Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) Review

Title: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Year: 2018

Director: Peyton Reed

Country: US

Language: English

Aside from Deadpool, Ant-Man might be the most self-aware superhero of the 20+ picture franchise that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even though this Universe has literal Gods in Thor & Loki and Mad Titans like Thanos, Paul Rudd's title character comes from the world of down-to-earth buddy comedies. He is aware of how strange everything is and often quips about how outlandish his situation has become. 

As Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lily) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.

Compared to the other heroes of the MCU, Ant-Man has more "typical" problems. He is an ex-con trying to reform and be a good father. With just a few days left of his two-year house arrest sentence, he is recruited to help Hank find his wife in the quantum realm. Unfortunately the Government, sleazy businessmen and a tortured soul called Ghost also wants access to the quantum realm, so it's a bit of a scuffle trying to carry out their original wife-saving mission. 

The sequel gives less importance in using the size-change gimmick to create memorable jokes or action set pieces. Whereas the first Ant-Man has fights take place inside briefcases or on a miniature train set, this has mainly an uninspired large car chase. Granted, it is fun to see the giant Hello Kitty Pez dispenser being thrown at the baddies.  Ultimately Director Peyton Reed choose to focus on relationship/character aspects rather than the gimmick which will either please or displease audiences depending on why they came to see Ant-Man and the Wasp. 

Compared to Avengers: Infinity War this picture is a light side romp that succeeds in humour and pleasantness, but fails in (perhaps pun-intended) size and scope. It's a worthwhile viewing even if all Ant-Man and the Wasp was meant to be is light entertainment.