I think it's safe to say that we all have that one film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that we don't like. Not everything this cinematic universe offers is phenomenal after all. For me, that one film has always been Ant-Man. I've defended other entries that most people seem to hate like Thor: Dark World or Iron Man 3. Ant-Man was a film that had great moments like Louise's screen stealing electricity or the fact that Baskin Robbins always knows. So I was a bit less than enthused when a sequel was announced.
Ant-Man and The Wasp is the follow-up to 2015's Ant-Man. Here we are reunited with our heroes following the events of 2016's Captain America: Civil War. When I say hero I guess I just mean Paul Rudd's "Scott Lang" or "Ant Man". This entry into the MCU is set prior to the events of Avengers: Infinity War. At its' core, Ant-Man and the Wasp tells the story of Michael Douglas' "Hank Pym" & Evangeline Lilly's "Hope van Dyne" trying to enter into the quantum realm to save Michelle Pfeiffer's "Janet Van Dyne".
While the film does deal a lot with the sub atomic world below, it is big on the surface. That's one thing I truly do appreciate about this film is its' boldness. It boldly and brilliantly expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the new territory, similar to that of 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, with the cosmos. The scenes within the quantum realm really allow for a beautiful visualization showcase. Even past the quantum realm, there is some much of this film that is a visual treat to the eyes. Even the film's intro with deaging Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer is astonishing. Take Hannah John-Kamen's "Ghost", every movie she makes is a haunting visual masterpiece.
Let's just keep the subject of Ghost going. With the MCU, usually the downfall of these films are the villains being too generic or underdeveloped. This film contains two villains. I'll get to the second one in just a second. However, Kamen's villain is extremely underutilized throughout this film. She has reasonable motive but she is kind of sidelined in the film for other plot points that really don't serve the overall plot. Ghost actually does have something to do with this plot. Unfortunately, as much as I loved her character, she is a missed opportunity for the film.
Which brings me to villain number two - Walter Goggins' "Sonny Burch". Burch should have just been a throw away character in all honesty. He's set-up in a scene of the film, which pushes the plot forward but and also introduces Ghost. He should have been nothing more than a glorified cameo. Like flies, he just keeps coming back. Ultimately becoming a thorn in the film's side.
While there is an annoying nature to the handling of some of these characters. Paul Rudd is just as charming as he has been in his previous appearances as the character. Proving once again he was right for the role of Lang. Lilly's portrait of The Wasp is fantastic. Our introduction alone to her abilities is enough to leave you breathless. The chemistry alone with your core trio - Douglas, Rudd & Lilly - is electric and makes you anxious to see what comes next.
Overall, Ant-Man and The Wasp, is a fun film period. It opens up the MCU to new terriorites and breaks ground visually. The main cast of Rudd, Douglas and Lilly perform above and beyond in both comedy and action. However, it does continue the streak of underdeveloped and unwanted villains with Ghost and Burch. Ghost proves Marvel really did have a missed opportunity on their hands. They could have been three for three with villains in 2018 behind Black Panther's Killmonger & Avengers: Infinity War's Thanos. While Burch, on the other hand, was just a waste of screen time.
FINAL SCORE: 3.5 / 5
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