Ant-Man Mini-Review

Ant-Man Mini-Review

Riotously entertaining and refreshingly small-scale, Ant-Man serves as fine counter-programming to Marvel Studios' more bombastic entries. The movie stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a petty criminal hired by retired scientist/superhero/millionaire/generally awesome guy Hank Pym to break into Hank's old company to steal the Yellowjacket (a suit designed to shrink its wearer whilst amplifying their strength) using its prototype: the Ant-Man costume. Plagued by the controversy of visionary director Edgar Wright's untimely departure, the finished film is far better than I was hoping for. If nowhere near as inventive as Wright's version could have been, it remains an extremely likable summer-time distraction. Yes Man director Peyton Reed took the mantle for his blockbuster debut and displays a keen eye for thrilling action sequences, especially in the movie's climactic set-piece: an explosive battle on a child's train set. Honestly. The result is both gloriously silly and a visual marvel (ha). The parallel thematic arc of both Scott and Hank trying to reconnect with their daughters helps ground the superheroics, leading to some well-handled emotional scenes boasting a stand-out performance from the never-better Douglas.

The supporting cast, headed by Evangeline Lily and Michael Peña, also includes Corey Stoll as Darren Cross, Hank's protege and heavily sign-posted villain, along with Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer and T.I. Yes, T.I. the rapper. Rudd is possibly Marvel's best leading man to date. Equal parts relatable, charming and depression-inducingly buff, he anchors the movie's more outlandish with his natural charisma whilst also proving perfect foil for the frequent bouts of slapstick. By no fault of Rudd, who is excellent, Peña runs away with the whole movie with his over-excitable character's gut-bustingly unfocused monologues, one of which features Stan Lee's funniest cameo yet. I never thought I'd say this, but the 3D is actually worth it. The otherworldly perspective of mundane locations in the ant-scale scenes reveals a whole new world of peril and obstacles, recalling the Rick Moranis classic Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (never a bad thing!). Marvel have never excelled in the villain department, and the finale can't help but be underwhelming. Still, 3D meriting the inflated price tag in a hugely diverting and emotionally satisfying treat many were predicting to be a disaster?

Five-Word Verdict: Are Marvel capable of failure?

Score: 4/5