Released: July 2015
Seen: 19 July 2015
Cinema: Hoyts Extreme Screen
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly
Gene: Sci-fi / Comedy
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Synopsis
Forced out of his own company by former protégé Darren Cross, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) recruits the talents of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a master thief just released from prison. Lang becomes Ant-Man, trained by Pym and armed with a suit that allows him to shrink in size, possess superhuman strength and control an army of ants. The miniature hero must use his new skills to prevent Cross, also known as Yellowjacket, from perfecting the same technology and using it as a weapon for evil.
Review (warning spoilers)
The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universal takes the smallest super hero who while very important in the original comics hasn’t previously been mentioned. This movie is the end of phase 2 of the movies.
Scott Lang is a smart guy who’s ethics has seen him end up in jail after hacking his former employer’s computer system to right a wrong Scott now faces the consequences of his actions as we join the film with Scott in a prison ‘fight’. His ex-girlfriend has left him and is now engaged to a policeman which limits access to his young daughter. Scott is down on his luck and can’t catch a break or keep a job due to his criminal record.
Hank Pym has his own problems kicked out of his own company in a board revote lead by his protege Darren Cross with the casting vote from his estranged daughter Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly). This film is very big on the father – daughter dynamics and what you would do to repair and rebuild those relationships. Hank was the original Ant-Man and lost the most important part of his life playing that role.
The MCU is at its best when it goes the less serious route (although I loved Captain America Winter Soldier) and here we get great comedy between the different characters. Michael Peña steals his limited appearances with laugh out loud moments. The movie also pulls off the logic of why other super heroes aren’t involved, not an easy feat in a world full of them, even though Falcon (Anthony Mackie) makes an extended appearance.
I saw this movie with my nephew Andrew and we both loved it. Earlier in the day I watch the live action musical West Side Story and moved on to a big Hollywood movie and they both used there respective mediums well. I would put this up near the top MCU movies, maybe I’m a sucker for redemption stories or comedies with a little heart.
Recommendation: A must for all MCU fans I think even non comic book fans will enjoy, a movie for all ages, male and female.
PS Remember to stay for the credits that have two important scenes for future movies.
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