movie is all about size, and most of the scientific stuff is thruway dialogue aside from what’s really happening. There’s something liberating about having this quirky sci-fi adventure about saving a city instead of the entire world. It’s great Marvel counter-programming from trying to rescue the entire cosmos.
Yet it’s about more than just that. Writer/Director Peyton Reed has, at its heart, made a story about fathers and daughters. There are three distinct relationships each focusing how the Dads and their girls are mutually invested in each other, and how they encourage one another. This territory is familiar to superhero movies, but rarely with this finesse.
While there’s no shortage of amusing popcorn-crunching diversions at the cinema right now, Ant-Man and the Wasp is definitely the most fun. And aside from Incredibles 2, this one is also the most family-friendly. It’s not so intense or scary most kids would turn off.
Finally, superhero aficionados must stay under the very end of the credits. There are multiple credits scenes - one of which directly tying Ant-Man into the now famous events of April’s Avengers: Infinity War.
But casual moviegoers will have just as much (if not more) fun without any heroic homework. With Ant-Man’s panache and the Wasp’s bubbly sting, there’s a long list of pleasant combinations that make this a winning summer flick.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
3 out of 4 stars
PG, 1hr 58mins. Sci-Fi Action Superhero Comedy.
Written and Directed by Peyton Reed.
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Hannah John-Kamen, Michael Peña, Laurence Fishburne and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Now Playing at Film.Ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. Also in IMAX.
