Paul Rudd joins the exclusive list of superhero stars with “Ant-Man.” Our J.P. gives his take on the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe.
ANT-MAN
Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Rated: PG-13
Opening: Friday, July 17, 2015
Running Time: 117 minutes
Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym
Director: Peyton Reed
Producer: Kevin Feige, p.g.a.
Studio Synopsis:
The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
Marvel’s “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Tip “T.I.” Harris as Dave, Wood Harris as Gale, Judy Greer as Maggie, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Marvel’s “Ant-Man” delivers a high-stakes, tension-filled adventure on July 17, 2015.
J.P.’s Take:
“Ant-Man” is yet another comic-book character Marvel has taken a gamble on and somehow pulls a rabbit out its hat. This particular superhero film flourishes on a smaller scale – pun intended – rather than relying on boastful heroism. On the plus side, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, à la “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Instead, it focuses on the underdog who proves himself worthy of donning the hero’s garb. It’s the story of a dubious character that lifts this film off the ground.
As it opens, you don’t realize that you’re even watching a Marvel movie. There are no fancy dressed demi-gods dispensed into battle. It almost shuts the Marvel world out to make room for the human side of things. I had my reservations about the story as it got off to a slow start. Once the ball got rolling, however, I became entangled in Scott Lang’s (Paul Rudd) post prison life trappings. His inability to retain a job leaves him at odds with his ex-wife Maggie Lang (Judy Greer). This rift separates Scott from his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) in the process.
Thanks to director Payton Reed (“Down With Love,” “The Break-Up”) and writers Joe Cornish, Edgar Wright, Adam McKay and Rudd, they managed to bring the story down to Earth. The plot mainly involves Scott struggling to make amends with his family, while trying to survive life outside prison. Left with few choices for employment, despite his electrical engineering background, he gets word on a heist from friend Luis (Michael Peña). Those scenes play out in a clever conveyance, whereby Luis through his cousin is telling the story. It’s all played up with characters lip-syncing to Pena’s voice that spread from person to person. Lang resists taking on the job at first, yet stuck in his current situation, he eventually returns to a life of crime. However, he ends up finding something other than petty treasure ~ he finds self worth instead.
Keeping within the satirical realm, you’ll find none of the insider cracks as with this film’s counterparts. Much of the gags and jokes are grounded in the world of this teeny little super guy.
Paul Rudd is no longer the overtly comical mad man, as he is used to playing in previous comedies. He’s far more understated with a touch of realism.
Joining Rudd in the film is Evangeline Lilly playing Hope van Dyne and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, Hope’s father. The two play off each other nicely, showing a great deal of disdain for one another. Corey Stoll as Darren Cross (a.k.a. Yellowjacket) is low-key yet effective enough, as Dr. Pym’s protégé turned super villain. Despite their stereotypical roles, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Pena and David Dastmalchain as Dave, Luis and Kurt, respectively, all managed to keep their performances lively. Rounding out the cast include Judy Greer playing Lang’s ex Maggie and Bobby Cannavale as Paxton Maggie’s new beau. Additionally, you’ll catch brief appearances by Hayley Atwell and John Slattery, better known as Peggy Carter and Howard Starke, respectively.
What’s just as clever and fun to watch are the cool visuals, which brought the mighty might Ant-Man to life. The editing and rendering that went into showcasing his shrinking abilities are spot on. If any of you have ever read the comics, the imaginative way in which it’s created harkens back to the imagery found on the pages. Highlights include a mono-a-mono battle with Falcon a.k.a. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackey). It’s highly kinetic and full of slick moves. Another cool battle scene stems from the showdown between Ant-Man and Yellowjacket takes a turn for the comical, when the battle is fought among the toys in Lang’s daughter’s room. Something you’ll have to witness for yourself.
Overall “Ant-Man” was a pleasant if unexpected surprise. Despite its uneven start, the story picked up midway through the film. As always, there are clues and Easter eggs you’ll need to stay in the theater to discover. These insights will tune you into the next chapter of “Captain America, or even the next “Avengers.” This was well done.