Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania review by Bobby Blakey
Ever since End Game the MCU has had some hits and misses depending on who you ask. They for sure have been swinging for the fences taking the stories into new multi-verses and worlds as it continues to expand the universe. The latest Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is officially kicking off phase 5 of the MCU and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfiefer, and Michael Douglas with Peyton Reed returning to direct once again. Could this latest chapter of the franchise be a good start to Phase 5 or will it just be too small?
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania follows Super-Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.
Of all the MCU properties Ant-Man is probably one of my least favorite, mostly just because I have never liked the character. I did in fact love the first film and the second one was fine, but just didn’t work great for me. That being said heading into this one I was a bit worried that it might be trying to go big and then lose some of the fun that made these films work. While it does manage to balance both ideals and works more than it doesn’t, but I did still have some minor issues while also loving the flick.
The opening an d ending of the film felt very much like the first film which allowed us to get brought into that familiar area before thrusting into a world that was more like Guardians of the Galaxy fused with Star Wars on
an Avengers film scale. This isn’t a bad thing as it finally gives Ant-Man a bigger threat to deal with while also setting up the future of the MCU. This works for the most part to give us some grander and fun, but it also felt like there was way to many elements that were just convenient set ups and lack of real concern of the situation.
Bog props to connecting so much back to the original film in a fun way, but at the same time I wish films like this didn’t feel the need to connect everything and sometimes just let something be. None of these elements overly hurt the film in my opinion, but does skip past some other opportunities to bring in new things or do something different. That being said it is still a lot of fun and the attention to detail of this new world is a visual treat. IT is bright, vibrant and just weird in the best possible way. It further opens up the MCU in new ways that could be explored in so many ways or just be left alone and still work.
The cast are all great with each of them getting a lot more do this time around outside of just Rudd or Lilly. I am not sure why they recast Emma Fuhrmann who played Cassie in Avenger: End Game, but I do like Newton in the role. I think my biggest issue with the characters is really with her who seems way to easily added to the mix and not near as concerned with anything going on. I know she has seen some strange things since a child with Yellow Jacket and giant ants, but this is on a whole new level and should have had more of an impact.
Rudd is great as always and does a great job balancing the drama and jokes with Lilly right alongside him holding her own. Both Douglas and Pheifer get their own moments to shine and in on the action. The real scene stealer is Jonathon Majors as Kang. He might be the best villain to come through the MCU so far in relation to real threats and personality. There is a subtle approach to his persona that is shown to be something more in his actions. While there are moments that I felt he was easily bested and others unstoppable that seemed a little unbalanced, it will be interesting to see how it plays out leading to the already announce Avengers: Kang Dynasty.
Without any spoilers there is one character that makes its debut here that I never thought we would ever see in the MCU. While they changed the character in a way that might anger some hardcore fans, I found it silly and clever and was just happy that it happened at all. This is a goofy character that has no business working and they play it up as just as silly as it is and was one of my favorite parts of the film.
This might be my favorite film in the Ant-Man series and a good start to Phase 5 coming out of the not so exciting Phase 4. Of course stay through the credits for a mid and after credit sequences. They aren’t great but still fun and interesting enough.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including a gag reel, commentary, deleted scenes, and numerous featurettes taking you behind the mania. Grab your copy of Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on May 16th from Marvel Studios.