FilmSnobReviews

Title: Ant-Man and the Wasp
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, Michael Douglas
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins

What It Is: The sequel to 2015’s Ant-Man sees Scott Lang (Rudd) living with the consequences of his assist to Captain America during Captain America: Civil War he’s been under house arrest since. With his house arrest almost up who should come back into his life? Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Lily). Who are also wanted criminals by the FBI. With an unknown threat nicknamed “Ghost” (Hannah John-Kamen) after them, everything seems to have gone topsy-turvy. 

What We Think: Paul Rudd is once again the right man for the job here. His charm proves more than suitable for our minuscule hero. I do like how this explains where Scott Lang was during Avengers: Infinity War. Structurally and narratively this is as good as anything in Marvel’s canon. I enjoyed this more than Infinity War…yes I said it. This was Marvel doing their low-stakes game to perfection. A contained film that felt both forward moving and as a good look back. The shrink and grow gimmick once again lead to some genuinely funny moments. This needs to be said though Michael Pena’s Luis absolutely steals every single scene he’s in and is an utter highlight of the film.

Our Grade: B+, Marvel hit this one right out of the park. Where nothing felt real in Infinity War here, having a REAL villain made the stakes, though low, more believable. Marvel, it’s very simple MAKE GOOD MOVIES with REAL STAKES and you’ll get us to feel. Regardless this is certainly a film I recommend for all families. It’s funny, fun and to a point exhilarating. I can for sure send you to this film that sent me home happy.