Review #8 | "Ant-Man" (2015)

With so many Marvel franchises eternally branded into the brains of, well, everyone, it is hard to remember that within each Marvel Cinematic Phase, there are some new releases. Keep in mind, this is the first installment in the "Ant-Man" series from Marvel Comics.

After the first 45 minutes of backstory and exposition, "Ant-Man" finally starts to feel like the Marvel we know and love. However, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) doesn't feel like the superheroes which precede him. Perhaps this is because Scott doesn't have an epic backstory, save a Robin Hood-esque crime which landed him in federal prison. Scott is broke, can't find a decent job, and can't even see the daughter he adores. A hero the size of an ant doesn't seem like he could live up to expectations the likes of Thor and Captain America, but things aren't quite what they seem when you're one of the world's smallest insects. Seeing what the Ant-Man can do in combat to our beloved Sam/Falcon (from Captain America: The Winter Soldier) poses an interesting dynamic in the potential of the world's smallest hero and the Avengers.

Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and Evangeline Lilly make a trio of fun mischief, never letting the stakes drop for a beat and maintaining the integrity of their characters. These actors know their characters have room to evolve and grow as they encounter the woes and characters of the Marvel universe. The characters arcs will be fascinating to watch. Bobby Cannavale was a sweet treat added into the cast as his performances are always sincere and lovely to watch.

On a completely different note, hopefully Marvel can come up with a better costume design for Evangeline Lilly (Hope Van Dyne). The woman who is going to be the next female superpower in the universe deserves more than a black bob wig. With that said, let's keep counting how many times Natasha Romanov can restyle her hair!

As always, audiences will leave theatres enthralled and excited to see where Marvel will take us next!

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"Ant-Man" is rated PG-13 and runs 117 minutes. Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglass, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, and Bobby Cannavale. Directed by Peyton Reed. Written by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd. Based on the comic books by Stan Lee, Larry Leiber, and Jack Kirby.