I have previously voiced my concerns with Ant-Man. However, my feelings have changed, for the better, based on early reaction to the film as well as the latest trailer!
Ant-Man is a pivotal film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for a couple of reasons. It’s the final film in the MCU’s Phase II, leading into the Civil and Infinity War movies which come out over the next few years. I also think it’s important because Marvel’s latest film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, was not without its warts.
Naturally, we should have expected the MCU “freight train of critical acclaim” to slow down at some point. But I don’t expect two subpar releases, by Marvel’s lofty standards, to hit the screens in the same calendar year.
Despite the script rewrites and the titular character’s diminutive size and overall popularity, I am a much more optimistic than I was earlier in the year. I’m also excited to hear that the film does not take itself too seriously, but rather, embraces it’s self-deprecating humor.
This has been apparent from the start, from the casting of comedic actor Paul Rudd in the titular role as well as the apparent sarcasm laced throughout the movie’s trailers. I’m also looking forward to the “said-to-be” scene-stealing Michael Pena, one of Scott Lang‘s criminal cronies.
It’s obvious that this film will have its share of laughs. And that’s a good thing, despite what some rivals say about jokes in superhero movies.
Hey, if Ant-Man doesn’t’ live up to my now heightened expectations, then I can at least look forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens this Christmas!
Michael Pena and the cinematic tool of using his voice for his stories was genius. The movie is definitely not going to win any awards for best story or even best action but the comedy from Michael Pena will make the movie worth watching again.
@Cameron I totally agree. At times Pena’s antics appeared close to being over-the-top, but it was just right. His humor and timing were impeccable. In fact, Scott Lang’s entire crew was fun to watch. I really liked Michael Douglas in the film as well. Overall, I rate the film a B+/A-. I actually enjoyed it more than Avengers: Age of Ultron.