Ant-Man is Just Pure Fun

     This weekend marks what is to be the end of Marvel's Phase 2 in their Cinematic Universe with the movie that everyone thought must have been a joke: Ant-Man. Most people probably feel that Age of Ultron marked the end of another chapter in this epic superhero saga, as did the first Avengers movie. However Marvel has constructed their Cinematic Universe around three distinct phases, each culminating to a pivotal point in their overall arc. Phase One ended with Avengers, setting the tone for the subsequent films starting with Iron Man 3. The world of the Avengers is now aware more than ever of not only superheros but other-worldly forces. However, the epicness of Avengers: Age of Ultron does not actually end this second phase. Ant-Man does, and on a much more intimate, smaller scale. According to Marvel's big boss Kevin Feige in an interview for slashfilm.com during the Age of Ultron junket, he commented on Ant-Man's place in the overall scheme of things:

Kevin Feige

     "It’s not [an after thought]. The truth is the phases mean a lot to me and some people but…Civil War is the start of Phase Three. It just is. And Ant-Man is a different kind of culmination of Phase Two because it very much is in the MCU. You meet new characters and you learn about Hank Pym and his lineage with the MCU over the years. But at the same time, it also picks up the thread of Age of Ultron in terms of heroes – major heroes, Avengers – coming from unexpected places. Whether it’s prison in the case of Scott Lang or being a very disgruntled Sokovian Twins as Wanda and Pietro are in Age of Ultron. And in that way it connects a lot. Also, Hank Pym’s attitude towards Avengers, towards S.H.I.E.L.D, and kind of the cinematic universe in general, is much more informed after the events of Age of Ultron, and in a certain way, before the events of Civil War." (Germaine Lussier, article linked here Follow Slash Film on Twitter @slashfilm)

   With that said, though it may feel like merely an afterthought in the shadow cast from Age of Ultron, the events of Ant-Man (and it's TWO pivotal post-credit scenes) are crucial in leading us into the events of Captain America: Civil War, the beginning of phase 3. Seem like a heavy load to bear? Don't worry, you'll get your money's worth with this one folks...

...unless you're like my wife and you hate ants. Then maybe you'll sit in the theater and itch yourself for two hours.

    Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Being one of the more slower-paced Marvel films, this movie still packs a whollup. It in no way compares to the action juggernaut that is Age of Ultron, but where it lacks in action it makes up for with heart, charm, and amazing visuals. Ant-Man by far, I believe, is the most heart-warming and personal Marvel film to date. At it's core, it's a story about redemption; redemption for Scott (played wonderfully by the awesome Paul Rudd); redemption for Hank (played by the legendary Michael Douglas), and redemption for three bumbling side characters that were both hilarious and forgettable. 

    There is plenty of humor in this film, light-hearted humor at that. A majority of that humor comes from the carefree, magnetic performance given by Paul Rudd. Scott Lang, a recovering thief, is a family man and a trying father who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. Rudd brings that aspect to life, making Scott the most family-friendly Marvel Cinematic Superhero to date. I mean, the idea that a man can shrink to the size of an insect, gaining super-human strength, AND can talk to/control ants, is as far fetched an idea as I have ever heard. But it works, and it's fun. It works because the characters, especially Scott, are relatable. That and the imagery displayed on screen with the clever use of the shrinking ability and the host of CGI ants makes for a really enjoyable ride. 

    The antagonist, Darren Cross/Yellowjacket, played by Corey Stall, is fairly predictable but that's okay. Where Ant-Man shines is with the visual spectacle it lays out before you. Every Marvel film has their fair share of intense special effects and slacked-jawed, drool-worthy imagery (I still can't get over that amazing scene in Age of Ultron with all the Avengers confined in a single space taking on a hoard of robots, all in slow motion. Chills); and Ant-Man doesn't short-change you in that aspect. Yet, there's a more intimate, smaller-scale feel to the action and visuals that are just as powerful, just as moving, and just as cool as any other film before it. 

    Ant-Man isn't the best Marvel movie, nor is it the second best, but it's right up there close to the top of the "most unique" Marvel film. Not very many people know about this character, and it's an interesting move using a solo origin film as the catalyst for what is going to be an epic few years of comic book movies, but Ant-Man shouldn't be missed. It's fun, engaging, funny, visually appealing, and action-packed just enough to set it apart as it's own entity in a vastly detailed cinematic universe. 

    And if you don't leave the theater wanting desperately to ride on the back of a flying ant or sprint off with your ant posse...then I don't know what's wrong with you.