It’s a credit to those behind “Ant-Man” that a film about a guy that can shrink and control ants ends up being something you can take seriously. In fact, the entire film is basically made up of things that make no sense on paper, but work in execution.
That may seem like par for the course for Marvel, but “Ant-Man” works because the cast and crew are willing to give their all while juggling a ridiculous premise and the mandate to expand this beloved film universe to its craziest extremes.
A lot of this has to do with its leading man, Paul Rudd. The actor seems like the last guy who could headline a superhero film, but his unexpectedness makes him a perfect fit.
Similar to how his character wants to succeed outside of the criminal world, Rudd’s desire to succeed as a straight action star shows in his commitment to the role.
He’s lean and muscular, but also a nice guy that can crack a joke while shrinking down to the size of a penny. Except for a few awkward moments, Rudd makes the transition to the role seamlessly.
Chalk it up as another unexpected casting win for Marvel; hopefully Rudd will get his own “Jurassic World” soon.
After the full-scale destruction of “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” it’s nice to see a superhero film with a decidedly shrunken ambition.
This film doesn’t want to be the next chapter in the Marvel universe; rather, it just wants to be a really entertaining side story with a quirky plot. The usual mad rush of explosions and quips by men in tights is replaced by an intriguing heist film and a look into corporate politics.
In between the stealing are effective scenes which explore the relationship between Rudd and his insects that are portrayed as cuddly pets. For the sake of every ant out there, this may end up being the film’s greatest accomplishment, and good PR for these pesky insects to boot.
I never thought I’d see the day where Michael Douglas and T.I. co-starred in a movie, but both men are an absolute blast in supporting roles. Endearing performances by Michael Pena and Evangeline Lilly also give the film a breezy vibe.
Douglas in particular seems to be having the time of his life playing his first summer blockbuster role in years, and his presence gives “Ant-Man” the gravitas that such a ludicrous presence requires.
Sometimes the filmmaker’s efforts are undercut by scenes or jokes that lack the pop that’s needed here. Blame it on a somewhat cumbersome script and director change--Peyton Reed is able to direct like original choice Edgar Wright and brings a levity that allows the film to laugh at itself, but there are moments where imitation can’t match inspiration.
At worst, that’s a miniscule nitpick. The film won’t go down as the best Marvel picture, but come in with an open mind and it’ll win you over ant by ant.
Like the creatures we see on the ground everyday, it will go down as something fascinating and harmless, just doing its own thing.
Reach the reporter at jagger.czajka@asu.edu or follow @JaggerCzajka on Twitter.
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