Sometimes it pays to be the little guy among the bunch of heavy hitting superheroes with their own movies, and in the case of Marvel Studios' 2015 film "Ant-Man" - the gamble to introduce a size-changing superhero who also happens to be the creation of Stan "The Man" Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby paid off in spades when it was introduced as a concept that was part superhero flick/ part heist movie. Originally under the direction of Edgar Wright, the "Ice Cream Trilogy" director also wrote the screenplay alongside Joe Cornish. However, Rudd left the project in 2014 due to creative differences - with Peyton Reed stepping in to take over directing duties and bringing the final product to the big screen on July 2015. Opening to critical acclaim and with veteran actor/ comedian Paul Rudd emerging as a hilarious and awesome casting choice for the main role alongside a stellar supporting cast that includes Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, and Michael Douglas, a sequel was definitely happening... And it has finally arrived in theaters!
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines and Marvel Philippines, I got to see the aptly titled sequel "Ant-Man and The Wasp" last week - which brings Peyton Reed back in the director's seat and Rudd and Lilly reprising their roles as the titular Pym Particle using heroes. With a great balance of action, drama, and comedy, this is one Marvel Cinematic Universe film that definitely deserves to be put out there following the emotional impact of the previous MCU movie, Avengers: Infinity War. No spoilers will be served on this review of course... But I will say that this is an ASTONISHING SEQUEL. Here's my full review for the movie, which is now playing in theaters!
Taking place some time after the events of "Captain America: Civil War", Ant-Man and The Wasp finds Scott Lang/ Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) under house arrest. Due to his involvement and participation in the Germany airport battle where he sided with Captain America, Lang has to live in his own home under FBI supervision while trying to be a good father to his beloved daughter Cassie and work alongside his ex-con pals Luis and friends in their new company X-Con Security. However Scott's life away from the heroics proves temporary, as Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) emerge from hiding to seek Mr. Lang's help in finding Hank's wife and Hope's mother, Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) - who is trapped inside the Quantum Realm. With the trio reunited, they look for answers to Janet's whereabouts - but are kept at bay by common criminals and a new adversary called "Ghost". Finding himself back in the suit once more, Scott revisits his role as Ant-Man and gains a new partner in Hope as The Wasp.
As a follow-up to the first Ant-Man and a continuation of the long running Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man and The Wasp is a fun, change of pace sequel that is full of surprises and has an excellent set of cast members who supply a simple, straightforward tale of heroism, hope, and redemption. While Rudd is back in the suit and does his good funny bits as Scott Lang, it's Evangeline Lilly's new role as The Wasp that serves as the breakout role and addition that the series deserved so well. We've wanted to see the new Wasp in action since it was teased at the end of the first film, and we get that in spades in this sequel. That's not to say that those who don't wear costumes are left out. Michael Douglas is still awesome as the cranky old Hank Pym - who finds new purpose in searching for his missing wife Janet Van Dyne, aka the original Wasp who disappeared into the Quantum Realm thirty years prior to the story. Michelle Pfeiffer plays that part very well, and it's great to see the veteran actress back in another comic book movie after so many years away from the genre.
There's also Lawrence Fishburne, who joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time as Bill Foster/ Goliath, and Hannah John-Kamen is just exceptional as the villain of this movie Ava Starr/ Ghost. Of course, Michael Pena is a load of laughs as Luis - the fast talking best pal of Scott Lang who helps run X-Con Security while he's under house arrest.
Overall, I can definitely say that Ant-Man and The Wasp is the sequel we all needed and it's full of awesome laughing bits and exciting action moments. It's a pity that it's the last Marvel Studios film we'll be seeing this year, as the next one's Captain Marvel in early 2019. Be sure to stay until the end of the credits. There's two post-credits scenes you wouldn't want to miss if you know your Marvel movies!
Ant-Man and The Wasp is now showing in theaters!
Rating - 5/5
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