Marvel's Ant-Man is their first film in Phase Three, a post Ultron world. This has been by far one of their most talked about films because of all the drama that has gone on behind the scenes. Well, I'm here to tell you that I am still excited for the film. I will tell you now, I'm going to have a very unpopular opinion on the film but, I think that you guys may enjoy this read and reading my thoughts regarding the film and here... we...go.
Peyton Reed
I'm going to get the unpopular opinion out of the way. I love the choice of Peyton Reed directing Ant-Man because who knows what his Fantastic Four would've been like and not to mention I am a fan of The Break-Up as well as the Jim Carrey comedy, Yes Man. While I can't deny, I was excited when Edgar Wright was on board of this film, I can't help but think that Reed is the better choice. I get the drama because this is a project that Wright spent years of his life into. That being said, I'm not a fan of Wright's films. Scott Pilgrim had its moments but for the most part I find his films to be boring and unamusing. Peyton Reed I feel can tackle the humor of the Marvel films and the silliness that comes with Ant-Man but at the same time, he can tackle the drama. I feel the strongest point of drama I can point to is Yes Man. Yes, it's very much a Jim Carrey comedy but the surprising drama in the film I can't help but be strengthed in Ant-Man simply because of the nature of the Scott Lang story. If he can create a strong drama with that story in Ant-Man but at the same time balance the natural comedy that comes with something as silly as the idea of, Ant-Man. Then I believe we will have something truly special with this film.
The cast
The cast of Ant-Man I think is one of the biggest reasons I'm excited for it. Primarily the casting of Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas. I can't help but think that the banter of these two with the help of some rewriting by comedic genius Adam McKay will rival that of banter seen in Guardians of the Galaxy (a truly special and fun film) and in The Avengers. The additions of Lily and Pena in this film also help. While I'm not as big on Lily as most people are, it's still good casting and I'm a big fan of Pena as an actor and I can't wait to find out who he plays in the film. Disappointing as it is to see Patrick Wilson go, Cory Stoll is another addition I can't help but feel excited about. Sure, the idea of him being a partner of Pym's and now wanting to take over and becoming Yellowjacket is pretty generic in the genre. Short sweet and to the point, I can't wait to see him suit up as Yellowjacket simply because it's different from the comics plus I've always wanted to see what it would be like if Ant-Man were to face off against Yellowjacket. Keeping in mind this is a heist film, makes it all the more interesting and exciting.
Paul Rudd
Now I know this goes hand and hand with the cast part of this article but, Paul Rudd as Scott Lang is one of the biggest things I'm looking forward to in the film. It's a departure from his other work where yes, he would play the straight man but it's not a comedy with Ant-Man. Naturally, comedy will be brought in but I feel like Rudd showed potential dramatically in This is 40. Casting him as Scott Lang gives us the opportunity to see a different side of Rudd. A darker, more serious Paul Rudd. This makes me excited and all the more when they released the first official still of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang. Comedic actors can sometimes make for the best dramatic actors. I feel there is plenty of dramatic potential for Paul Rudd to showcase as Scott Lang. I know there is going to be plenty of action and comedy but, I want to focus more on the drama for this section of the article. Now, this casting could suck ass. But, I have faith in Marvel and you should too. Move on from the Wright drama and continue to have faith.
Adam McKay
I should've warned you guys that this would be a short article but, whatever. Adam McKay rewritting parts of the script does nothing but get me excited. Teaming him with Peyton Reed can only come out as gold if you ask me. The Other Guys proved that McKay can do good action and bring in his comedic sensibilities with Peyton Reed's directing skills and his filmography, I have no doubt Marvel will have a hit on their hands and once again prove people wrong. From Anchorman to Talladega Nights to Stepbrothers and The Other Guys, Adam McKay is a comedic force to be reckoned with. Bringing him to write a Marvel film will obviously show signs of plenty of humor in the film but, I think he'll surprise us with the drama. Yes, it all goes back to the dramatic nature of the story of Scott Lang. If he did rewrite some dramatic points in the film, I'm sure he'll surprise us with how well he can do it but, I have nothing to back that up with due to his resume.
That's all I got for you guys. What do you think? You guys still excited for Ant-Man or on the fence? Comment below and as always, stay respectful.