The final, and smallest, of the founding members of The Avengers from the comics has finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a very big way. It’s not your typical MCU movie. It’s not a straight comedy or straight action film, but a combination of both. It’s heist film with a slight superhero twist and some very small teammates.
Ant-Man introduces Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), as a recently paroled thief trying to lead a straight life so he can get back to the only person he really cares about, his daughter Cassie. Unfortunately, he ends up resorting back to his old ways. He ends up breaking into the home of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), finding nothing but the Ant-Man suit and steals it. Unaware that he was setup to steal the suit by Dr. Pym. This is where the story truly begins, as Pym and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) recruit and train him in their plans against Pym’s former protégé Darren Cross/Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll).
The transition from comics to film has made some alterations to some characters and their comic history. But the main component of Scott Lang’s character, his very close connection with his young daughter and his motivation for stealing the suit, has not changed. One of the biggest alterations is the exclusion of Janet Van Dyne, The Wasp, and the addition of Hope Van Dyne in the film. Although there is an explanation for Janet Van Dyne via a flashback scene.
There are some funny moments and cool scenes in the movie. The funniest involve Michael Peña’s character of Luis. He just plays it so well that you end up laughing. Some of the coolest scenes are with the shrinking effects and the ants. Once you see the ants and how Ant-Man interacts with them, you may see them a little differently the next time they invade your picnic.
Evangeline Lilly shows that you really don’t need a super suit or powers to be hero. In the movie, her character of Hope Van Dyne is in her corporate power suit taking on corporate executives, but when training Scott she shows that she is physically capable of taking care of herself.
Being a pretty huge Marvel Comics fan, I have been waiting for Ant-Man to be introduced to the MCU. Initially, I had my doubts about this movie, due to the casting of Paul Rudd in the starring role as Ant-Man. I had the same feelings about the casting of Michael Keaton as Batman and Chris Pratt as Star Lord. I was wrong about them and so wrong about this casting choice. Paul Rudd is perfect for this part. He brought the character of Scott Lang to life, with the right amount of comedy, action and heart.
Trying not to give too much of the film away, but Ant-Man is the perfect bridge between Avengers: Age of Ultron and the upcoming Captain America: Civil War. It has a standalone, origin story with some links to the other MCU films. Expect to see some cameo appearances by characters from Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger and The Winter Soldier.
Paul Rudd will be reprising his role as Ant-Man, which is currently filming, in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War, opens in 2016.
Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, David Dastmalchian, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer and Wood Harris. Rated PG-13 and opens Friday, July 17th.
