I went in to this film worried. Edgar Wright is a personal favourite of mine, and to suggest I wasn't concerned that his departure from this project after 11 years would result in a subpar film would be blatantly untrue. Thankfully, I walked out pleasantly surprised.
It may not officially be an Edgar Wright film, but it still maintains his signature style, with many scenes feeling like they could have happily been at home in an episode of "Spaced". The content was kept light, which suited the unusual subject matter, and the tone never went too far into the realm of dark and gritty.
Issues with pacing, and clunky "LOOK AT ME, I'M A MARVEL FILM," dialogue aside, this movie was popcorn escapism at its finest.
While there's still a part of me that wishes to have watched Edgar Wright's vision, Ant-Man still surpassed my low expectations and proved to be an improvement on Age of Ultron on several aspects. While Ultron had an excessively large scale, this film actually takes the opposite approach: the stakes are high, but not "world destruction" high. Another improvement is the use of humor. I'll admit that although many jokes in Ultron made me laugh, Whedon misplaced their use in several ocassions, causing an unfocused tone, frequently switching between serious and dumb at the drop of a hat. Here, despite a few serious scenes, the tone is consistently pretty light.
The CGI is impressive throughout, with the first shrinking sequence a particular highlight. Several sequences reminded me of Wright's style, such as the "tip montages", although surprinsingly enough, despite containing his humour and similar editing style, weren't part of his script. Paul Rudd is effective in a role that doesn't ask too much of him, Evangeline Lilly was surprisingly tolerable considering her mediocre role as Tauriel, and Michael Douglas proves that he makes a scene instantly more interesting by his mere presence.
Ant-Man was a fun night at the movies, though one really can't help but wonder what might have been had Edgar Wright stayed on as director. You can plainly hear his script, but the pacing's off (Michael Douglas is probably the biggest victim, as I thought his sarcastic wit generally fell flat). And there are flights of directorial fancy, like the way Luis tells stories, but not enough of them. Nevertheless, I thought Ant-Man did a good job of creating a fairly large supporting cast, which is perhaps why some thought it akin to a TV pilot in some respects (though some, the villain in particular, kind of got short shrift), and loved how they gave the cinematic Marvel Universe more depth and history with a Cold War-era Ant-Man and Wasp operating before the Avengers ever got together, though I could certainly have done without an Avenger cameo (though it works and ties into the next film). As for the shrinking effects, they were pretty awesome. The shrunken world was interesting to look at, and the shrinkers' tricks were clever. That's why I love shrinking heroes in the first place, so I wasn't disappointed. Could have had more punch, but definitely one I won't mind revisiting.
I had a good time at the movies. Probably Marvels funniest movie. All the gags worked great on me. Just very nice to take things down a notch after Age of Ultron. Also very interesting to see bits and pieces of Edgar Wrights style in and around the movie, most prominent is probably the way Louis told his stories. Nice tie-ins to other Marvel properties, especially Spider-Man. To be honest the entire last act was pretty great, even though the set up wasn't all that good. That's probably my main gripe with this movie. As per usual, Marvel is not good with villains. The pacing feels a little bit off, and Michael Douglas' character isn't all that great. But still, the movie fulfilled my expectations and then some. This is a very decent movie, and keeping in mind that the director and the writers left the project 8 weeks before shooting, that's kind of a miracle in it's own.
Above some other Marvel films. If this came out during the first batch of films, I would've received it much more warmly. One of the few non-mediocre-to-the-core or worse, comic/super hero films in the past decade.
Rivals the original Iron Man as my favorite Marvel film. It's really tight, paced incredibly well and only a few silly bits of exposition. I'm shocked at how much I enjoyed this. I found it really entertaining, inventive and just fun. It won me over very quickly and built on that emotion by staying snappy and loose. I'm a huge fan.
Everybody was worried when this one was first announced. A full blown Marvel movie based on a character that few non-comic fans know was certainly a risky move but ultimately I think it's pretty good. It knows that it isn't on the same scale of the Avengers movies or any of the movies leading up to Avengers for that matter and that works to the movies credit. It focuses very much on a homegrown kind of unlikely hero who exists on a "street level" as it were and makes for some good cinema. Paul Rudd works as the titular hero with Douglas and Lilly rounding out a convincing cast. It's Marvel Cinematic Universe's first sub-hero movie and they made it work.
"My days of breaking into places and stealing shit are done. What do you want me to do?
I want you to break into a place and steal some shit."
Is it a plane? Is it a bird? Is it Superman? No, it's just an ordinary guy named Scott Lang (Rudd Paul) who stole from some millionaires in a digital, Robin Hood-like way in the past and who can transform into a superhero the size of an ant by using a high-tech suit. This suit was designed by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and reduces the distance between atoms. Thus, it's not a spider bite or the exposure to certain radiations that created Ant-man. Is it so super hero-like, say, like Spiderman? Yes and no. I don't think there's need for a sequel. The overall content is a bit too ... euh ... I could say a bit to "little" for that. But the tongue in cheek humor then again was enjoyable. Pretty much a sort of "Guardians of the Galaxy" humor. This was already evident from the beginning with this hilarious excerpt: "Hey, how's your girl man?
Oh, she left me.
Oh.
Yeah, my mom died too.
And my dad got deported.
But I got the van! "
Marvel keeps coming up with new action heroes. That's no surprise since they have quite a collection after all these years. Besides the well-known superheroes like "Spiderman", "X-Men", "Hulk", "Daredevil", "Blade", "The Avengers" and "Iron Man", they recently introduced several new ones such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Fantastic Four". And next year, they'll add some more : "Deadpool"(I'm waiting impatiently for this one), "Gambit" and "Black Panther". And now they introduce Ant-Man at the last moment. Although I'm about to succumb to a Marvel-saturation, I'm always keen to see a new super hero at work. The advantage of Ant-Man is that you don't need to be a real Marvel freak to follow the story. And despite being one of the least-known Marvel characters (plus the critics were quite harsh), the film itself managed to be successful.
Ant-Man's objective isn't as grandiose as in most Marvel films. In other words there's no need to protect earth against total annihilation or subjugation. Hank Pym uses a devious way to put Scott Lang in a dilemma so that Scott is forced to help him with the recovery of his invention. And this because of the fact that it could be used for less peaceful purposes. Not very original as you might think at first sight and yet they knew how to make it an entertaining and action-packed adaptation of a action hero comic book. Especially with the emphasis on the comical aspect. A Marvel movie you shouldn't take too seriously. Actually, it's a kind of "Honey, I shrunk the kids", the adult version.
Unfortunately, the storyline is pretty clichéd. Another poor devil who gets no chance in society due to a mistake and is destined to return to his criminal activities. There's also a rising employee who filches the life's work of his employer. And then of course there's the inevitable confrontation between the end products of the two rivals. But "Ant-Man" is still an excellent film. Especially by the use of the interwoven humor (Michael Pena ensures some hilarious moments) and the superb special effects. The learning process Scott goes through to familiarize himself with the designed suit, is hilarious and splendidly visualized. The acting of Paul Rudd (who'll always stick in my memory as Mike of the brilliant sitcom "Friends") was acceptable. Although he doesn't look like real superhero material with his puppy appearance, he succeeded in showing an ideal mix of amazement and determination. Even Michael Douglas' performance was plausible.
"Ant-Man" is an action-packed, light-hearted superhero movie. Especially the end is breathtaking and filled with scenes that'll last a lifetime. Also the various references to other Marvel heroes was original, culminating in a confrontation between Ant-Man and one of the Avengers. Who thinks the hilarious talking tree from "Guardians of the Galaxy" would be unbeatable, will have to revise his opinion after witnessing this tiny little figure that travels on the back of an ant.
The one word I can use to describe Ant-Man is : fun. It is so much fun. Don't try and take the movie too seriously - it does not take itself seriously. Some of the jokes are very childish but they still made me chuckle. The actors are good, the characters are good, the effects are good. None of it is amazing or game-changing - but that doesn't mean it's not good. Go see it, and have a good time !
Loved this movie! Fun fun fun - one of the best superhero-movies I’ve watched. No scenes are so confusing that you don’t know what’s going on, like some other Marvel- (and all of the Transformers-) movies... :) And I love the Thomas the BIG engine! :)
Michael Peña was the only actor actually trying in this movie, and in a better world the studio would have switched his and the lethargic, unfunny Paul Rudd's roles.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 22
acid_intimacy
I went in to this film worried. Edgar Wright is a personal favourite of mine, and to suggest I wasn't concerned that his departure from this project after 11 years would result in a subpar film would be blatantly untrue. Thankfully, I walked out pleasantly surprised.It may not officially be an Edgar Wright film, but it still maintains his signature style, with many scenes feeling like they could have happily been at home in an episode of "Spaced". The content was kept light, which suited the unusual subject matter, and the tone never went too far into the realm of dark and gritty.
Issues with pacing, and clunky "LOOK AT ME, I'M A MARVEL FILM," dialogue aside, this movie was popcorn escapism at its finest.
Jordan95
While there's still a part of me that wishes to have watched Edgar Wright's vision, Ant-Man still surpassed my low expectations and proved to be an improvement on Age of Ultron on several aspects. While Ultron had an excessively large scale, this film actually takes the opposite approach: the stakes are high, but not "world destruction" high. Another improvement is the use of humor. I'll admit that although many jokes in Ultron made me laugh, Whedon misplaced their use in several ocassions, causing an unfocused tone, frequently switching between serious and dumb at the drop of a hat. Here, despite a few serious scenes, the tone is consistently pretty light.The CGI is impressive throughout, with the first shrinking sequence a particular highlight. Several sequences reminded me of Wright's style, such as the "tip montages", although surprinsingly enough, despite containing his humour and similar editing style, weren't part of his script. Paul Rudd is effective in a role that doesn't ask too much of him, Evangeline Lilly was surprisingly tolerable considering her mediocre role as Tauriel, and Michael Douglas proves that he makes a scene instantly more interesting by his mere presence.
Siskoid
Ant-Man was a fun night at the movies, though one really can't help but wonder what might have been had Edgar Wright stayed on as director. You can plainly hear his script, but the pacing's off (Michael Douglas is probably the biggest victim, as I thought his sarcastic wit generally fell flat). And there are flights of directorial fancy, like the way Luis tells stories, but not enough of them. Nevertheless, I thought Ant-Man did a good job of creating a fairly large supporting cast, which is perhaps why some thought it akin to a TV pilot in some respects (though some, the villain in particular, kind of got short shrift), and loved how they gave the cinematic Marvel Universe more depth and history with a Cold War-era Ant-Man and Wasp operating before the Avengers ever got together, though I could certainly have done without an Avenger cameo (though it works and ties into the next film). As for the shrinking effects, they were pretty awesome. The shrunken world was interesting to look at, and the shrinkers' tricks were clever. That's why I love shrinking heroes in the first place, so I wasn't disappointed. Could have had more punch, but definitely one I won't mind revisiting.Chikamaharry
I had a good time at the movies. Probably Marvels funniest movie. All the gags worked great on me. Just very nice to take things down a notch after Age of Ultron. Also very interesting to see bits and pieces of Edgar Wrights style in and around the movie, most prominent is probably the way Louis told his stories. Nice tie-ins to other Marvel properties, especially Spider-Man. To be honest the entire last act was pretty great, even though the set up wasn't all that good. That's probably my main gripe with this movie. As per usual, Marvel is not good with villains. The pacing feels a little bit off, and Michael Douglas' character isn't all that great. But still, the movie fulfilled my expectations and then some. This is a very decent movie, and keeping in mind that the director and the writers left the project 8 weeks before shooting, that's kind of a miracle in it's own.skinny_much
Above some other Marvel films. If this came out during the first batch of films, I would've received it much more warmly. One of the few non-mediocre-to-the-core or worse, comic/super hero films in the past decade.CSSCHNEIDER
Rivals the original Iron Man as my favorite Marvel film. It's really tight, paced incredibly well and only a few silly bits of exposition. I'm shocked at how much I enjoyed this. I found it really entertaining, inventive and just fun. It won me over very quickly and built on that emotion by staying snappy and loose. I'm a huge fan.DisneyStitch
Everybody was worried when this one was first announced. A full blown Marvel movie based on a character that few non-comic fans know was certainly a risky move but ultimately I think it's pretty good. It knows that it isn't on the same scale of the Avengers movies or any of the movies leading up to Avengers for that matter and that works to the movies credit. It focuses very much on a homegrown kind of unlikely hero who exists on a "street level" as it were and makes for some good cinema. Paul Rudd works as the titular hero with Douglas and Lilly rounding out a convincing cast. It's Marvel Cinematic Universe's first sub-hero movie and they made it work.danisanna
Fun to watch!ikkegoemikke
"My days of breaking into places and stealing shit are done. What do you want me to do?I want you to break into a place and steal some shit."
Is it a plane? Is it a bird? Is it Superman? No, it's just an ordinary guy named Scott Lang (Rudd Paul) who stole from some millionaires in a digital, Robin Hood-like way in the past and who can transform into a superhero the size of an ant by using a high-tech suit. This suit was designed by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and reduces the distance between atoms. Thus, it's not a spider bite or the exposure to certain radiations that created Ant-man. Is it so super hero-like, say, like Spiderman? Yes and no. I don't think there's need for a sequel. The overall content is a bit too ... euh ... I could say a bit to "little" for that. But the tongue in cheek humor then again was enjoyable. Pretty much a sort of "Guardians of the Galaxy" humor. This was already evident from the beginning with this hilarious excerpt:
"Hey, how's your girl man?
Oh, she left me.
Oh.
Yeah, my mom died too.
And my dad got deported.
But I got the van! "
Marvel keeps coming up with new action heroes. That's no surprise since they have quite a collection after all these years. Besides the well-known superheroes like "Spiderman", "X-Men", "Hulk", "Daredevil", "Blade", "The Avengers" and "Iron Man", they recently introduced several new ones such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Fantastic Four". And next year, they'll add some more : "Deadpool"(I'm waiting impatiently for this one), "Gambit" and "Black Panther". And now they introduce Ant-Man at the last moment. Although I'm about to succumb to a Marvel-saturation, I'm always keen to see a new super hero at work. The advantage of Ant-Man is that you don't need to be a real Marvel freak to follow the story. And despite being one of the least-known Marvel characters (plus the critics were quite harsh), the film itself managed to be successful.
Ant-Man's objective isn't as grandiose as in most Marvel films. In other words there's no need to protect earth against total annihilation or subjugation. Hank Pym uses a devious way to put Scott Lang in a dilemma so that Scott is forced to help him with the recovery of his invention. And this because of the fact that it could be used for less peaceful purposes. Not very original as you might think at first sight and yet they knew how to make it an entertaining and action-packed adaptation of a action hero comic book. Especially with the emphasis on the comical aspect. A Marvel movie you shouldn't take too seriously. Actually, it's a kind of "Honey, I shrunk the kids", the adult version.
Unfortunately, the storyline is pretty clichéd. Another poor devil who gets no chance in society due to a mistake and is destined to return to his criminal activities. There's also a rising employee who filches the life's work of his employer. And then of course there's the inevitable confrontation between the end products of the two rivals. But "Ant-Man" is still an excellent film. Especially by the use of the interwoven humor (Michael Pena ensures some hilarious moments) and the superb special effects. The learning process Scott goes through to familiarize himself with the designed suit, is hilarious and splendidly visualized. The acting of Paul Rudd (who'll always stick in my memory as Mike of the brilliant sitcom "Friends") was acceptable. Although he doesn't look like real superhero material with his puppy appearance, he succeeded in showing an ideal mix of amazement and determination. Even Michael Douglas' performance was plausible.
"Ant-Man" is an action-packed, light-hearted superhero movie. Especially the end is breathtaking and filled with scenes that'll last a lifetime. Also the various references to other Marvel heroes was original, culminating in a confrontation between Ant-Man and one of the Avengers. Who thinks the hilarious talking tree from "Guardians of the Galaxy" would be unbeatable, will have to revise his opinion after witnessing this tiny little figure that travels on the back of an ant.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
mariannepaqn
The one word I can use to describe Ant-Man is : fun. It is so much fun. Don't try and take the movie too seriously - it does not take itself seriously. Some of the jokes are very childish but they still made me chuckle. The actors are good, the characters are good, the effects are good. None of it is amazing or game-changing - but that doesn't mean it's not good. Go see it, and have a good time !Saar17
This film is amazing! It is one of Marvel's best.PolarCow
Loved this movie! Fun fun fun - one of the best superhero-movies I’ve watched. No scenes are so confusing that you don’t know what’s going on, like some other Marvel- (and all of the Transformers-) movies... :) And I love the Thomas the BIG engine! :)skinny_much
Just can't get into any more of these comic book superhero films especially by DC (not Nolan's Batman of course) and Marvel. All the same.Oneironaut
One of their best yet, loved the characters.kaffy
Michael Peña was the only actor actually trying in this movie, and in a better world the studio would have switched his and the lethargic, unfunny Paul Rudd's roles.Showing items 1 – 15 of 22