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-
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