Ant-Man and the Wasp

Having run afoul of the law in his latest adventure as Ant-Man, "Scott Lang" (Paul Rudd) has been confined to house arrest and in order to prevent an even longer sentence from being imposed upon him must stay there while being electronically monitored at all times. However, when his previous mentor "Dr. Hank Pym" (Michael Douglas) requests his assistance to help rescue his wife "Janet Van Dyne" (Michelle Pfeiffer) from the quantum realm, Scott feels obligated to help. Also involved in the rescue operation is Dr. Pym's daughter "Hope Van Dyne" (Evangeline Lilly) who just happens to be a super-hero known as the Wasp. But as difficult as this assignment what none of them realize is that there are two other groups with different agendas who plan on stopping them-and both have various resources at their disposal to accomplish their goals. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an enjoyable "Super-hero movie" which had decent amounts of humor and good special effects to compliment the action. I especially liked the character "Luis" (Michael Pena) who was absolutely hilarious. Be that as it may, while in most cases the sequel to a movie is generally not as good as the original, this one is an exception to the rule and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

I love what Marvel have done in the creation of their "Universe" it's an overwhelming triumph and despite my fears they managed to slot Antman in there perfectly back in 2015.

A heavily comedic character is was heavy on charm, humour and elevated by a fantastic charm. Truth be told I found myself really hyped for the second movie, more than any other (Except GotG).

With every cast member both big and small returning a fantastic villian and the one and only Laurence Fishburne, the stars were aligning for another fantastic addition to the universe. And it is................kind of.

Regarding the previous films I've enjoyed them all with the exception of two. I didn't see the appeal in Dr Strange and thought that Black Panther was one of the most overrated movies in the history of the industry.

Antman 2 delivers, it does just not to the extent I hoped. Rudd, Lilly and Douglas are excellent once again and the story is fantastic though I think much of the impact of some of the story is highly lacking.

Our new villian delivered more than I'd ever expected, Pfeiffer was a great addition and Pena managed to annoy me less than usual!

The first movie got a solid 7/10 from me and this sequel is recieving the same. What that means is I consider it a good film, it's just not exactly groundbreaking stuff. I feel the movie played it a tad safe and didn't meet its potential.

Regardless it's funny, it's action packed and it's likeable and therefore it's another Marvel success in my book.

The Good:

Incredible cast

Genuine laughs

Fits into the universe well

The Bad:

I still don't like Pena

Some of the impact was lost

Bit generic

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Lilly is a very clever actress who picks her roles well

Someone still needs to explain to me how they do that age regression thing sfx

Walton Goggins has friends in high places

The size shifting has all kinds of bedroom possibilities

Truth serum IS a thing

Having enjoyed a vast majority of Marvel's superhero output (more so than most) without worshipping them, 'Ant-Man' was a minor effort from them but there was still a good amount to like about it. Despite being positively received by critics, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' as of now has received also heavy criticism from fans and some Marvel non-fans, so was conflicted in seeing it.

'Ant-Man' and its slightly superior follow-up 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' managed to be better than expected. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' to me was not as great as critics are saying, but it is also nowhere near as bad as people here have said, while sharing a few of their criticisms. Do like the character of Ant-Man. He is not exactly a household name and is always tossed aside in favour of other superhero characters like Spiderman that have had longer longevity and perhaps have more compelling origins and stories, hence why they are adapted more. Also wasn't sure what to make of the trailer, which made the film out to be rather bland in story and too reliant on humour while being very well made, directed and acted with thrilling action and funny and clever moments.

Seeing it for myself, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' could have been better and has its faults, ones that are somewhat the same as the first 'Ant-Man' and somewhat what was expected from watching the trailer. The script is mostly fine, but has patchy moments, namely the overly-wordy and sometimes over-complicated jargon and inconsistent humour. While the humour mostly works wonders, there are a few instances where it's not so funny and not very well placed.

Such as in emotional scenes that are actually quite poignant and heart-warming (more so generally than 'Ant-Man')and then interrupted by a joke that is not only forced and unfunny but also not belonging in the scene, though more sporadically thankfully than before. The family scenes are a mixed bag, sometimes they are sweet and touching, the chemistry is more believable here, while at other times they're a little flat and predictable, contributing towards a few rare dull stretches in a film that generally is appropriately lighter in tone and faster paced.

Like many people here, also found the villains underwhelming. Burch is especially pointless and forgettable and only really there because there seemingly needed to be an obligatory villain when actually there could have been just one. 'Thor Ragnarok' and 'Infinity War' only had one major one, and they, especially Thanos were the best villains in the Marvel canon. Ghost fares a little better and is an improvement over Corey Stoll's under-characterised villain in the first 'Ant-Man', her problem was that her back-story was very rushed and didn't feel developed enough. Michelle Pfeiffer is wasted in a very underwritten plot-device role.

On the other hand, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' is a great looking film, it's beautifully shot, very atmospheric, is very slick and the special effects, are clever and of the usual high-quality Marvel standards. The music avoids being over-bearing, one-note, too quirky or too bombastic, fitting well tone, mood and pace-wise.

Direction is more than competent, keeping the story going at a solid pace and the telling of it interesting enough, though maybe a little more flavour may have been more welcome. While the action is not as much as most Marvel films, it is fun, thrilling, nicely choreographed and tautly shot and edited, especially towards the end. The stuff with sizes was clever visually and interested and entertained while the film is better than a lot of sequels in being consistent in the continuity.

There is some very smart and hugely entertaining scripting and dialogue here in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' too. While it doesn't work completely seamlessly, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp's humour when it works is some of the funniest stuff of all Marvel films, and the film doesn't take itself too seriously or too much of a joke either, instead not being afraid to embrace the silliness and humour while ensuring still that the subject matter is treated with respect. The truth serum and the feminine side being brought out parts were hilarious.

The story is mostly diverting, it's and the first 'Ant-Man' film are narratively simpler than most Marvel outings and less risks here are taken than most Marvel films but it always makes sense, moments of dullness and jarring are few (while not being completely absent either), it's fun and it doesn't try to do too much or try to insert too many characters.

While not complex as such, the characters are mostly engaging, with the reservations being with the villain and Pfeiffer's character. Paul Rudd is a strong and hugely entertaining lead, while Michael Peña's hilarious in a role that could have been really annoying. The seasoned support of a distinguished Michael Douglas adds hugely too, and Evangeline Lilly and Abby Ryder Fortson give the film some much needed heart. Hannah John-Kamon does command the screen and Walton Goggins has an oily presence that is more than what the forgettable and useless character deserved.

Overall, not one of Marvel's best and has its flaws but a good sequel and film with many great things. 7/10 Bethany Cox

!! Possible Spoilers!!

*Ant-Man and the Wasp* is a delightful sequel that expands upon the charm and humor of its predecessor. The film seamlessly blends the superhero genre with the heist movie formula, creating a fast-paced and entertaining adventure.

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly reprise their roles as Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, respectively, with their on-screen chemistry adding a layer of warmth and humor to the film. The introduction of Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne, the original Wasp, adds depth to the story and expands the Ant-Man universe.

The film's exploration of the Quantum Realm is visually stunning, with imaginative creatures and mind-bending landscapes. The action sequences are both thrilling and inventive, utilizing the characters' shrinking and growing abilities in creative ways. The heist elements of the story add a layer of complexity and suspense, keeping the audience engaged.

The action sequences are inventive and visually appealing. The use of shrinking and growing technology creates a unique and dynamic approach to combat. The film's climax, which involves a high-stakes heist and a battle against the villainous Ghost, is both thrilling and suspenseful. The action sequences are seamlessly integrated with the comedic elements, creating a truly entertaining viewing experience.

While the film may not have the same epic scale as other Marvel movies, it compensates with its focus on character development and humor. The supporting cast, including Michael Peña's Luis and Michael Douglas' Hank Pym, contribute to the film's overall charm.

*Ant-Man and the Wasp* is a fun and lighthearted escape from the heavier themes of the MCU. It's a film that celebrates the power of teamwork and the importance of family. The film's ability to balance laughs with action is a key factor in its success.

Ant-Man and Wasp was a fun movie. Whereas I didn't see it strongly bolstering the MCU, it didn't harm the MCU at all. I like that they gave Ant-Man a partner (I dare not say sidekick) with similar, yet better abilities.

Now, as for what I wish would've been different/better: the nemesis, Ghost. Ghost has some excellent skills and abilities which I think they (the production team) could've/should've explored more. I mean, the ability to phase in and out almost at will thereby giving the person the ability to pass through solid matter (kinda like Kitty Pride of the X-Men)--that makes for some spectacular fight scenes and other mischief. I'm imagining a fight similar to the opening scene of X-Men 2 when Nightcrawler infiltrated the White House. I know that phasing in and out is different than teleporting but in tight quarters they can be used similarly.

That was my only gripe, which was a small one. Besides wanting more from the bad guy I thought the movie was funny and creative.