They are back and now exploring the Quantum Realm! Our JP reviews MCU’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, and Kathryn Newton.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
(Walt Disney Studios)
- Directed by Peyton Reed
- Written by Jeff Loveness
- Based on Marvel Comics Produced by Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard
- Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, Katy O’Brian, William Jackson Harper, Bill Murray, Michelle Pfeiffer, Corey Stoll, Michael Douglas
Studio Synopsis:
Super Heroes Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a. and Stephen Broussard, p.g.a., “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar.
J.P.’s Take:
The loveable underdog Scott Lang a.k.a. Ant-Man has won the hearts of viewers around the globe. With “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” the third installment in the “Ant-Man” series, we’re treated to another zany, bizarre adventure.
When we first met Lang, he was the down-on-his-luck reformed thief who spent time in prison. He has a daughter named Cassie Lang, a concerned ex-wife, and a criminal record keeping him from obtaining a real job. These real-life social stigmas allowed us to be in touch with the would-be hero, making him more grounded than the rest of the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Now Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), with partner The Wasp / Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), faces a much more vindictive foe from inner space.
Enjoying their break from hero-dom, Scott and Hope are living life like celebrities after teaming up with fellow Avengers to save the world from the reign of Thanos. Scott, now a best-selling author, tours with his memoir “Always Lookout for the Little Guy,” while Hope heads Pym Van Dyne Technologies corporation; both basking in the limelight together. While the sitcom-like atmosphere trains on, with sunny lite hearted outtakes, Scott enjoys free coffee, poses for photos with dogs, and is even awarded employee of the century by his former employer Baskin Robbins. Ah, yes, the good life. That is quickly interrupted by a phone call from the country jail during his book reading event. Cassie has landed in the slammer after participating in protests against the mistreatment of homeless people in San Francisco. Like father, like daughter, I suppose.
During a family get-together, however, it is revealed that Cassie (Katheryn Newton) has invented something quite ingenious on her own. Unbeknownst to Scott, Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michele Pfeiffer) have kept this a secret. Cassie’s little toy can send signals down into the Quantumverse, something Janet was unaware of – even fearful. This film gets off and running just as Cassie shows the family how her invention works. No sooner than Janet tells her to shut it down, they get sucked into the micro-verse.
If you can recall the last moments in “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” you would know Janet has spent quite a bit of time in the Quantum realm, from which she returned with a dark secret. Her secret draws out much of the plotted course as Scott, Cassie, Hope, and Hank try to decipher the situation. Her secret makes for a nicely paced build-up to a formidable villain we connect with later. In the meantime, we are given ample time to meet the creatures and townsfolk of the Quantum realm. With many of the MCU entities, you can expect quirky characters, wonderfully rendered backdrops, and bizarre landscapes. The silly antics between Scott, Cassie, and the town creatures are chuckle some and make for silly good fun.
At the midway point, the situation becomes ominous and certain doom looms overhead. That 30-year secret Janet has been holding onto starts to unravel and Hope and Hank are all ears. She reveals that another scientist like herself crash-landed in the Quantum realm, yet he isn’t who he claims to be. Kang (Jonathan Majors) arises from the darkness, yet there is a vague explanation of his motives. He seeks revenge on those who have banished him to the unknown Quantum world. Who Kang is referring to is a total mystery at this point. Kang has also vowed to destroy the multiverse, yet this would lead to total annihilation.
Our introduction to the new supervillain gives this third iteration that doom and gloom sheen. It takes on the same atmospherics as “Avengers: End Game,” as though it were a continuation. Aside from Thanos, Kang the Conqueror is the very definition of a supervillain. He possesses great intellect and extreme abilities, unlike any other villain. As a result, he has turned his prison into his empire, where he is ruler.
Whereas the first two “Ant-Man” iterations were lite-hearted in their approach, the fun and games are not as plentiful with “Quantumania.” Not to say the first half of the film isn’t fun, except we’re met with immediate danger this time. It involves the entire family as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the visuals, similar to “Guardians of the Galaxy” with its strange colorful plant and animal species. You have an assortment of beings that look like they are made of ribbon, floating atoms …even food. There are highly imaginative spacecraft that are ultra-advanced. The cityscape is teamed with super modern structures and luxurious amenities.
The cast put on the heroics once again, as Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly felt well seated in their roles of Ant-Man, and The Wasp. Veteran actors Michael Douglas is the creeky yet down-to-earth Hank Pym and Michele Pfeiffer dug deep to find the heroin within Janet Van Dyne. Katheryn Netwon is quite the spunky teen with a heart of gold and a mission to be the next young hero. Jonathon Majors’ strong screen presence rings true as Kang the Conqueror. Corey Stoll returns in a distorted mutated fashion as Darren Cross, a.k.a. M.O.D.O.K. (Mechanized, Organism, Designed Only for Killing), where he becomes an instant meme. There is even a scene with Bill Murray as the pompous Lord Krylar. Kudos go to supporting cast mates William Jackson Harper as the telepath wisecracking Quaz, Katy O’Brien as the valiant Jentorra, and David Dastmalchian as Veb …who is mainly a talking animated slim.
For an end piece to a much loved, heartfelt character, “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” is a worthy adventure. It left me with a sense of closure while leaving clues in its closing as to the next phase in the MCU.
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