Secret ending? 2 of them!
Running time: 117 minutes (~2 hours)
“Ant-Man” is a superhero movie set in the shared Marvel Cinematic Universe. It revolves around the titular Ant-Man, who possesses the power to shrink and also talk to insects, and his discovery of a decades-old ploy to manipulate this shrinking technology. It stars Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Evangeline Lily (Hope van Dyke), Corey Stoll (Darren Cross/Yellowjacket), Michael Douglas (Hank Pym/Ant-Man), Bobby Cannavale (Paxton), Michael Peña (Luis), Tip “T.I.” Harris (Dave), Wood Harris (Gale), and a cameo by Stan Lee.
For the longest time, I was wondering what “Ant-Man” could show us that we hadn’t already seen in the “Avengers” or even “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Surely it’d just be a rehash of the typical superhero movie, except our protagonist didn’t wield super strength or any sort of spectacular, flamboyant powers? But nope, this isn’t quite what “Ant-Man” is about.
It’s about viewing the world through a whole new perspective, and the ability to adapt and make use of those changing circumstances to your advantage — rather than clobbering your way through foes. And it’s a refreshing new perspective to superheroics, given that this is the twelfth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Highlights
Unique visuals and interesting world perspectives
Ant-Man’s signature power is to be able to shrink, and the movie shows us how the world looks through his eyes. But because Ant-Man is a superhero, we get to see it through a far more dynamic and dangerous view point than say, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” would portray it. Ant-Man is not a master of his world, unlike other heroes, and his true power is how he navigates his environment to defeat his foes. And it’s this special perspective that makes “Ant-Man” so unique amongst the other Marvel movies.
Scott Lang is competent and resourceful even without being Ant-Man
The film takes great pains to establish Scott Lang as a capable character who deserves the Ant-Man suit because of his abilities, rather than having it bestowed upon him by luck. This makes his development into a hero even more satisfying, because the seeds have already been planted in the acquisition of his powers. We respect Scott as a character before we respect him as a hero, allowing us to grow into his role at the same pace that he does.
Paul Rudd adds clever comic timing to a heroic role
Thanks to his background as a comedian, Paul Rudd brings refreshing humour to the role that feels natural and organic. Unlike the sometimes over-the-top theatrics of Chris Pratt’s Star Lord, Ant-Man is more subtle and controlled, and is funny only when it’s appropriate, rather than trying to steal the spotlight for himself.
A strong supporting cast
Evangeline Lily and Michael Douglas serve as the love interest and mentor of Ant-Man, respectively. And honestly, it’s because of their solid performances, that the film is able to hold your interest the way it does. Although Scott Lang is the central character of the film, both Hope and Hank Pym are just as critical to the story as he is. It’s an ensemble cast that carries the film — no one character’s performance could have made the film as engaging as it is.
Letdowns
A cardboard villain
The movie may be in 3D, but the villain is certainly 2D. There are no layers to Darren Cross — just a maniacal villain who’s also the spurned student of Hank Pym, and hence the villainous parallel to Scott Lang. Mechanically, it all fits, but a little more colour and character to the villain would have helped made him a bit more believable.
“Ant-Man” is a delightful return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exploring a corner of it that is smaller in scope but no less impactful in story. Its tighter focus on one character allows for a more developed story, and ultimately a more emotional and enriching Marvel experience.
“Ant-Man” opens in cinemas 16 July, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo.
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