REVIEW: Is Marvel’s ANT-MAN The Best Marvel Film To Date?

Let’s face it; Marvel has a successful formula when it comes to adapting their comics to the cinematic universe and putting them up on the big screen. They have a knack for getting writers, directors and actors that aren’t necessarily well-known, and sometimes frowned upon by the “fan” community, and yet they have managed to create some great films. Is Ant-Man going to be another one of Marvel’s successes? After sitting through both the press screening and the red carpet/premiere I can say "Absolutely!"
 
I’ll be honest. I had my doubts when Marvel revealed that not only would there be an Ant-Man film, but that it would signal the end of their second round of movies. On top of that, it would follow on the heels of the juggernaut that was Avengers: Age of Ultron. A standalone movie about a hero that hardly anybody in the general movie-going audience knows (granted, most comic fans know he was a founding member of the Avengers, but they *aren’t* the general movie-going public)? It sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it? Maybe along the lines Marvel’s “ambitions” and “dangerous” Guardians of the Galaxy, which many thought could end up being Marvel’s first flop? We all know how that one turned out and Ant-Man isn’t going to be much different.
 

“Ant-Man’ is a very different kind of a Marvel film,” explains producer Kevin Feige. “This is very much a Marvel film set within the heist genre.”  It’s obvious from the outset of the film that Marvel President Kevin Feige and director Peyton Reed really wanted Ant-Man to be something different. Did they succeed in making a superhero heist film? Yes, but it’s not JUST a heist film. It’s a comedy. It’s a drama. It’s an action flick. It’s a film about a father who loves his daughter and will do anything to be with her. It’s a film about a daughter who resents her father and feels she can’t ever measure up. It’s about a father who will do anything to protect his daughter, even if it means pushing her away. It’s about a villain who can’t stand to be rejected and wants approval from his mentor. Those are just some of the main characters stories; I haven’t even dug into the supporting cast and their stories yet!
 
Ant-Man includes several nods to Marvel’s earlier films, so there are Easter eggs galore and a few surprises in store. You’ll want to make sure and stay through the ENTIRE film to get all of it and a sneak peak at some of the upcoming Marvel movies (*cough* Captain America: Civil War *cough*). The film may even include cameos from other Marvel superheroes.
 
The action sequences are top-notch, as are the special effects. Ant-Man looks great regardless of which size he happens to be and the ants look great as well. The film creators even went as far as creating sounds for the ants, infusing them with their own personality. Seeing the world from Scott Lang’s perspective, as Ant-Man, is surreal and has me biting at the bit to see the film in 3D (my two viewings were 2D only).
 

Where Marvel really nailed it was with the cast. Evangeline Lilly is amazing as Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym’s daughter. She’s a superhero already and she knows it. Michael Douglas as Hank Pym is top notch and you couldn’t ask for more. Corey Stoll as Darren Cross, the villain in the film, ranks up there with the best Marvel villains. Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man is what Robert Downy Jr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth are to their respective characters (Iron Man, Captain America and Thor). He really IS Ant-Man. He’s humorous, heroic and apologetic all at the same time.  The big surprise for most will probably be Luis; Scott Lang’s best friend, portrayed by Michael Peña. He is absolutely the funniest thing in the film and he steals just about every scene he is in. There are so many characters in the film; it would take an article by itself to discuss all of their parts. Rest assured that the cast is solid throughout.
 
You won’t want to miss Ant-Man. It’s definitely one you need to see in a theater (preferably 3D). There’s really something in it for everyone, children and adults. Hats off to Marvel, Peyton Reed and the cast and crew for doing something different AND fun. Ant-Man is right up there with Iron Man (2008) and Guardians of the Galaxy.  Easily one of the top Marvel movies to date.  I have to agree with GotG director James Gunn’s review (he was sitting near my son and I at the premiere) – “A Complete Blast!”

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
 
Marvel’s “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Tip “T.I.” Harris as Dave, Wood Harris as Gale, Judy Greer as Maggie, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym.
 
Peyton Reed directs Marvel’s “Ant-Man” with Kevin Feige, p.g.a. producing and Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Stan Lee and Edgar Wright serving as executive producers. The story is by Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish and the screenplay is by Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish and Adam McKay & Paul Rudd. Marvel’s “Ant-Man” delivers a high-stakes, tension-filled adventure on July 17, 2015.