Score: 4/5
The latest addition to the Marvel movie franchise, “Ant-Man,” meets anticipation and brings an interesting approach to the superhero. It tackles themes of family and revenge with solid action and continuous ties to its realm as the suit with shrinking capabilities and increased strength empowers a former criminal to save the world.
The film begins with a flashback to 1989 when Dr. Hank Pym, played by Michael Douglas, resigns from S.H.I.E.L.D. after a heated argument with Howard Stark, played by John Slattery, and Mitchell Carson, played by Martin Donovan, over particles Dr. Pym created.
The focus jumps to Scott Lang, (Paul Rudd) in the present day. Lang spends his last day in prison after being incarcerated for three years. Although former cellmate and new roommate Luis (Michael Peña), presents a perfect opportunity from the get-go, Lang tries to put his thieving ways behind him but fails to keep a steady job.
After an unwelcome visit to see his daughter, he comes back to Luis for details on the “old billionaire, safe in the basement” job, knowing he needs money to provide as a father. Lang handles the job with tremendous skill and ease but feels his efforts are null and void when he enters the basement to find a suit displayed before him. Knowing the suit must have something to offer him, Lang takes it and runs.
The first time Lang tries on the suit, he’s sent on an escapade through his apartment building and its plumbing until he returns to normal size. Terrified and confused, Lang brings the suit back to its home in the same fashion he found it.
A trip back to prison brings an interesting visitor – Dr. Pym posed as Lang’s lawyer. Dr. Pym intricately drops the hint that this was all planned, and Lang can’t miss his next chance with the suit.
Once Lang’s unconventional recruitment becomes preparation, Dr. Pym mentors him with additional help in training from his daughter, Hope van Dyne, played by Evangeline Lilly. The team works to save the world by beating Darren Cross, played by Corey Stoll, who is out to seek ultimate power with the Yellowjacket suit and prove himself to Dr. Pym, his beloved mentor who wrote him off years ago.
The comedic element is refreshing and, of course, well-executed by Rudd. It’s entertaining but calls for serious scenes to be interrupted for a weak laugh or two – “Jurassic World” being a similar case this summer – which is slightly disappointing but expected.
“Ant-Man” carries a lighter presence for a Marvel film, which sets it apart but may have to shift for a successful sequel.
Taylor Wiley is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Gonzales, Louisiana.