An engaging script, a strong showing by two of the leads and good humour are hallmarks of this picture, which introduces us to a founding member of The Avengers’ universe.
Marvel Comics first introduced Hank Pym/Ant-Man in 1962 in “Tales to Astonish #27” and the following year Pym appeared alongside The Avengers in the team’s debut in “Avengers #1”. Pym became Ant-Man after discovering a chemical substance – the Pym Particle – which allowed him to alter his size and possess superhuman strength. With the development of another of Pym’s technologies, Ant-Man also has the ability to control armies of ants.
This new action adventure introduces master thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd – I Love You Man) as the present-day Ant-Man. It is Lang who is armed by Dr Hank Pym (Michael Douglas – Behind the Candelabra) with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale and increase in strength. Now he must embrace his inner hero and help Pym protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang need to plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
I was skeptical going in, but pleasantly surprised coming out, a sure sign that I had enjoyed what was on offer Marvel is building a hell of a reputation for being able to turn comic book stories into crowd-pleasing actioners. Its group and individual Avengers films invariably claim hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions, at the box office. Think Age of Ultron, Captain America, Thor and Iron Man, to name but a few.
The first step in the process of creating a new franchise was deciding how the story of Ant-Man fitted into the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic universe. The filmmakers decided to play with the history of the character and create a plausible back-story. Even though Scott Lang has been in prison, he was an “intelligent” burglar, jailed for a crime without violence. He is also estranged from his wife and gorgeous young daughter, the apple of his eye and the main reason he wants to go straight.
Paul Rudd brings his usual charm and swagger to the role. He is eminently likeable, but also seems to cross effortlessly into the more physical demands of his alter ego. I was also impressed by Michael Douglas, who brings credibility and gravitas to his performance as the scientist with a conscience that has had a prickly relationship with his daughter, Evangaline Lilly (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug). He is extremely concerned that his inventions are likely to fall into the wrong hands, something his moral compass simply won’t allow.
The plot ensures the Ant-Man characters are cleverly interwoven with players to which we’ve already been introduced in The Avengers. So, in other words, while Ant-Man stands alone, it is patently clear that he is part of a much larger family.
The comic interplay between Rudd and his ex-prison buddy mate played by Michael Pena makes for some entertaining moments, while Bobby Cannavale is cast as a cop who has taken Rudd’s place in the family home. Rudd is not only the star but one of four writers, while you should also watch out for Stan Lee, one of the three comic creators, in a cameo as a bartender. Direction is from Peyton Reed (Bring It On) and he hits the right notes.
Remember to stay on until the end because further plot elements are revealed during the credits.
Rated PG, Ant-Man is another Marvel winner that is sure to do well at the worldwide box office and scores an 8 to 8 ½ out of 10.
Director: Peyton Reed
Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale and Michael Douglas
Release Date: 16 July, 2015
Rating: PG
Alex First
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television