Summary
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is pure, indulgent escapism that never forgets comic book movies are supposed to be fun.
Marvel got a lot of heat lately for their wrapping up of Phase Four. There seems to be even less forgiveness for the next phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, mainly for the inconsistency in some people’s eyes. Some might say Marvel needed to launch with a stronger character brand than what Ant-Man has to offer. Yet, Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania does something that most critics forget is the point of comic book adaptations — these films are supposed to be fun.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania Review and Plot Summary
Marvel’s Phase Five kicks off with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) taking a victory tour around the great city of San Francisco. He nods and waves to his adoring fans while paying particular attention to the kids. Scott gets some free caffeine from his local coffee shop (but because the owner thinks he’s that other Avenger insect).
Scott even writes a book telling his fans to always look out for the little guy. Suffice it to say Scott is on top of the world personally and professionally. He even was given employee of the month. In a film with heavy product placement, where he was fired from rhymes with Raskin Bobbins. Even Hope (Evangeline Lilly) is still in love with him.
Of course, even heroes holding the world by a string have their problems. For instance, Scott has trouble getting through to his teenage daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton), who has been arrested four times for protesting various social justice issues.
Cassie has been taken under the wing of Hank (Michael Douglas), who has taught her about the Quantum Realm. They even guided her in an invention that sent a signal there and got one back, to the chagrin of Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). Why? That is because Janet never explained that the most dangerous villain since Thanos is stuck there. And now may have found a way out.
Peyton Reed, working from a script from Jeff Loveness, never forgets the magical enjoyment lens that should be used in the MCU. Here, Loveness uses his comedy chops, fine-tuned during his days on Rick & Morty and Jimmy Kimmel Live, for a very funny movie that excels when the characters enter the Quantum Realm.
For instance, Rudd’s Lang and Newton’s Cassie interact with a community of rebels from various worlds. There is a real Star Wars planet vibe with a handful of eclectic Tatooine-like neon-colored, candy-coated characters. The best include David Dastmalchian’s Veb, a slime creature that is obsessed with human, uh, holes.
Also, The Good Place’s William Jackson Harper’s Quaz is a telepath with a very dry delivery. Even Pfeiffer surprises in a kick-ass action heroine role.
While I still say Christian Bale’s Gorr rivals Thanos as the best Marvel villain of all time, Jonathan Majors’s Kang the Conqueror is primed to put his stamp on that prize. Majors brings a stealthy and stoic menacing quality that balances the overall goofiness while being completely enjoyable.
As you watch the latest chapter of Ant-Man and the Wasp, you begin to understand phase five wasn’t launched to place Rudd as the new face of MCU. It was for Majors. His Kang is a standout and sets the tone for the next phase.
Is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania a flop movie?
Ant-Man remains a light but highly entertaining entry in Marvel’s legendary filmography. Reed loads up the film with some stellar cameos, including a welcome return from a character from the original Ant-Man film. Yes, while the film is a good 15 minutes too long, and there is something off with Douglas’s comic delivery, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is pure, indulgent entertaining escapism that never forgets the fun, and is not a flop.
And occasionally, that’s what we need comic book movies to be.
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