Paul Rudd has always been that anomaly in the Marvel catalogue in that it is easier to see him as a comic presence rather than a heroic one and that continues this time around. That circumstance makes for the film’s most charming moments. Once things drop into the world of zeros and ones, it’s just a matter of business as usual.

The Ant-Man films have lived mostly outside the Avengers’ based chapters and Quantumania feels amongst the most separate. There are a few mentions, including a funny scene with M.O.D.O.K. (Corey Stoll) but it’s not until the final of the two crazy credits that things get pulled into the larger world of the MCU.

Much thought has gone into creating arresting visuals and inhabitants of the Quantum Realm and in that regard, it’s an impressive display. The storyline and the character arcs of its main players unfortunately form some of its least impressive attributes. It is still enjoyable but seems a minor pleasure compared to other outings in the world created by the late and great Stan Lee.
Rob Hudson
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Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.

Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a. and Stephen Broussard, p.g.a., “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. The sci-fi adventure opens in Australian cinemas on February 16, 2023.
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Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.

Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a. and Stephen Broussard, p.g.a., “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang. The sci-fi adventure opens in Australian cinemas on February 16, 2023.
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In the film, which officially kicks off phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

Jonathan Majors joins the adventure as Kang. Director Peyton Reed returns to direct the film; Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard produce.
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After the intensity and dark nature of Avengers: Infinity War, it’s a relief to have a MCU film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and places a high value on humour and ease of consumption. It’s not completely divorced from company direction though and the coda at the end of the film puts things in perspective (so stay till the very end.).

Paul Rudd is back as Scott Lang (AKA Ant-Man) and he still plays the role mostly for laughs but does rises to the occasion in the hero stakes when needed. Through a plot device better seen in the film than described here, he and Hope Van Dyne AKA the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) are sharing a time out. Their reconnection is large part of the film’s charm.

It’s a big universe out there and there is plenty of room for an addition to the franchise that has light heartedness at its core. Ant-Man and the Wasp is unchallenging and all the more fun because of that. It’s also an enjoyable addition to the recent heavy going.

Rob Hudson
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Well, kind of. The story presents itself as an interesting aside in the wider Marvel universe but it is just that – an aside. There’s certainly an interesting story here, and perhaps future instalments may add something more substantial, but as it is presented here the most intriguing moments are when it references Marvel’s mega franchise, The Avengers. And, indeed, intentions are made very clear that Ant Man will join the Avengers team in the near future. This raises the question as to whether the story may have been better suited to a subplot in the next Avengers movie as there seems barely enough story here to fill a feature of its own.

It’s well known that Edgar Wright was originally slated to direct Ant-Man and Wright has maintained a screenwriter credit. His fingerprints remain on the project but the comic dialogue that remains falls mostly flat. The dialogue doesn’t feel as sharp as it wants to be and maybe the issue is with replacement director, Peyton Reed, who is known for his moderately successful but lightweight comedies. In any case, Internet debates will no doubt rage over what could have been.

Paul Rudd is a likeable character but his presence here is sleight. As is his romantic interest in Evangeline Lilly. The chemistry between the pair could also be described as ‘sleight’. Michael Douglas, however, provides some old school screen presence that is most welcome and reminds us of how little we see him these days.

Stuart Jamieson
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