​FILMS

ant-man

2015 review number 104:

Ant-Man: (Action/Adventure/Science Fiction): 79 out of 100: "Oh no, not another comic book hero", I hear some people whine. Don't worry, as this origin story is enjoyable, albeit popcorn entertainment. Even if you don't like movies based on comic books, there's a fair bit of action and laughs to keep you and the whole family entertained.

 

Paul Rudd plays Scott Lang, who has just been released from prison for stealing from a corporate group. Although he makes promises to his ex-wife Maggie (Judy Greer) and young daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) that his criminal life is behind him, he just can't help himself after being persuaded by his friend and flatmate, Luis (Michael Peña) to steal from the safe of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Little does Scott realise that it's all a plan concocted by Pym to engage Lang's services in stealing from Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), to ensure that the person he mentored who has now taken over his company, won't unleash evil on the world with his plans. Together with Pym's daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), they must protect the secret of Pym's Ant-Man suit to ensure that menacing forces like Cross don't inflict harm on present and future generations.

 

Due to this being an origin story, it takes a little while for the action to heat up. The movie starts with a de-aged Michael Douglas in 1989 taking exception to his company attempting to exploit the secrets he holds regarding the capabilities of an insect soldier. It's amazing what digital effects can do these days with a younger version of Arnold Schwarzenegger also featuring in Terminator Genisys. Fast forward to present day where Lang is released from prison and unable to hold down a job due to his criminal convictions. He visits his daughter at her birthday party and his ex-wife's fiance, Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) criticises his lifestyle and vows to keep an eye on him as a cop. Then it's on to the obligatory training scenes using the suit that Lang stole before the heist occurs. Some of these scenes should have more tension since it's a heist operation after all, however the highlight would have to be the battle with Falcon (Anthony Mackie) from the Captain America and Avengers movies.

 

Paul Rudd is an unlikely superhero but he dives into his role with aplomb. It just goes to show that you don't have to be a hunk to play a superhero (there's still hope for me, after all). He provides quite a few laughs as he is more renowned as a comic actor. Michael Peña is also funny as his fellow ex-con. Corey Stoll does his best voice and physical impression of Peter Sarsgaard that it was only until the end credits that I realised it wasn't Sarsgaard. It's always a treat seeing Michael Douglas and he doesn't disappoint here. His relationship with Evangeline Lilly is what drives his character to protect his secrets and his daughter. The family unit involving the Langs could have been better explored but that would have made the film longer than the well-paced 2 hour running time.

 

Visual effects have come a long way since the days of the tiny character filmed or superimposed on a backdrop of larger objects. Credit must go to the special effects team for creating a miniature world that you can actually believe in. Some of these scenes also add to the numerous laughs you will experience. The music score by Christophe Beck also generates a sense of high energy and is suitable for a comic book movie.

 

Ant-Man might be small in stature but it is big in laughs and entertainment level. If this is the start of a franchise, I will be looking forward to seeing the sequels. He might even turn up in another Marvel Comics movie, judging by what is seen after the end credits.

 

Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly and Corey Stoll

(117 minutes)

Parental advice: Low level violence

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits two characters eye a female prototype suit that has been locked away for years. After the credits, Captain America and Falcon have a conversation about Ant-Man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfOZWGLT1JM (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 22nd July, 2015)

 

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