by Joseph Rossi
Another winner for Marvel.
I wanted Ant Man to fail. Honestly. I really wanted this movie to tank. Why? Because Marvel has to have a blemish. They’ve made so many films and every one is successful so I figured there had to be one that breaks the mold. Happily, Ant Man will not be the exception.
The film is fast, funny and surprisingly light on it’s feet. Not your usual criteria for a Marvel film. Most of them are painted in broad strokes but this one is very – it’s like breakfast cereal. Think of your favorite sugary breakfast cereal . That’s the experience of watching Ant Man. It’s tasty, not really good for you, but satisfies a need. Paul Rudd, a Hollywood comedy veteran, jumps into the superhero genre with ease. He’s always been a likeable guy so him playing a thief we can root for is easy. A wise choice. He pairs nicely with an also new to the genre Michael Douglas. He plays Hank Pym, the original Ant Man and a power player in the Marvel Universe. He enlists Rudd’s Scott Lang to steal back his technology from the villain of the piece, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll). Lang uses Pym’s suit, that provides him with super strength and the ability to shrink down to the size of an insect, to stop Cross from using Pym’s inventions for evil. Also here is Evangeline Lilly as Pym’s tough as nails daughter as well as the character actor Michael Pena who shines as Scott’s prison friend. He steals every scene he is in.
What I found refreshing is that this isn’t the bloated mess that was the second Avengers film or the campy nonsense that revolves around Thor. This is in the same league as Captain America and Guardians of the Galaxy. These are comic book inspired films for those who dislike or don’t read comic books. Myself, who is tired of the superhero genre, can relate because the human element here is strong. Scott Lang is a single father who turns to crime to provide for his daughter. Pym has so much back story that deals with his creation and his family life that he could have a movie of his own. Cross looks to Pym as a father figure, only to step over him when he feels the old man is finished.
Interesting stuff for a summer flick. Director Peyton Reed stages the action with clarity. We are never at a loss. We can always see what is going on and where. The set piece abroad a model train is priceless and worth the admission. I can’t wait for the ride. I’m sure they’ll make it.
