Review of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

 

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Quantumania provides a more nuanced storyline than either of its predecessors, offering comedy, drama and action all within one narrative arc. Though Quantumania doesn't reach the heights of Marvel's finest works, there is plenty to offer fans of Ant-Man!

Characters (Scott, Hope, Hank and Janet) all feel fresh; Kang could become an intriguing antagonist years from now. Unfortunately, an uneven plot and poor writing undermine some of its greatest assets.

Synopsis

Since defeating Thanos, Scott Lang is living life as an "average guy", living with Cassie (Kathryn Newton) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) at their foster homes - Hank Pym is mentor to Scott but recently he's been summoned back into action by Hope aka Wasp to rescue Hank from the quantum realm. Hope also comes along as she may not want him out there alone anymore.

This film follows both heroes and villains as they explore the sub-atomic world, meeting new creatures, and pushing themselves past their limits. Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer return as Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne respectively, with Jonathan Majors taking the reigns as Kang the Conqueror.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" is an entertaining movie with some exciting action scenes, but lacks the deep moral and ethical themes found elsewhere in Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Additionally, its effects were poorly executed (such as an excessive use of blur and low quality CGI effects) with a slightly convoluted plot.

As the first installment in Phase 5 of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ant-Man and the Wasp is an enjoyable film with some creative ant-themed antics and a great supporting cast (such as Bill Murray) - however it doesn't set up its main antagonist effectively enough either.

Characters

Marvel fans are used to seeing their heroes embroiled in world-threatening conflicts, but Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania takes a different approach. It follows Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and his family as they enter a quantum realm, and takes some time before things pick up speed but ultimately its characters are engaging while this film feels less intense than others in the MCU.

At first, it gives off the impression it will center around Scott and Cassie, however relationships soon take second seat to Kang the Conqueror being introduced into the MCU as its new villain. Majors does a fantastic job portraying Kang the Conqueror but his first appearance in the franchise doesn't give him much room to shine.

The film attempts to combine too many disparate elements, some of which work better than others. Adding technologically advanced ants seems unnecessary and an endless cast of aliens with various powers is just confusing; yet some of its humour is refreshing and action sequences enjoyable enough; too bad that Kang's arrival feels so abrupt.

Themes

While the film may be lighter than previous Marvel flicks, it still lacks some of the intellectual and ethical depth that made its predecessors so enjoyable. While some humourous bits (such as a gelatinous creature who eagerly says "holes") might initially be amusing, they reveal a carelessness with regard to what this film actually wants to achieve.

Christophe Beck's score draws heavily upon themes established in previous movies while creating some interesting new ones. Crashing percussion sets off his composition before an explosive take on Ant-Man's theme with short, repeated riffs mixed with wondrous strings erupts thunderously dramatic. Beck adds elements relating to Wasp and Kang along with impressive action arrangements that bring extra weight and resonance to the narrative.

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly are as charming as ever, yet this film never quite lives up to its potential. The plot stalls occasionally, making the vast stakes feel uninspiringly small; all that holds this all together are Rudd and Lilly's charm and professionalism, plus some fun ant antics. Additionally, there are moments of genuine unease such as when one creature suckers down another host's throat!

Overall

Phase Five in the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes with great expectations. It must launch this new chapter while simultaneously reintroducing audiences to familiar characters while setting up a larger villain with his army for future installments.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania exceeds even its own lofty expectations with ease, thanks to great characters, world building, stakes raising, and fulfilling one of its main promises: that sometimes bigger isn't always better.

Director Peyton Reed and his team took great care to ground this movie in family dynamics between Scott (Kathryn Newton) and Cassie (Kathryn Newton), and Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne -- established in earlier movies -- makes a welcome appearance after three decades spent hidden within Quantum Realm.

Armed with her newly acquired skills and her experience fighting Kang, she quickly becomes an indispensable member of the team, proving her worth physically and intellectually - showing audiences she remains one of the finest heroes in Marvel Comics Universe (MCU).