Ant Man

Story: Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) plan and pull off a heist that will save the world from total annihilation.

One of the oldest movies that was in Marvel's back log finally came to theatres, Ant man. This movie, believe it or not, had been in the works since 2006, and that is way before the Cinematic Universe was born with Robert Downey Jr and Iron Man. In the beginning acclaimed British director Edgar Wright was attached to direct with Steven Price set to compose the score for the film and Attack the Block's Joe Cornish as the one who worked out the story and script.

Then it all came to a head as Edgar wanted Ant man to stand on its own, be its own movie, like Iron Man, and not be so connected to the other films. But, if you look at it from Marvel's point of view, that is and was no longer and option. So the three (Edgar, Steve, Joe) parted ways from the project and comic director Peyton Reed replaced Edgar in the director's chair as Christophe Beck replaced Price in scoring the film. But the studio did give Edgar and Joe both writing and story credits, which goes to show how keen the studio was to make sure the movie was good. And yes, the film was not only good, but superb.

Most of the casting that Edgar did stayed as the two best things about the movie came from Edgar. The casting of Paul Rudd as our down on his luck hero Scott was sheer brilliance. In the wake of Joe and Edgar's departure Paul teamed up with his Anchorman director Adam McKay to help lighten the script up and add a good dose of humour to the mix. Again, even more success as both he and Adam gave the film some of the best funny moments ever, especially in the third act. Not only that but Paul gave an immensely well rounded performance as he really dug into the role of Scott and everything he's going through.

Michael Douglas was also a terrific addition as his role as mentor to both Scott and Cross (played so devilishly by character actor Corey Stall) and father to Evangeline Lilly's Hope, he grounded the film and gave some good sharp jabs at Scott. Ant man gave Michael the chance to shine in his first ever superhero movie, and guess what, the movie does not even drift into bad territory.

Its funny, one would think that by now after the trillion of superhero movies that have come out (Age of Ultron, Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, Amazing Spiderman 2) one would think by now the fatigue would have set in. Ant Man on the other hand does a surprising think, its less of a superhero movie and more of a fun, heist flick. There are the usual connections to avengers and the Starks but for the most part the film's focus is on Scott trying to change his life around. He does not want to steal anymore but he is eventually caught up in Hank's battle against his old protege, Darren Cross (Corey Stall). So, Scott becomes Hank's new protege, against his daughter's wishes, and trains himself in the suit to become by far the most interesting and excitingly new superhero, now one of my favourites and who I see quiet possibly becoming a really superb member of The Avengers.

With the 3D effects and visuals things could not be praised higher as the shrinking segments are beyond amazing. The first time he tries on the suit was a wonderful intro to the world of this character (brought back memories of Honey, I Shrunk the kids). It made me think how far effects have come that seeing a reboot of that movie would be amazing. The sequences when he shrinks and the battles are full to the brim of creative brilliance and really should first be viewed in 3D. Ant man is the movie that I can say, see it in 3D. While the moments out of the suit are not 3D worthy, the fight sequences and the shrinking segments put the 3D to great use. I was so over-joyed to see Scott exploring ant tunnels and interacting with different types of ants, in its own way Ant man actually started getting me fascinated with ants (never was fascinated before) One key visual effect, and it is a big one, was bringing Michael Douglas into a youthful appearance.

Prologue segments that visually de-age actors have been done many times before, and to bad effect (Xavier in X3, Jeff Bridges in Tron: Legacy). Marvel however has a supreme track record with its visuals (Hulk in the Avengers and an aged Carter in Winter Solider). The visual effect that they created to make a young Michael Douglas is so real you'll be shocked. I was very surprised at how real the effect looked, it was spot on. The problem that always comes with the youth visual is that the actor's can come off looking very plastic looking or just plain creepy.

Ant Man is another success for Marvel as it gives us, the audience, a brand new and interesting superhero to cheer for. Paul Rudd leads a well rounded cast with an origin story that makes sense and easily moves these new characters into the marvel universe (with one very thrilling cameo). An excellent and exhilarating science fiction heist flick that has way more to offer than your average superhero movie. I love Ant Man, the key in this film was Paul Rudd and his spot on humour, the same that can be said about the success of Jurassic World. Chris Pratt was also spot on with his humorous jabs and overall cool reserve.

Go see Ant man, you won't be disappointed. And then catch Jurassic World, these two films need to be watched together, they're both excellent summer movies.

Rated: A-

Terminator 5 Review

When growing up, the Terminator films always interested me, the dystopian future, strong female starlet and action icon of the age Arnold Schwarzenegger. Two sequels came in 2003, Rise of the Machines and 2009, Salvation with Christian Bale. Both movies took the series in a newer and interesting directions, with number four even replacing Arnold with new comer Sam Worthington. Eventually though the franchise needed a proper conclusion to the James Cameron originals, and I feel with Genisys they have finally done so. 

Truth, the James Cameron originals I had only seen on either television or VHS, it wasn’t until 2003 where I saw Terminator: Rise of the Machines with my family on a summer vacation. Since than I have seen every terminator film in theatres, Genisys being the latest one. 

In this fifth instalment Paramount Pictures tries to do a soft reboot to the franchise to try and bring the fans of old back. They do this by reworking the original timeline of the series. Of course to some this sadly distanced them as some of the timeline framework became confusing or unnecessary. There really have been some outspoken individuals who feel the franchise should stay buried, which is sad cause the mythology and characters with-in this series is still rich with story material. I also find the idea of reworking the timelines to be an interesting topic of discussion about how one goes about changing one’s future. 

In short, the new film seeks to write the errors of the past a la Days of Future Past and begin a new franchise. I, like James Cameron, do agree that this new film acts as a great third chapter to his first two films, due to the film's strong ties to the original films as this instalment starts out in 1984, rewriting the events of the original terminator and essentially changing the franchise's timeline. The film starts out with Kyle Reese (played with grace and swagger by Jai Courtney) narrating about how Judgement day came about. We then see how he and John came to meeting. Whats so great about the opening of the film is how true in spirit it sticks with the original films. 

Starting with the opening battle scene where John Connor and crew head and operation to stop Skynet from using a backup plan to send the T-800 back in time to kill Sarah Connor. The battle is everything a fan can hope for with machines firing off lasers, unlike in Salvation where bullets were used more instead over lasers). Once the explosive battle is over the time comes to send Kyle Reese back in time to protect Sarah from the terminator. Everything seems to go smoothly until John is attacked by a machine, not killed but something else. Kyle is unable to help but something happens to him too as old memories change. 

Once in 1984 we get treated to a great throwback to the first film as a young Arnold faces off with the newly aged model terminator (Arnold of the present). The aging process was another interesting touch as it then gave Arnold the chance to just appear in the movie and not have to go butt naked. Of course, for you ladies out there, we do still see the young

Arnold showing some thighs and big muscles. Jai also shows up in the nude later on. The fight between Arnold old and new is such a fun delight and one of the highlights of the new instalment. Eventually though the '84 T-800 is taken out by a sniper. We learn of course that the sniper is Sarah Connor. 

Terminator 5 is the first film in the franchise to squeeze in as many killer bots as possible. Kyle Reese eventually faces off with the '84 T-800 model, how you ask. Well that all happens after Kyle meets the T-1000, who we learn can actually reboot downed terminators. Both are eventually put down, the T-1000 in a shower of acid. All that action from the future war sequence to the 1984 chases are just the part 1 of the film as John learns Sarah plans to jump ahead into the future and stop judgement day from happening as in 1997 the date for told in the second terminator film is when the bombs will fall. But Kyle tells her that might not be true anymore than how he found her working with a terminator and not scared. 

Oh, another cool thing about this instalment is Sarah's backstory. It is covered in some mystery but for the main part a protector is sent to serve as Sarah Connor's guardian and trainer as the machines sent a terminator back in time to kill her parents. She eventually tells Kyle this after she agrees to change her plans. 

Those being instead of heading to '97 they go farther into the future and land in 2017 where a new app called Genisys is being planned to launch in a few days. They eventually reunite with the aging terminator and a detective, played by the wonderful J.K Simmons. Now I know, he was significantly under used here but what's so great about it is if a future movie comes along he could come back in a bigger part. What was cool about Simmons role is he is another effect of the timeline change as Kyle and Sarah saved his life back in '84. Turns out he was the other officer on that night when Kyle was running away from the T-1000 in the clothing store. 

The film's third act is reminiscent of T2 as it combines both the Cyberdine office building sequence with the factory sequence at the end and packs quiet the punch. Also they end up having to deal with a new terminator, one who turns out to be someone very close to them (Kyle and Sarah) This new machine, a mix between all 3 past terminators is a tough guy as he beats Arnold's old t-800 into the ground. The battles between these two terminators is just as awesome as all the other battle sequences and this 5th time out there is more of an emotional under-tone as Sarah cares deeply for Arnold's old t-800, even going so far as nicknaming him Pops. 

With some great twists and surprises (sadly the big one was spoiled in the marketing but I will not spoil it either way) Terminator Genisys ends on a very satisfactory note. When you watch it for the first time it may seem like it overstays its welcome but believe me upon second viewing you don't want to leave your seat.Terminator: Rise of the Machines is still my all time favourite terminator movie but Terminator: Genisys brings the franchise back from the dead with a great return by Arnold, a strong likeable cast, great visuals and an action packed story. 

One last thing that I surely enjoyed about this instalment and why I would consider it way better than Salvation is that it acts as both a closing chapter to the entire franchise or as the beginning of a new trilogy. There is a scene in the film that shows that Skynet is still kicking. Sadly I don't see them making any more soon. Here's hoping. 

Rating: B+