Ant-Man packs a big punch.
Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. Ant-Man, the most recent addition to the Marvel film universe, attempts to prove just that. And, to my utmost surprise, it succeeded!
Ant-Man follows the story of Scott Lang, a newly-released convict who wants nothing more than to be a better man for his daughter Cassie. He tries to clean up his act in San Francisco with a new job and a new attitude towards theft and crime, constantly pushing himself away from such things at any opportunity possible. Nonetheless, when ex-S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist Hank Pym offers Scott a chance at redemption, he has no choice but to return to his old ways.
This time around, the stakes are higher. Scott must go against Pym’s former apprentice, Darren Cross, and retrieve the Yellowjacket, a suit that literally shrinks to the size of an ant. Pym knows the havoc that will ensue upon the suit’s completion and distribution, being that he came up with the original concept himself decades beforehand. Thus, using Dr. Pym’s prototype suit and the assistance of Hope van Dyne, Scott must become one with the ants and use their sizable advantage (no pun intended) to save the world from the Yellowjacket.
As outlandish as this film appears to be at first glance, Ant-Man uses such silliness to its advantage, making it appear clever and quick-witted throughout the 117-minute running time. In simpler terms, this Marvel film is different because it doesn’t take itself so seriously. Through the brilliant casting of Paul Rudd as the Ant-Man, there appears to be a strong comedic side in the midst of so much action and drama. And with such a good blend of genre, there’s no denying that the story is brought to new heights (once again, no pun intended).
Other notable names include Academy-award winning actor Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne and Michael Peña as Luis (Scott’s prison-mate). Even rapper T.I. shows up as Dave, another member in Lang’s troop of misfits. They all work together to create a sense of believability and understanding to such a far-fetched superhero concept. In other words, they work alongside Rudd to bring out the heart in Ant-Man. And that is what truly brings the film one step closer into the Marvel realm that has been building these past several years, thanks to the likes of the Avengers.
Overall, Ant-Man sounds like a film that just shouldn’t work. However, despite all odds, director Peyton Reed delivers laughs, action, sentiment and a good whole-hearted story that is worth telling. Thus, it’s safe to say that Marvel hit big with this one (pun intended).
Ant-Man is playing locally in and around Montclair! Some theaters include AMC Essex Green Cinema 9 in West Orange, AMC Clifton Commons 16 and even AMC Loews Wayne 14. For show times, a list of even more theaters and ticket purchases, visit fandango.com.
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