8 years ago 8 years ago

Nerdlocker Movie Review: Ant-Man

by Chase Gifford 8 years ago8 years ago

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I think fearless is an appropriate description to describe MARVEL Studios. When most studios are asking why, MARVEL asks why not? DC takes years to get Wonder Woman into the mix hoping they don’t startle the misogynist fanboys who think women should “stay in the kitchen”. Meanwhile MARVEL has a raccoon character, a tree character, female characters left and right and the only question really in front of them at this point is what’s next? Could they have more substantial female roles? Sure but I think they’re on the right track. Anyway I think I’m getting off topic here. My long gestating point that I seem reluctant to ever get to is this; MARVEL is unstoppable and its fearlessness is paying off big time.

With Ant-Man that intrepid attitude continues and expands the MARVEL (Movie) Universe into new and exciting directions. One of those directions involves the newly added hero of small stature played by the always charming, Paul Rudd. I’ve been a fan of Rudd for a long time now but even I can admit most of his characters aren’t exactly polar opposites of one another. So I was a bit apprehensive (but willing) to see him enter this kind of filmdom. With such charismatic actors as Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Pratt I wondered if Rudd could keep up. Having seen Ant-Man I can say that all worry over Rudd can be put to rest. He is physically ready and leading man quality ten fold. And of course when it comes to the comedy he was born for it. That last part I suspect was the deciding factor in choosing Paul Rudd for this role because however much adventure and action Ant-Man is, it’s equal parts comedy gold.

Believe me when I say Rudd is exceedingly funny but he is outshined in the laughter department by the one and only, Michael Pena. He delivers line after line creating gut-busting moments of hilarity that truly raise this to another level. I think that is one of the best things I can attribute to Ant-Man and that’s the characters and the actors that brought them to life. There is no weak link among them. From Rudd to Pena and Evangeline Lilly to Michael Douglas they are all at the top of their respective games. Now that’s not to say there aren’t certain characters that are anything more than plot devices but this small issue is exactly that, small (pun?).

Of course all the comedy in the world doesn’t make a MARVEL movie a MARVEL movie; it’s the action sequences and finally seeing our favorite heroes kicking ass and taking names. Not only is Ant-Man action packed but the sequences are highly unique and highly imaginative. And although Edgar Wright ended up leaving the project early on his presence is felt throughout the movie. From the action scenes to simple scenes of two people conversing it emanates Wright (which is a good thing).

If you’ve had faith in MARVEL up to this point there is no reason to start doubting them now. They have this amazing ability of not only bringing the most bizarre characters to life they find a way of making them relatable and likeable. A raccoon is relatable? Only in a MARVEL movie. A man that shrinks to near invisibility is somehow stronger when he’s small? Only in a MARVEL movie. Much like Guardians of the Galaxy, give Ant-Man a chance and you won’t be sorry. It’s charming, hilarious, action packed and always entertaining. It’s everything we’ve come to expect from this studio and then some. Ant-Man is spectacular!

Rated PG-13 For: sci-fi action violence
Run Time: 117 minutes
After Credits Scene: It’s MARVEL.
Genre: Sci-fi, Action/Adventure, Comedy
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll
Directed By: Peyton Reed

Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 4/ Acting: 4/ Directing: 4/ Visuals: 5
OVERALL: 4 Nerdskulls

Check out the trailer below: