Movie Review: “Ant-Man” (4 Out of 5 Stars)

by Holly Woodland

Based on the Marvel Comics of the same name, director Peyton Reed has delivered a funny, charming and unique superhero film. The storyline seems to be the standard of the Marvel Comic blockbuster film genre: the big nasty corporation guy is out to steal something for his own selfish gain and destroy the universe when a superhero stops him. However, what makes “ANT-MAN” especially entertaining is the casting of the film.

Paul Rudd plays ex-con Scott Lang who, once released from prison, tries to earn a living to gain visitation of his daughter. An old friend takes him in as Lang (Rudd) is fired from a Baskin Robbins once his record is discovered. Meanwhile, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) has secretly been studying Lang (Rudd) and entices him to dawn his ANT-MAN invention (a costume that makes one shrink in size but increase in strength) to combat the evil corporation and save the universe (it’s always about saving the universe right?)

Paul Rudd as ANT-MAN is charming, witty and believable while Douglas delivers a good performance as the aging inventor. However, Michael Pena (Luis) as Lang’s best friend who takes him in steals the show. Pena is hysterical in a subtle yet skilled comic performance, never going “over the top” as so many sidekick characters do in films. T.I. as friend Dave and David Dastmalchian (Kurt) round out the hilarity as the three (Pena, T.I. and Dastmalchian) try to assist Lang (Rudd) in his superhero role.

With excellent animation and special effects “ANT-MAN” does deliver an entertaining film, however audiences will demand any sequel to include Pena. Director Peyton Reed deserves much credit for creating a film with blockbuster appeal while including clever and outstanding performances.