Ant-Man and the Wasp Film Review: Small Size, Maximum Fun

Ant-Man and the Wasp Film Review

Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr Hank Pym, Lang must once again don the Ant-Man suit and fight alongside the Wasp. The urgent mission soon leads to secret revelations from the past as the dynamic duo finds itself in an epic battle against a powerful new enemy.

Ant-Man (2015) blew everyone out of the ocean as the obscure shrinking superhero brought together a fast-paced heist film, with some of the most creative fight scenes in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. It was an underrated addition to Marvel’s track record, despite having a rough journey onto screens, with multiple directors interested in the project. Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) took over proceedings and created a small scale film which paid homage to the obscure character's beginnings in comic print. It made a modest success with $519.3 million and placed comedic genius Paul Rudd (Scott Lang) in the forefront for more adventures in the MCU.

The film's success leads Ant-Man to return in the highly anticipated Captain America: Civil War, providing some hilarious dialogue and solid action scenes. I love the fact; Paul Rudd was able to fully embrace his comedic past and deliver one of the most compelling characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans also adore his sense of humour, positive outlook and the romantic between Hope van Dyne / Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), which did not feel unearned adding to his character.

Many years have passed since Ant-Man (2015) became a household name, with his addition in Captain America: Civil War surprising many fans. But where has the superhero helping out Captain America, Peyton Reed attempts to explore this question in sequel Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018). A film which is set to explore the quantum realm and Scott Lang’s (Paul Rudd) relationship with Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly). But does it still have the Marvel factor? Or end up feeling like a shrunken T-shirt? Find out as ComiConverse explores a new realm.

Credit: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) is a brilliant sequel, with its fun tone and characters feeling like the perfect antidote to Avengers: Infinity War (2018) depressing ending. It tells a story about clearing names, team-work in the most unlikely situation and uncovering secrets in a different realm. Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) fully understands these quirky tiny superheroes and makes it in his stride to deliver on the promises of wild fun action. Ant-Man and the Wasp play homage to classic Marvel comics, as the bond between Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) comes straight of the pages.

Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, as Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of choices from both superhero and fatherly prospectives. Throughout the movie, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is overwhelmed with pressure and finds it hard to find a way out of his sticky situation. This all changes when Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr Hank Pym (Micheal Douglas) confronts him about a new mission of high, threatens the entire world. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must suit up again but this time is joined with his romantic interest Hope Van Dyne aka The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) to complete a task.

Written by Chris McKenna (Spider-Man: Homecoming) the story is about family bonds and team-work, tonally it strikes the right balance. Pulling away from the last MCU outing, with less emphasis on the dark subject matter. A change needed to cleanse pallets after Avengers: Infinity War (2018) depressed millions of fans. Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) makes sure audiences will be entertained for the run-time, with powerful comedic dialogue and further develops each hero.

Credit: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Scott Lang / Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) is now a fugitive on the run after the events of Captian America: Civil War (2018) and is trying to clear his name from proceedings. New issues arise when his former love interest Hope van Dyne finds him for another impossible mission, but will he succeed in painting more positive image? That is a question which gets sprinkled throughout the film. Allowing audiences to feel for his journey in becoming a classic superhero, and Paul Rudd delivers on being a positive role model.

Micheal Douglas (Hank Pym), Michelle Pfeiffer (Janet van Dyne) also both deliver dominant performances which lay in line with their comic book characters and share great dialogue-heavy scenes. Their roles may not be the that important in the conflict, but add enough to proceedings. I would have liked more of a meaty part, but don’t mind their additions. Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) does his best with each of these parental guardians.

Janet van Dyne / The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) steals the show with her great attitude and strong banter with Ant-Man pushing everything forward. Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) gives Janet a massive upgrade, with her role being essential to the films overall plot - not wasted for just a romantic folly. Loved seeing The Wasp take over proceedings this time around, with her laid-back approach working in favour. These changes open Janet van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) for a more open close and personal type of role. Evangeline Lilly delivers a big portal of the famous character, with the banter-heavy dialogue setting her apart from female characters seen in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.

Verdict

Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) delivers another fun family adventure with emotional moments and reliable action, it might not reinvent the genre but successfully cleanses pallets after the darker Avengers: Infinity War (2018). There is something for everyone including creative action, belly-wrenching laughs and sublime dialogue scenes. Peyton Reed does an excellent job in succeeding his original, with strong female characters and a considerable emphasis on family.  It doesn’t change the entire MCU formula in the slightest but gives audiences a hand full of tiny entrainment.

Peyton Reed fleshes out these characters, giving them a much needed second adventure filled with comedic genius. Allowing audiences to understand the smaller heroes in Marvel Cinematic Universe and gives another taste of smaller individuals. Another win for the Marvel Universe!

Ant-Man and the Wasp hit theatres worldwide on July 6th, 2018