As Marvel continues to close out their ten years of success, the final part of phase 4 of the series of comic book movies comes full circle with “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” The film picks up on the heels of “Captain America: Civil War” and runs concurrently with the events of “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Paul Rudd reprises his role as Scott Lang; a thief turned entrepreneur and superhero, Ant-Man. This sequel finds Lang working alongside Hope Van Dyne/the Wasp portrayed by Evangeline Lilly, who, along with her father Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) is searching for her long-lost mother Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer).
The cast works marvelously together as they assimilate new characters while balancing the more familiar faces into the series. Among those faces are Bill Foster (Laurence Fishburne-The Matrix Series), Dave (Tip T.I. Harris-Takers) and Ava Starr portrayed by Hanna John-Kamen.
– As with all movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Ant-Man and the Wasp” capitalizes on team efforts between superheroes, and as the newest addition to the team, the Wasp does not disappoint. @antman
The film mixes a light-hearted comedic tone in light of the weight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and all that has unfolded after the events of “Civil War.” Lang finds himself under house arrest with less than a week before he can continue having a meaningful relationship with his daughter Cassie (Abbie Forston). The film continues to harp on the relationship between the two characters and essentially becomes the plot device that motivates Lang’s every move.
Arguably, the plot is a bit weak, and the general perception of this is characterized as audiences are still riding the high of both “Black Panther” and “Infinity War.” The collective craving and pining for more story progression on this angle softens the blows that AATW delivers.
The strongest points of the movie show when it ties itself to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mentioning the Quantum Realm, referencing the events of Civil War and expanding the ideas from the first installment of Ant-Man lend this film an incredible amount of ethos.
Otherwise, the plot is dragged for a longer period than necessary to gain resolve and despite the casts’ excellent working relationship, it becomes increasingly clear that the movie could have ended sooner. Within the runtime of the film, a gratuitous amount of jokes are told, which permits escape within those moments of chaos. Through the comedic moments, you find the flawed perfection with AATW, such as the imperfections with the technology from Hank Pym, the trouble of dealing with house arrest and the obscure moments parents have raising children.
The film plays on size from minuscule to the enormous as the famous technology made by Hank Pym allows the heroes to interchange their size at the touch of a button. @antman
Supplementary to the dullness of the film is the color palette of the movie which seems to pull away from the efficacy of the film. Usually, movies within the MCU engage the senses with tantalizing colors that are rarely seen in movies: hues of red, yellow and green flood the silver screen. Here, due in part to the bland nature of Ant-Man’s suit, there is minimal-to-no engagement visually. Only when the Quantum realm is seen, do we gain the sense that it is the Cinematic Universe we have come to love.
Additionally, the flick lacks a solid villain that substantiates half of the mayhem that occurs over the lifetime. Ghost, an antagonist with a penchant for murder, seemingly enters the screen and leaves at will, while other factions seek out Pym’s technology. The lack of a solid villain is another reason this film continues to ruffle many feathers; “Black Panther’s” Killmonger intreated audiences to an ideal, that they have forgotten over the years.
The missing ideal was that of understanding, the reason why Killmonger and Thanos in recent movies have gained so much proverbial street credit is that audiences understood what motivated them. Many audience members found themselves siding with the antagonists of these films, which made the movie greater than the cast anticipated.
Despite its most valiant efforts, however, AATW falls flat under the weight of the anticipation for “Avengers Four.” One week after release, Ant-Man maintains an 83 percent rating on the website of movie aggregates Rotten Tomatoes who herald it as being, “A lighter, brighter superhero movie…”. Other critics see the movie as a breath of fresh air as audiences struggle under the intoxication of “Infinity War.”
Nevertheless, the movie provides more than can be asked for with its two end credit scenes. The void left behind in the wake of “Infinity War” continues to burrow as it connects itself so aptly to the extended universe that gives Ant-Man life. The movie is a fun ride, with thrills for all ages, however, is the only Marvel film where the least bit of knowledge needs to be acquired before watching.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” receives 3.5 out of 5 Paws!
