Ant-Man…I know that when this movie was first announced, I was super excited to see one of the founding members of The Avengers getting his own movie. Not only that but I felt like The Avengers needed him for the upcoming films. This was a movie that was in production hell for a while and was not looking like it would even see the light of day. Marvel Studios tapped Peyton Reed and what he accoplished in the shortened amount of time he had was nothing short of awesome. What I’m getting at is that I was completely surprised at the final product and totally wrong. This movie is incredible and it is exactly what the Marvel Studios needs to round out the MCU.
Like most of the Marvel films, this movie ties in perfectly with the existing characters and stories that have already been told. The filmmakers worked Ant-Man into the MCU in an absolutely brilliant way. Now, I’m not going to go into it and give away the plot but just believe me, they considered pretty much everything. I will say that they completely wrapped it around the birth of S.H.I.E.L.D., the S.S.R., and Stark Industries from the jump. Also, the film is loaded with nods and Easter eggs so keep your comic book radar sharp.
The movie makes sure not to take itself too seriously but also not cross the line into the realm of silly. Paul Rudd is a great Scott Lang with his quippy remarks and his ability to see him as the unlikely hero. His mentor Hank Pym who is played by Michael Douglas has the same attitude as in the comics. He is bitter and has some anger issues when pushed or rubbed the wrong way. The pacing of the film rolls from one scene to the next without ever hitting a lull and that’s exactly what you need with a movie like this. Also, the editing…it rivals the editing magic from GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Dan Lebental and Colby Parker Jr. cut the film and their backgrounds are strong. Lebental edited IRON MAN, IRON MAN 2, and THOR: THE DARK WORLD and Parker has cut LONE SURVIVOR and THE KINGDOM. These are films that compliment the tone of ANT-MAN and makes sense why this movie fits so well.
So here it is: ANT-MAN completely destroyed my expectations and I’m glad I get to eat my words. Would I have like to see Edgar Wright in the director’s chair for this? Maybe but if you asked me a few months ago, I definitely said that Wright was the better choice but not anymore. Reed has knocked this one out of the park with his filmmaking and artistic choices. Here’s the bottom line: excellent backstory, amazing effects, smooth pacing, great acting, and a well fleshed-out character. I highly recommend checking this movie out because it really has something for everyone and it easily makes my top 5 Marvel films list.
