Film Review: Ant-Man

Rating:

The 12th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing an end to Phase Two, Ant-Man is directed by Peyton Reed, with a screenplay by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd. Armed with a suit with the enables the ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and begin to live a life that his daughter will look up to. With the help of his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and toughened up by Pym’s daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), Scott must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world from a new generation of towering threats.

Following on from the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, it’s great to be introduced to another new superhero, especially when he comes in the form of Paul Rudd. Now Ant-man isn’t your typical Marvel superhero. He may be fitted with a fancy suit that gives him special powers, but we’re not talking just being able to shoot a few lasers. This guy runs around with ants, and he knows how to control them.

It’s an odd twist to the superheroes we know, but it means that a lot of fun can be had with the sense of scale, which the team make full use of. When dangerous obstacles take the shape of a Thomas the Tank Engine, it’s hard not to be filled with excitement.

Ant-Man puts himself in a context of the other Marvel films, as well, talking about the previous events in the second Avengers film and meeting Falcon (Anthony Mackie). Making these connections help to cement Ant-Man amongst the other films, and he fits right in.

And how can the film not be successful when it has such a great team of writers behind it? Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish know how to write superhero and comedy action films, whilst Adam McKay and Paul Rudd know Rudd’s type of humour. He’s a hilarious actor, and it’s brilliant to see his style of comedy work so well in a superhero film. Making Rudd’s character work this well was down to all of these contributors, and it’s because of their efforts that we love Rudd more than ever, especially with his new six-pack.

The supporting cast is just as excellent, too, with Douglas and Lilly making fantastic additions to the Marvel family, and Corey Stoll making a brilliant villain as Yellowjacket.